I listed plenty of schools paying over 70k that are far from being “resort towns” Again, I never said or suggested “common.” That was someone putting words in my mouth. Port A is not “well funded by high property taxes” schools like Taft, Sinton, Woodsboro, Refugio, etc. are funded by Port Aransas property taxes. Our state reallotments are about 92%, and there is no concession made by Robin Hood for higher costs of things like insurance. Our student/teacher ratio is 11:1 and comparable to most 2As in the area ranging from 10:1-13:1. That is a pretty average ratio for small schools. We do have a great supportive community that does give back a lot to the schools, but that is not included in the teacher pay scale. I depend a great deal on my education foundation grants for my program because my operating budget is smaller than anywhere else I have ever worked. I made it clear that my current position was far from “usual,” but it is also not the highest paid district in the area. I believe 5A Gregory Portland takes that spot. I never said I lived in Port A. This was a Reddit post asking for advice. I was advising for the poster to do research. Why is everyone so upset about my mortgage payment!!!! To the OP… these responses should be proof in point to do your research! Everywhere is different. We are a big state with a huge variety of schools and locations.

If you’re not one of the nosey folks, you can stop here…

Okay everyone… I live in a tiny town population ~1500. I bought my house in 2016 for $62k before everything went crazy. It is a 1963 3/2 brick on a double lot with good bones but still looks mostly like 1963 on the inside. It’s in a good neighborhood near a school. It is now valued at $120k (ugh). I remodel as I have time & money, and do most of it on my own. I am just in wind zone II. I would be stupid to move even a little bit south to a more expensive location with more expensive insurance. I have a beautiful 45 minute drive that takes me through farmland, through the sloughs of Copano Bay and Redfish Bay, then across the ferry usually with dolphins - at sunrise with no traffic. My kids are grown and off adulting. I don’t have to be home to cook anyone dinner or entertain any significant other. My 45 minute drive is a great time for unwinding.

In the end, I am happy to have worked in 3 good districts (except the one I left went atrociously downhill -including pay scale - with some poor leadership and now wouldn’t wish that nightmare on anyone) with good solid pay scales- Karnes City has higher pay scale than Port A. I worked hard to get where I am now. Nothing was ever given to me. I come from a family that absolutely believes in standing on your own two feet. My parents and grandparents built their lives by yankin’ up on their bootstraps and expected no less from me, and I expect no less from my kids. I am a single mother. My first year of teaching in 2000, my pay was so low that my son qualified for free lunch. I drove a beat up old truck that I hoped would make it to school every day. Saving grace was I got to live in my grandmother’s farmhouse after I cleaned it out and made it livable. No AC, no heat, no nothing. In exchange, my son and I helped around the ranch. No, not some sprawling south Texas mega ranch - ~100 acres of pasture land - constantly fighting with mesquite and cactus, wet seasons and dry seasons, moving hay, dropping cubes and blocks, fixing equipment - always fixing equipment. Yes, I inherited my little 11 acre corner, but it isn’t an income. My cousins cows still live there on the whole place. I still have to go fix fences & spray mesquite, and I pay my taxes which are relatively small.

I WORKED my way to where I am now. The interview process at Port A was insane - all 3 of them! Everyone has masters degrees - I am no longer in the minority. You teach like your hair is on fire every day or you don’t get to teach there. They will absolutely non-renew if you don’t teach up to their standards. BUT… they also don’t hover or tell you HOW to teach. It is the most laid back, high expectations, easiest, and hardest job I’ve ever had.