Reply #26: My husband is an orchestra teacher [View All]

at our middle/high school. He is hoping to retire at the end of this school year, but his big concern is that there is no one in the area to replace him. Our school recently had a music position open, and of 15 applicants, not one had a background in orchestra. (The position was for general music, but they were hoping for an orchestra background to prepare for Ron's leaving).

We live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, teach in Bethel Park. After 17 years experience, we're making almost $80,0000/yr., full health care w/no deductible, eye and dental care for very little premium, and a very strong union.

Unfortunately, our contract was up in June, so it looks like another year on the picket line. Been there twice already and am sick to my stomach just thinking about it. Frankly, I don't have any complaints. I NEVER in my wildest dreams - when I planned to be a teacher - imagined I would ever make this kind of money. I figure, f-'em. I'll keep working under the old contract, by law they have to continue to pay all premiums etc. until the new contract is settled. Also by law, the younger teachers still on the pay scale have to be moved up to the next step.

She might enjoy our increasingly mild winters here in PA. My cousin, who grew up in Miami, moved to Boston when he graduated from college and he LOVES the cold!