HELP-I want to get a new paraprofessional position but, I want to be sure that the other districts will pay me the same amount I'm making now. How do i find this information out? Does anyone know the higest paying district for para-professionals? I live in fort worth,Tx. i went to other websites like Fort Worth Isd, Kennedale, Everman but, the salary is not posted. I know your now suppose to ask that upfront because, you don't want H.R to think you working just for the money. What are some other districts I can check into that I have not mentioned?
It DOES seem that you are only in it for the money...sorry. You know... in this economy.. be glad you have a job at ALL. I just can't imagine...is the opportunity for paras so wide open down there?
Well, when you make $15,000 a year maybe you'll understand. I'm single and have no one to help me pay the bills. Others who work as a para have a husband to support them.Of course, I'm thankful but, we always want to strive for something better. Remember,you here to help other teachers and professionals, not judge them. I can't imagine what you tell your students in the classroom. Good luck to you!
HelLO...don't be so sure...mr...or miss. I AM going for a 15,500 job..and PRAYING I get it! I AM single...but add in owning a home, and paying for two to go through college (after putting MYSELF through college again). I am living on the income from a small side job at the grocery store and whatever i can find teaching... but i am a teacher-and I'm here for the long run. This economy is CRAP... and even WITH 15,500...life WILL be tough...but to judge teaching/a district/the impact your guidance could have on a child... on the paycheck? You are WAY green, my friend... and you have a LOT to learn. One thing I find missing in your posts... is the LOVE for the art. If you don't feel it... no paycheck in the world will inspire it.
Simply, I would call the district anonymously and ask to be transferred to the Human Resources department on the phone. Just say you're thinking of moving into the area and you are curious about the salary. Our school just hired three paraprofessionals, but I know for a fact they don't make as much as $15,000. You seem really fortunate to make as much as you do- but it is hard, in all honesty, in this economy, to move from a place where you may make more to a place where you would make a little more than half that salary. I am single, also, not making the most money in the world, yet I spend so much of it on my classroom. I love my students, and the salary doesn't matter, but I don't think you necessarily typed up this thread thinking about the money entirely. You were just a little concerned based on your situation. I make my situation better by living at home (waiting until I get married to move out), but not everyone can possibly do that. What makes you want to change districts? If it's money, remember you are very fortunate because many districts don't make what you do, but if it's a school/classroom issue, you have to do what you have to do. If you have an understanding principal, I'd speak with him or her if it's a classroom issue- before the school year would be tremendous because maybe she could switch you out with another para in another grade or part of the school. I wouldn't try to leave my position and switch to a new district/school this close to the beginning of the school year, necessarily, but I'd ask around and see over the course of the school year to plan properly.
Yikes. Why so harsh here? Don't we ALL work for the money? If I didn't need the money, I would not be teaching--I would living in a spectacular country house on my family's land on the coast of Ireland. And be tooling around in my vintage Lotus Esprit. And I would have closets full of the latest couture, selected during my monthly trips to Paris and Rome. Since I have to work, I chose teaching and I selectively applied to higher paying districts for my first wave of applications. I have a Harley to buy and all those scary student loans to pay off. Jobs might not be a right fit for someone for a variety of reasons.
Unfortunately, many (or most) ESP's have to fight tooth and nail to earn a living wage. The money is just not there in the field of parapros. I can't answer your question about that specific area, but I do know I have never seen a para job in my area (the whole state really) that earns more than 15.00/hour. Sorry. And that is going to be working with the most difficult students. On average, it's around 12/hour. Not sure what that works out to yearly.
Agreed molly! Let's not jump on someone for asking an honest question. I know there are many people looking here, but there are also many people who have found, and shouldn't have to tread so lightly.
Did I miss the workshop where I am suppose to work for free? Come on, the OP was just being honest. I don't blame them for wanting to earn more money. No one is doing this for free so it is about the money or you would be working in an unpaid a position. I feel you, OP, I am completing my master's degree to get a pay increase. Yes, I am learning tons on the way but I am trying to provide my family with a better life. Yes, I am thankful for having a job but why should we always settle for less?
I made 17.80/hr as a para but that was after 3 years and I live in high cost of living area. The worst part was that I was a contractual employee so I didn't have sick leave and personal leave. If I was off, I just missed the money. I do have a husband that pays most of the bills. I mostly did it for the experience. Now I start my first year teaching.
If you are strictly looking for higher pay (or if that is your priority-which seems- at least in by thread/question-to be the only criteria by which a OP is determining districts)...what are you doing in teaching (a field notorious for low incomes)? But it's more than that (and through your other postings..getting a lot for minimal or average expenditure seems to be a thing with the OP). I guess I choose my districts NOT by what they can pay ME, but more by what they (and I) can offer the students. That's why *I* went into teaching. Call me... what you will.
I went into teaching because I want to teach and I want to get kids excited about Earth Science. I can do this in a wide variety of districts. I could make a lot more in my actual field, more than double if I do a (funded) 18 month masters. But, since I have chosen to teach, I am still going to do what I can to give myself a comfortable financial situation. If this makes me mercenary and selfish, so be it.
