Whether you are changing careers, just entering the workforce or relocating to Texas to teacher; teaching in Texas is unique. Here’s what you can expect:
Pay
The average teacher in Texas makes $51,000 annually. This is actually about 10% lower than the national average, sadly. But do not be discouraged.
First, it is cheaper to live in Texas than many other states. In fact, Bestplaces.net says that the cost of living in Texas is 10% less than the national average (Source).
Even more, since Texas is just a huge state the flunctuations in cost of living can be drastic. Take a look at this interactive map to see where places are cheaper or more expensive to live: Intertactive Map
Schedule
One of the most popular attractions to the teaching professions is summers off. While you will receive an extended time over the summer months, you need to know that your break will not be
as restful as you remember from your high school days. You will have a couple of days after the last day of school to wrap up the year and you will report back to school 1-2 weeks before the students arrive back.
Also, you do get a great break at Christmas but you will have several “in service” days scattered throughout the school year. Your kids might get that three day weekend, but you will not.
Environment
The environment in which you will be teaching in Texas will vary greatly and something you will want to research with great diligence to best understand the teaching environment and if it fits your personality and character. Often times, schools with notoriously tougher conditions (often found in urban locations) will pay a premium to recruit you. If you are strong-willed, confident person then this might be a perfect situation for you: you can greatly impact your students learning and be compensated more than some other teachers.
Note, the “better” the environment the tougher the competition for a job. Think back to ECON 101. If a school district is known to have a great teaching environment, the demand will be very high for individuals wanting to there. Likewise, teachers who already have jobs will have a lower tendency to leave and the supply will be low. Thus, the demand is far greater than the supply and the interview process will be cut-throat. You can get that job, just be willing to fight for it!!
If you are interesting is learning what it takes to be a teacher, check out this blog post.