Those of you who work for private schools, do you feel like you sold out for the higher paycheck, or is the work actually rewarding? I was offered a job at a private school, and the pay is great. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to take the offer but I'm worried that it's selfish of me to abandon the kids in my district. Most of my students are less privileged or have troubled home lives. Would it be wrong of me to take the better paying, easier job?

No other industry thinks this way. In any other field, people jump at the chance to parlay their skills into a more lucrative position. Now, if a lower paying job is more satisfying and you can still pay the bills, maybe it's a good trade off, but I don't understand teachers who would pass up a chance to make money for the same work out of some sense of loyalty to kids you'll probably only teach for a year anyway.

You just do what is more fulfilling for you, be it for personal or financial reasons, or both. Of course there will be different challenges, but don’t feel you are tied to a public school just because you think they need you. Do schools show the same loyalty to you? Most on this app would disagree.

Personally, I would take the higher paying job at this stage of my life and career, but only you can decide what is best for you.

Private School teaching is different than public and comes with it’s own challenges. Just because the students’ parents can afford private school does not mean they have a great home life or that they won’t need you to challenge them. The parents come with different sets of expectations and the students may come with attitudes of entitlement. Don’t assume it is easier. In some ways it may be more difficult.

Take a good look at where you currently work and compare it to the job you are offered. Do your research. Which school’s values best align with your goals? Compare the quality of life you would have in each role. Which position offers professional growth? Job satisfaction? Pay? Benefits? Retirement plan? What is the commute? Working hours? What are the duties and expectations outlined in each contract? What is the culture like in each environment? Which job would best suit you? Then, make your decision. You have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives if students in either school. Do what makes the most sense for you.

I teach at a Catholic school. We are paid significantly less than public schools in our area. And the assumption that it’s easier is stupid. Every job has their unique challenges. A wise mentor once told me, “You will notice that for some, the easiest job will always be someone else’s job.”

Private won't be easier. You will be challenged to challenge the students to a higher level.

I’ve always taught in private schools, 20 + years. Private school teachers get paid much less than public school teachers in California. The class size is smaller and many private schools pay for classroom supplies. However, the parent and student level of entitlement is out of control. The expectations are greater and many of the kids who can’t make it in public school due to issues with bullying, learning issues, and behavior problems end up in private school because their individual needs are expected to be addressed by the teacher without support. There are positives and negatives in both, choose your battle.

I've found the kids in private have just as many issues, just not the same ones as the kids in public.

I previously worked in private and left due to moving states not because I didn't love it. Those kids have their own challenges - plenty. They will challenge you. I didn't ever regret taking that job. It was very engaging and fulfilling. It may not be easier. It's not wrong or selfish to want to be paid what you're worth. No other profession worries about accepting a better job offer. Do what's best for you! Kids in any kind of school need fantastic, loving teachers.

I make less working for a private school, but I have more freedom to do things that are beneficial to the children in my class.

Going to a private school will affect your retirement. Be sure to look at their retirement package before you take the job.

A higher paycheck for private school work is unusual; publics usually pay more.

I've "sold out" every time I've accepted a paycheck. I'm selling my labor for money. I'm not going to be remotely guilty about selling it to a school that'll pay more. That said, there are other considerations, and staying in the public schools to earn a pension might make more sense even if I could find a private school that offered higher pay. But I'd have no qualms about teaching at that private school while collecting my public pension.

Make sure you consider all forms of compensation (insurance benefits, retirement contributions, etc...) to make sure you're making a fair comparison before you make a decision. A job might offer better gross income, but if it costs more for other things you're currently getting or it affects when you can retire and/or how much your benefit will be, it might not actually be better for you financially in the long run.

If, after looking at all of that, you're still coming out ahead and you think it's the right move for YOU, then take the job guilt-free.

I was just going to mention retirement. If you are fairly young, you may think you have plenty of time to worry about that, but not true. Every year counts toward what you will live on for the rest of your life after you retire.

In my experience there is little to no difference except the opportunities that private school kids have because the programs are better funded.