Teaching Life (Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue: real estate, apartment, renting)

[chance-lor]

I am a teacher looking to relocate to the Seattle area. I am curious to read some perspectives of teachers or people familiar with what teaching is like in the area.
Some branching off questions:

Are there certain areas or districts that treat teachers better?
Is there high turnover?
Is it easy or difficult to get a job in Seattle area?
Is it possible to live off a teacher's salary?
What is the overall climate like for teachers? Expectations on teacher.

Thank you for your help and input.

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by chance-lor

I am a teacher looking to relocate to the Seattle area. I am curious to read some perspectives of teachers or people familiar with what teaching is like in the area.
Some branching off questions:

Are there certain areas or districts that treat teachers better?
Is there high turnover?
Is it easy or difficult to get a job in Seattle area?
Is it possible to live off a teacher's salary?
What is the overall climate like for teachers? Expectations on teacher.

Thank you for your help and input.

It's hard to know right now. Ask again in six months.

[CityWok]

This is anecdotal and I'm hardly an expert in this, but from the stories I've heard from teachers, Eastside Seattle has generally worked out better, since things appear to be managed pretty well there. Also flexibility with affordability has more options, though that may change over the coming months given what's going on politically.

It really comes down to what you're looking for of course. If teaching downtown is preferred, you might find more happiness with private schools.

[Hemlock140]

My wife works at one of the many 10/10 schools on the Eastside, such as in Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Sammamish. Hers is also a brand new building that opened last year.
All of the teachers I know are married to someone making $100k plus, or are commuting from less expensive areas father east, north or south. It’s the cost of real estate here. For the same reason the schools are great, the home prices are high. A teacher could live in this area if renting a small apartment $1,600 and up) but homes now start at about $750k. Seattle prices are similar, but the teachers earn their pay, with a more difficult student base more economically and academically diverse. Those that stay are very dedicated and patient.

[SeattleCat]

Hi, I'm going on my 23rd year teaching in the area. I have gone back and forth between the Kent School District and Renton School District during my career having done two stints with both. My son graduated from HS two years ago from a Renton district HS and my daughter is a junior. For the most part I'm pretty happy with the schools both as a teacher and a parent. I came from Arizona, and am thankful everyday I moved here on a whim basically 25 years ago, as my family members working in the schools there are quite unhappy. While I certainly did struggle financially my first five years teaching (working nights at Barnes and Noble and Target) I am glad I stuck with it as I now make a good salary and own a nice, but smallish home I could never afford if I tried to move in now. Like Hemlock said I would recommend the Eastside, but also north and south have some decent districts and are more affordable. My stepdaughter teaches in Auburn and lives in the Tacoma area and loves both. So definitely shop around. Lots of jobs are available, and with a master's degree you'll do OK. Feel free to shoot me a PM with any other questions.

[StealthRabbit]

How far into teaching career are you?

If new... there are some advantages to being in a more rural area for variety of assignments and opportunities, and finding 'your spot' for future focus. The Island School district usually has good ratings and a lot of community support, quite unique opportunities too.
https://www.sjisd.wednet.edu/
About Us - Orcas Island School District.


If you want Seattle central / Urban living... I would look to the NE of Seattle, for affordable housing and decent schools / community support. (Bothell / Woodinville direction) ('better' QoL compared to metro 'hurry' and crime)

If new to teaching and in debt... (or for next reader)... 3 friends have taught at Native American schools in WA for student debt forgiveness. They each became very impassioned to the unique challenges found there. And went on to do some really interesting teaching gigs. (elsewhere, often overseas).

If you need 'more' income... What is your skillset and passion.
I worked (3) jobs my entire 40+ yr career.
Most jobs were great! (diversion from teaching or other primary job)

Teaching does allow for a lot of free time if you have your own business or skillset that allows you to take high pay contract gigs during school breaks.