Thanks for this insight - it's amazing that "fiscal cliffs" aren't anticipated/accounted for - still, it's exciting/interesting to see a state where districts and state leaders generally take steps to prioritize school funding/investment in teachers.
I'm glad we pay teachers well here in WA, I would just caution people imagining moving here and being financially better off, it's very expensive in certain areas. For example, 100k is low income for housing in Seattle for a family of four. Much of Puget Sound is similar. If you can get a position in a less expensive part of the state it'll take you much further! So that should be a big part of the equation if people are looking to move here.
Thanks, Rooster - I'd note that housing costs in cities like Nashville are pretty high and teachers don't make near 100K here. Absolutely, COL plays a role - but when less expensive cities like Louisville and Cincinnati are paying more than Nashville, there's a problem. In another piece, I reference an Oregon district that moved starting pay to 60K and saw an influx of applicants. Appreciate your feedback!
I'm always happy to poach good teachers from other places! I've lived here my whole life and my mom was a TA. Seattle and the Puget Sound area is about 45% more expensive than the national average. It's not just housing, it's groceries, gas, services, etc. But the COL is better in the more rural areas. And there are a lot of other good reasons for families to come here we have PMFL, a long term care fund, good unemployment benefits, and last I looked the pensions in WA are some of the only in the country funded at 100% or more. I hope it is helpful to anyone interested in coming here!
Olympia is a bit cheaper, mostly on account of housing. Median home price is about $600k vs $1 million for example. It’s also quite beautiful! I was there a couple weeks ago. I’m a bit biased but most of this state is beautiful! Olympia doesn’t feel very urban but has everything you might want or need. Olympia is where you really start transitioning into remoter parts of the state. Lots of dense forests, still on Puget Sound, some waterfalls, etc. Mostly state jobs down there obviously. I think a lot of people would like it. Traffic down there is much better too, so you could live further out even and commute without it being miserable like it is up here.
Glad to share - and thanks for letting us in on the Washington State secret! Really, it's no secret - pay teachers well (they deserve it) - and you deserve to be paid well - so, I'm glad you are in a place that makes that happen. Note to policymakers in other states: YOU can do this, too!
Don't get too excited about teaching in Washington: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/09/23/clos-s23.html
Thanks for this insight - it's amazing that "fiscal cliffs" aren't anticipated/accounted for - still, it's exciting/interesting to see a state where districts and state leaders generally take steps to prioritize school funding/investment in teachers.
I'm glad we pay teachers well here in WA, I would just caution people imagining moving here and being financially better off, it's very expensive in certain areas. For example, 100k is low income for housing in Seattle for a family of four. Much of Puget Sound is similar. If you can get a position in a less expensive part of the state it'll take you much further! So that should be a big part of the equation if people are looking to move here.
Thanks, Rooster - I'd note that housing costs in cities like Nashville are pretty high and teachers don't make near 100K here. Absolutely, COL plays a role - but when less expensive cities like Louisville and Cincinnati are paying more than Nashville, there's a problem. In another piece, I reference an Oregon district that moved starting pay to 60K and saw an influx of applicants. Appreciate your feedback!
I'm always happy to poach good teachers from other places! I've lived here my whole life and my mom was a TA. Seattle and the Puget Sound area is about 45% more expensive than the national average. It's not just housing, it's groceries, gas, services, etc. But the COL is better in the more rural areas. And there are a lot of other good reasons for families to come here we have PMFL, a long term care fund, good unemployment benefits, and last I looked the pensions in WA are some of the only in the country funded at 100% or more. I hope it is helpful to anyone interested in coming here!
How does Cost of Living compare in Olympia? I have to say, Seattle is gorgeous - and the benefits you mention seem great, too.
Olympia is a bit cheaper, mostly on account of housing. Median home price is about $600k vs $1 million for example. It’s also quite beautiful! I was there a couple weeks ago. I’m a bit biased but most of this state is beautiful! Olympia doesn’t feel very urban but has everything you might want or need. Olympia is where you really start transitioning into remoter parts of the state. Lots of dense forests, still on Puget Sound, some waterfalls, etc. Mostly state jobs down there obviously. I think a lot of people would like it. Traffic down there is much better too, so you could live further out even and commute without it being miserable like it is up here.
Aw, my comment! Thanks Andy.
Sometimes I feel guilty for leaving my teaching jobs in Nevada and Colorado to move to Washington. I feel like a bit of a sell-out.
Glad to share - and thanks for letting us in on the Washington State secret! Really, it's no secret - pay teachers well (they deserve it) - and you deserve to be paid well - so, I'm glad you are in a place that makes that happen. Note to policymakers in other states: YOU can do this, too!