MY point... I don't choose a district for the price tag attached to it. And that was what was being asked (and the ONLY thing being asked) in the first place. Do people work for money...sure. Is it nicer to get $10 an hour instead of $9... sure it can be. Is that the reason I choose a district...no. It wouldn't even cross my mind. I apply to districts in the uber-rich area...as well as the title one areas. Why is THAT so hard to understand? Guess I'm not "nice and PROFESSIONAL" enough to be on the same wave-length as others here (at least the young one thinks so). Good luck with your search, bud. Hope you make all the money you need.
It isn't hard to understand--I'm just saying there are a variety of factors (for me, anyway), and money is one of them. If I had only been offered jobs that wouldn't let me pay off my $513/month student loan payments, I would have had no choice but to go my other route. Other factors I considered included diversity of student population, suburban/urban location with no cows waking me up every morning and support for new teachers within the district. Not accusing anyone of being nice or not or professional or not.
I have absolutely NO problem with people asking about salaries and being sure they can try to pay the bills, but judging someone on their ability to teach and their effectiveness in the classroom based on their honest opinion back to your honest question isn't very nice.
I'm confused. It's not like she's trying to "cash in" and make 6 figures or something. I was a paraprofessional making 18K. I wasn't happy with that wage (who would be?) and now I've become a teacher. We all want to grow, advance and of course... make more money.
Y'all are lucky you make that much as a para. Last year, I didn't even make $12,000! I love my job, and that's why I'm sticking with it....but I AM looking for my own classroom right now.
I don't think that's a problem. Right now I'm most likely going to be subbing this year. I am looking into childcare center positions, but unfortunately the deciding factor will have to be the salary. I can't afford to take a lower paying job, even though with subbing it's not guaranteed work every day. I haven't even heard anything yet, but that's the first thing that's going through my mind. Call me what you like, but I don't think that makes me a bad teacher.
Wow! I knew para pay around here was not that great, but didn't realize how low it really is! The few para jobs I have interviewed for only pay $10.00/hour, but I have had Ps say that they would try to bump me up to a little higher (like $11/hr.) based on my education (I am certified and have my Masters). Even with that, most paras now are only part-time (around 20-25 hours a week) so I am only looking at around $250/week gross, if I even do get a job. Since it is so competitive around here, I will even take that - at least it is steadier pay than subbing (which pays $70/day) and you only get 1-2 days a wekk if your'e lucky.
Stbprekteacher, Make sure when you or if you switch districts even if they have hire pay that you are getting the same amount of hours. I switched district and thought I was getting a raise. I ended up losing 5 hours a week so I made less. Best of luck to you.
I feel very blessed. I worked as a para for two years and made over $24,000 a year plus benefits plus was represented by the teacher's union. That representation came in very handy several times. The administration attempted to break the para's contract by having paras attend all after school teacher meetings. When I contacted the union about it, they stepped right up to the plate and the administration conceded the issue. One thing we paras did not have was tenure. But I guess that happens everywhere.
I would take this area of Florida off your list. Paras here at the top of the salary scale make about 11,000. And we haven't had a raise in three years. Most of the paras I'm familiar with are married and not the sole breadwinner. A few are newly graduated teachers looking to get their foot in the door and still living at home.
You are lucky to make as much as you do. I work full time as a Para in IA and am making 7.25 an hour.
I honestly had no idea paras made so little money. It makes me sad that caring, educated people who work with children and help them meet their potential and become productive members of society get paid less than the high school kid who works at Old Navy. What is wrong with society?? Why can't we figure out which one of those is more important? Frowny face.
In this area, full time certified teachers with Master degrees make 18K in some private schools. If I have to, I'd work there for 2 years or so. But you best believe that no matter how much I loved the school or the kids, I could not continue to work for such low pay. I fully understand the OP's concerns.
The state of North Carolina dictates the pay for our paras. They do have a step system so that they move up based on experience and time. McKennel- Get a grip and stop being so rude. You instantly attacked someone for simply posting a question. This person is not YOU! Have you every thought that just maybe this person DOES absolutely love what he/she is doing but is having a hard time dealing with the finances of it?? It may be a thought far from your mind as a passionate teacher, but not all people teach for the passion of teaching. I know several good teachers that teach because it just so happens to work well with their own children’s schedule and they happen to like working with kids.
I make more than the OP makes and have benefits, but may have to go into another line of work b/c I'm now single and my paycheck won't cover my bills and the ex stopped paying child support. I love what I do, but I have to be able to pay bills. I certainly can understand that the money has a lot to do with it--I didn't worry about it when I was married.
As a Kindergarten para I am currently making $13.87 an hour. I work 19.5 hours a week. This is my first year...i did sub for a while last year, which is how I got this position. I really hope to get more hours in the new school year They do offer a great benefit package if you work at least 20 hours per week; retirement, health, dental, vision, sick, personal, holidays. etc. Fingers crossed xx
