42-45 is low up here, I don't think any Chittenden County districts are in that range these days. Maybe Franklin or Addison County? Just looking at the current contract for one district in Chittenden County, BA plus no extra credits, 1st year is $51,776 ($52,636 starting next year), one year of experience is $54,028, two years of experience is $56,279. BA + 15 credits CE adds about $2200/year to those figures. And for those who wish, there are opportunities to coach teams or be club advisors. Or teach summer school. According to my friends who are teachers, it's not that challenging to add $5k-$15k to their salaries by taking on other roles in their district, although I know that's not for everyone.

Rents are onerous up here, no doubt, and not going to get better until a lot more housing gets built and there is some real marketplace competition. Just looked at one newer place in Williston, a few apartments coming up available in the next few months... $1425/month for a 536 sq foot 1BR, $1700/month for an 800 sq ft 1BR, $2300/month for a 1327 sq ft 2BR (lol, larger than my condo!). Decent amenities at that complex - pool, grilling areas, community garden area, fitness center, covered parking. But even a studio is going to bite into about 1/3 of a new teacher in that district's base gross.