New Teacher in NYC (Boston, Accord: apartments, to rent, neighborhood)

[Rally214]

Hey everyone! I've been reading these boards for awhile as I'm quickly facing the decision of where I want to move after I finish my student teaching next semester here at Providence College.

Of course, Providence and Boston are high on my list to look into, but I've been hearing more and more how (in the respects of social life and "things to do") people hit "ceilings" in those cities. So I guess I'm basically looking for THE city experience, which I've always known I wanted.

I've always loved NYC and have visited there for periods of time in the past, anywhere from just a few days to staying for a couple of weeks. I know NYC is its own world really, and that every neighborhood and section may be completely different, but I can't help but shake the feeling I want to live there at least part of my life.

So anyways, my question: Is it feasible to find a place to rent in a decent neighborhood within city limits on a new teacher's salary in NYC? I'm single and would be teaching in the public system (a challenge, yes, but i believe it to be very important), so salary obviously will not be high at all (I've been resigned to that since day one) but honestly do not mind adapting to whatever situation I must. I know I'd be looking at extremely small apartments, studios, and such, but I was wondering if anybody has anything to offer on the matter?

Thanks so much!

[mead]

You can probably manage to have a decent place in an ok neighborhood if you have roommates. I doubt you'll be able to get your own place unless its a basement apartment in the outerboroughs, or something along those lines.

What is the starting salary for a teacher anyways?

[Rally214]

Officially NYC states starting teacher salaries to be in the very low 40k range, although I would not at all be surprised if I actually ended up getting less than that. In fact, I'm prepared to brace myself for a 30-35k starting salary.

Just trying to stay realistic, I suppose. Roommates actually sound great, would be a nice way to meet people and not become a recluse. Thanks for your response!

[Dark of the Moon]

A new teacher's starting salary IS in the low $40's, however you'll lose so much in taxes and other deductions that it'll FEEL like it's in the $30's .....

I second the suggestion of having roommates, as I doubt you'll be able to find a place that you can afford on your own.

Best of luck to you! As a current NYC teacher, I can tell you that there are many, MANY challenges, but most of the kids really are OK .....

[Rally214]

Yes, definitely going to be some challenges! I'm currently teaching in Woonsocket in RI. Very urban, very diverse, but of course nowhere even near the intensity NYC will be, but the best I can do in Rhode Island to prepare me for the situation.

Thanks for the input!

[Elvira Black]

If you continue and get your master's while teaching, your salary can increase. Is probably worth it to get a master's and/or specialized certificates if you can swing it--maybe over the summers. Benefits are very good, and there is a high demand for good teachers here. If you can work your way up to an admin position over a period of time, you can do quite nicely, based on someone I know who makes a terrific living. Used to be a special ed teacher, now an admin/supervisor and I think she makes somewhere in the neighborrhood of 100K. Even as a teacher I think she was making about 80K, but has worked as a special ed teacher in the Bronx for a long time.

Starting out, you will probably work in some of the tougher schools. If that doesn't break you, and you stick it out, you can have a nice deal here--esp if you're really good at it and genuinely love it. Really good, dedicated teachers are like gold here.

[Futcha]

NYC will be a different experience. Just prepare yourself to deal with many lazy kids, students for multiple years, dropouts, and little gangsters. School gangs have been pretty active in NYC lately, from what I've heard. But it all depends on the area. If you teach in Midtown you're less likely to deal with those situations, but if you teach in Bed-Stuy, well, that's a completely different story. lol

I say go for it. Don't let it scare you. If you can teach in NYC, you can teach anywhere. It'll be a challenge. And kids will always come up with things like "you can't touch me or you'll get arrested." Yeah, um, not really. According to the Penal Law book, teachers can use physical force in CERTAIN situations. This is a must-know for NYC teachers. If you want, you can look it up if you don't want to take my word for it.

Good luck!

[Elvira Black]

I'd imagine elementary K-6 would be a lot easier....

[SeventhFloor]

you have balls if you're a teacher in a nyc high school....even more balls if your a special ed teacher. thats why the sped ed teachers make good money.

[Elvira Black]

I don't think the person I know taught high school, but did do Special Ed. Kinda like glorified babysitting...had to make sure they took their meds, etc. She works in da Bronx.