Twin Cities - livable on a teacher's salary?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by skippyandpete

Thanks to all for the info! I'm looking only at private schools because I don't have a teaching license. And I'm currently in the DC area, which is another world in terms of salaries and housing costs. What I'm hearing, though, is that it's possible to own a simple home and put some money into savings while making $60-$80k as a married couple. We don't have kids right now. Thanks for the help!

It is going to be very difficult for you to get a teaching job at any school here without a teaching license. Part of the accreditation process is the number of licensed teachers and most private schools won't hire unlicensed teachers. Now, some districts have a procedure in place to hire people that are in the "business world" to teach but they have to get a licence within a couple years. Usually you only find these in more rural areas and usually in subjects like higher sciences and math. With the number of layoffs in the past couple years, the competition for jobs is pretty high and you will be at a major disadvantage given your experience level and that you don't have a license.

[Big George]

Originally Posted by skippyandpete

Thanks to all for the info! I'm looking only at private schools because I don't have a teaching license. And I'm currently in the DC area, which is another world in terms of salaries and housing costs. What I'm hearing, though, is that it's possible to own a simple home and put some money into savings while making $60-$80k as a married couple. We don't have kids right now. Thanks for the help!

Let's separate this from the discussion of whether or not you can get a teaching job in Mpls, and just talk economics...

As a couple with no kids, if you're earning $60k-$80k, you CAN own a modest home ($150k range) and be okay. Just keep in mind that, in Mpls/St Paul, $150k isn't buying you a mansion.

Also you are going to HAVE to keep your other expenses down. You'll not be able to drive 2 new vehicles, nor will you be going out for $75 per plate dinners.

Live conservatively.

[Glenfield]

You're both teachers, so you have a better idea of your job prospects than folks here do, which is likely why you didn't ask us. As to whether it will be possible for you do do what you'd like on the amount of money you'll have, as Big George says, yes, but you'll have to watch your budget very carefully and live conservatively. My guess is that won't be a problem for you. I wish you great success.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

You're both teachers, so you have a better idea of your job prospects than folks here do, which is likely why you didn't ask us. As to whether it will be possible for you do do what you'd like on the amount of money you'll have, as Big George says, yes, but you'll have to watch your budget very carefully and live conservatively. My guess is that won't be a problem for you. I wish you great success.

Licensing requirements in every state are different. MN is one of the few states were most private school teachers are licensed. There is a good chance they do not know this.

[skippyandpete]

Thanks! I didn't realize that many private school teachers were licensed, although I've found some good prospects that don't require it. I really appreciate all the help!

[hlvar86]

Hi, just curious what places you found in MLPS that doesn't required you to have a MN teacher license? I just moved here from Florida! Thank you!!

[Beenhere4ever]

It really isn't expensive to live in the Twin Cities. Depends on how materialistic you are. Most other places this large would cost more.