swordsman917 t1_j5yttvc wrote on January 26, 2023 at 2:50 PM

You're going to struggle with a BA, but you can do it.

I'm a teacher in Southern Vermont, our wages are probably ~10-15k less than in New York, but we're higher than New Hampshire.

I currently am able to live pretty comfortably, but I also coach two varsity sports and I run our yearbook program here, too.

It can be a challenge, but if you can find a roommate OR an affordable place to live (they can be found), then you'll be fine.

What subject do you teach and why the move, if you don't mind me asking?

kellogsmalone t1_j5ywsoy wrote on January 26, 2023 at 3:11 PM

Not OP but I'm in a similar boat though wife is a nurse. Looking at Upper Valley area. Seems doable because we have equity in our current home to capitalize on. I taught yearbook for 6 years and loved it. I coach too. What districts do you recommend I explore/avoid?

swordsman917 t1_j5yxai5 wrote on January 26, 2023 at 3:14 PM

I mean, if you can get into Hanover, NH that'd be dope. Woodstock has a similar vibe, too. I'm actually originally from that area (sort of), on the NH side. People I've known have loved working in Hanover, but I think it's a pretty competitive place to get work.

I'm sure Lebanon is also a fine spot, though they'll have their issues. On the Vermont side, I'm not overly familiar with districts that direction. I know primarily the Central/Southern Vermont side of things (Rutland and South of there).

If you do have any other questions about whatever else during the move, feel free to reach out and I'll help if I can.

kellogsmalone t1_j5yy025 wrote on January 26, 2023 at 3:19 PM

What about Hartford/White River Junction?

swordsman917 t1_j5yyuvv wrote on January 26, 2023 at 3:24 PM

I think probably fine? I’m not overly familiar with the district, but Vermont kids are pretty okay and I’ve not heard anything bad about the district (no news is good news mantra).

You’ll have a mix of kids for sure, being that area is a little heavier population-wise. Some diversity, but I doubt a ton. Poverty is a serious issue and the Upper Valley is no joke related to the opiate issues. I still think Vermont is a pretty decent spot to teach and mostly our kids — though they can be a pain in the butt — are mostly decent.