Wage Watchers: How much does a nursery school teacher earn?

What do you do for work?
I am a nursery school teacher at a Steiner school.

Do you like your job?
Yes! I love working with children. I like the combination of being creative and working with people.

Why a Steiner school?
It's actually a dream school. Children have the opportunity to make their own soup and bread, or decorate the classroom; it's very hands-on. Children are encouraged to be children, and it doesn't get any better than that. I've taught in other schools before, but they were much more focused on work sheets and exercises. Steiner schools are the best. They value personal development and lifelong learning. When I got hired, they not only looked at my degree, but also my experience and passion. In addition to my 15 years of experience working with young people between the ages of 0 and 21, they also saw my passion for teaching and creative activities.

Would you change jobs for a higher salary?
Well, yes. As much as I like my job, the pay is not so good in my case. I'm actually trained (and experienced) as an educator for youth with disabilites. I studied family sciences, and then went for a postgraduate degree in creative social work. But in the end I took the education route. I feel guilty about it sometimes, like those studies never really paid off. I love my job, but it takes a lot out of me. I'm completely exhausted at the end of the day. The work-life balance is not proportionate to the wages, and that's hard. I currently fall under the worst possible category in education. I have a degree in 'other', which really equates to 'not enough'. Years of experience have allowed me to become a nursery school teacher, but in a lower pay category, so not exactly an enviable position in terms of salary. There's still a shortage of teachers in Brussels, which is why schools like to hire mainly temporary workers. So there are jobs to be had in Brussels, just no job security. Ideally, I would receive the same salary and work a little less. Or get paid according to my level of experience. It's such a pity that job experience from other sectors is not taken into consideration.

How much do you earn exactly?
I earn €2,000 gross monthly, or €1,400 net. I also get a €67 bonus and a metro pass to use during the school year. Unfortunately I am not building up a full pension, because that's only for teachers on a permanent contract. Nursery school teachers with a degree in 'other' don't have that option. I could still finish my degree, but I'm 53 years old now so I'm not sure. Going back to school is a risk, and something for which I really don't have the energy anymore. Besides, I'd be 58 by the time I graduate. (Editor's note: The wages in a Steiner school are no different than in any other school.)

What do you think of your salary?
I have a dream job and the Steiner school really appreciates me for who I am, which is nice, but my salary just doesn't stack up. That's determined by the government. With a different degree, I would have a full salary. Experience and passion should count for something. As I mentioned, my particular degree is keeping me from building up a full pension, while there should at least be a minimum plan. Teachers have an important job; we are educating the future generation.

How many hours a week do you work?
I start every day around 8.00-8.15. On Mondays I work until 16.30, Tuesdays and Fridays until 15.30, Wednesdays until 12.30 and Thursdays until 18.00 (weekly school meeting). And then there are the parent-teacher conferences and individual parent meetings, working weekends, parties and team-building days to prepare for the new school year. These are the hours that I am physically present at school, but that's not to mention the hours spent on prep work at home. As a teacher, the day does not end when the bell rings.

Are you able to save money?
We're paying off mortgages, which is one way of saving. I am fortunate enough to have a husband who earns well, otherwise I could not afford it.

Are you more careful with money since the crisis?
We did learn to not be foolish. After having gone through some difficult times when we were young, we now try to live consciously, more economically.

What is your biggest cost?
The mortgage.

What would you not spend your money on?
A car. You really don't need one in Brussels. I live and work in Anderlecht, so everything can be done by public transport.

What do you enjoy spending your money on?
Good food, gifts, holidays, the kids...

What would you do if you won the lottery?
My sons are abroad (Australia and Asia) and I would love to be able to meet up with them somewhere in the world. I would bring them and their partners together to celebrate the new year at my expense. I would also do more volunteer work again. I used to have a non-profit organisation and we did storytelling in libraries and schools. Very fun.