Do Massachusetts teachers make enough to live comfortably?

Question

im going into senior year/lookign at schools....im thinking of being a 5th or 6th grade teacher and im just wondering if the teachers in MA make enough to live comfortably? like is it hard to afford things, do you need an extra job, how many kids can you support, if you weren't married can you support yourself well, etc. any advice on teachers in MA salary, etc. thanks!

Answer 1

Depends on the district you work in, and what you mean by "comfortably".

I work in MA.  I am married with two children; I own a three family house, which I live in, in another nearby state.  Is it hard to afford things?  What things?  A Lexus?  Yes.  My Ford Neon?  No.  Going out drinking every night?  Yes.  Going out on the weekends?  No.  Buying my kids everything that they want?  Yes.  Teaching them discipline, and getting them what they need, no.  Designer clothes?  Yes.  Designer clothes at the local outlets?  No.  

Sorry, if I am being crass, I just don't really understand your question - do you want to teach, or not?  Then do it, and deal.  I make sacrifices for my children every day.  I buy things for my classroom on a regular basis.  But ya' know what?  I LOVE MY JOB.  And, I can't imagine doing anything else, more money or not.  So, make a choice and live with it.

Oh, and be happy MA has the laws in place that we do, in some states some teachers don't even make minimum wage, (that's right, no salary, hourly wages) - never mind get excellent benefits! There are some interesting stories in the monthly NEA magazine!  Makes me grateful!