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Don't worry mods! This isn't a religious question. I've asked this before but I want to research further into this option.

I'm looking for a job (I think most of you know why...just trying to keep it in this forum). My degree is music education. Previously I was a tenured teacher in a public school before I started being a SAHM. I went to a very prestigious music college. There are very little music jobs out there because of budget cuts in the arts. And I think when people see my resume they are less likely to get back to me because I will cost them more (I'd start steps higher because of experience). I've been trying to figure out what I could do that wouldn't require years more of school and get me stuck here. The catholic school idea has been a thought because I know I wouldn't need the same credentials as I would for a public school. But I've always assumed the pay is much less. I'm guessing I'd never top out as high as a public school teacher though.

What is your experience with catholic school salaries? I saw some jobs in a very rich town (ivy league university is there). Remember, I live in NJ and the cost of living is the promise of your first born. I want to make sure it is something I could work with, with the possibility of being a single mother of 3 in Jersey.

From what I know of teachers that work for the diocese here, their salaries are pitifully low. Like lower than a first year teacher starting out in public school low.

Also, the Bishop here, where I live is starting to fire teachers if they are not Catholic themselves...so that's something to consider, if you are not a Catholic. (I don't know if that is a new policy that is Church wide, or just something our bonehead Bishop is doing.)

Private schools might be a better place to get paid what you should.

I second the private schools. They also have more money to offer for music programs.

There are at least 5 big name ones around here I can think of. I haven't found any postings in the many sites I use. I'll try going to their homepages. But I bet the turnover is very low.

Good luck, TCD. There is no harm in sending your resume to those schools. Gets your name in their brains.

I sent you a PM

Catholic School teachers get paid a very low salary, but you will gain experience. Many schools are closing too because of high tuitions.

I'd send in a resume anyway, it can't hurt!

My daughter loved, loved, loved her music teacher at her Catholic HS. Said teacher joined the faculty specifically for the education benefit (free tuition) for her three children. Once they were gone, so was she. Smart cookie, in my opinion.

It is my understanding that the salaries tend to be lower, but the mission of the school and the freedom to truly educate is better. However, I am NOT a teacher (but I am a musician, for what it is worth), so take it with a grain of salt.

I know my music teacher friends in public schools have significant issues with administration, fear of budget cuts, etc. I think that tends to be less in the parochial schools.

Cat

Thank you everyone for the responses. I did fill out the online application. No harm in doing so.

Cat - That last paragraph there is exactly right!

Maybe you could give after school music lessons on the side if your school teaching salary is not very high?

I went to a private Catholic girl's prep school. The public schools in the (affluent) area have higher teacher salaries and better benefits--but the high school's salaries are higher than parochial schools in the area.

I've stayed in touch over the years, and most teachers had/have VERY long tenure. They and really enjoy(ed) the small student body and mission of the school, which promotes growth and allows a closeness with students that is really special.

At the moment I do teach privately, although only one night a week. I really enjoy it and wish it could be something I can do as a career but lessons are given in the afternoon and evening and I would literally not see my oldest 5 days a week except to drop her off. I have to be picky for reasons (keeping in mind I need to get a job to get out of my home situation) like child care, being a single mom with very little family help, and supporting myself and 3 girls in a state where property taxes for one year would equal ten years of property taxes elsewhere.