New York Teacher Salary

Your school district’s health plan will typically cover medical, dental, vision and other insurance for you and your family.

Vacation days will depend on your district, but in general you can expect: 

• Spring break
• December holiday break
• Mid-winter break in many districts
• National holidays off
• Paid personal & sick days during the school year

As you probably know, teachers also get a long summer break. Teachers use this time to travel, explore professional development, relax or work elsewhere. Some districts offer summer positions for teachers, such as summer school classes or curriculum development jobs.

In New York, you’ll receive retirement funds through the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. The longer you’ve worked in the school system, the more you’ll receive in retirement.

Stepping into a classroom could mean stepping out of debt. Teachers qualify for several loan forgiveness opportunities—meaning you might not have to pay your student loans back!

If you teach a shortage area subject or work in a hard-to-staff district, you can apply to the New York State Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. You could receive up to $5,000 per year for four years! (3)

Owning a home or renting an apartment in New York is expensive, but there are resources to help teachers find a home in the community where they teach. 

Check out the Good Neighbor Next Door program and the New York Teacher Next Door program for starters!

Building your skills can increase your knowledge and your pay. Many New York school districts provide funds for tuition reimbursement and opportunities like conferences or training.