Private or Public schools?

Question

I'll be graduating in May and finally be certified as an elementary teacher.

I've had my eye on a local public school which will have 30 openings when I graduate--and I'm doing my student teaching with this school so I'm there, I've got my foot in the door.

Lately, though, I've been looking at some private schools, bording schools. I live in Pennsylvania and I came across the Milton Hershey School website and thought "Wow, what an amazing place." I then looked at other private bording schools and started to think that maybe I would make a bigger impression on students in the small classrooms offered in these private schools.

Now, in PA the starting salary for a beginning teacher with just a bachelors--which is what I'll have in May--can get $34-36,000. The Milton Hershey School will start me at $37,500 with a nice increase each year. So I know private schools pay better--at least MHS.

In your opinion, what's better?

Answer 1

I feel like public schools need more good teachers, so I would help out the public schools and teach there. However, the public school scene is more financially predictable. It all depends on your preference and the particular schools in mind.

Answer 2

I Would Choose Private School I'm Christan But I Will Never Imagine Either Going To A Private School Also Public School is Free And There Are Less Rules At Private You Have To Follow Many Rules And Sometimes You Just Have To Chill And Cut A Little Slack So I Would Go With Public

Answer 3

There is a private school not far from where I live. Prince Andrew was there for a school year and there are many other influencial people that attend there also. It was once all males but has become mixed within past 10 years. I like the private school, even though some of the students may display attitude of being better than others there also. I like mostly the idea of each student wearing the same clothing and so there not being clashes over styles of garb. In addition the fact that you would meet some very influential people by working in the private school environment and so can help with any advancement you may have in mind. Fewer teachers are also assaulted physically by there students in a private setting also. It's dam sad that something like your own personal safety would play a part in selecting where to work but in todays society it must be a part of the decision making process also. Good luck regardless which route you choose as you begin your career.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a better deal at the private school. Good luck!

Before you "sign the dotted line" though, think about these issues:

1. Never fool yourself into believing that teaching at a private school is any easier than a public one. "Helicopter parents" (stay-at-home individuals) might be a problem. They will watch your EVERY teaching move.

2. Does your school allow teachers' unions? I'm not saying to join one, but will you as an instructor have any rights if a bad situation were to happen?

3. Possible pay caps or freezes. Parents can hold a lot of voting power at private schools. Some (not all!) rich people can be very cheap. If they refuse to pay more, you could be stuck making the same salary for years!

Keep your eyes wide open and ask a lot of questions!

Answer 5

I don't think that generally private schools pay better than public schools - take a look at what I get paid in Providence, RI for example - http://www.proteun.org/joint_proposal/JointProposal.htm#a MHS pays in-line - it sounds - at the first year - but I don't know what the benefits and/or top step pay is like. With a few extras that I do I am going ot make over $90,000 for the 2006-2007 school year. I doubt you will find similar pay in a private school.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Sounds like in your case, the private school is your best bet. In the area I live in, public schools pay better in general. Some of the very best private schools are an exception to this.

Answer 7

I live in Pennsylvania and the best salary's are in the suburbs. Council Rock teachers make up to almost 100,000 a year it depends on who and how long you have been there. I personally don't live in Council Rock I live in a more expensive district and have no clue as to why their school district's teachers make so much money.

Answer 8

Depends on what kind of environment you want. Public school teachers make more money, of course.

Answer 9

public

Answer 10

public school is a better choice.