I would call a tree service ASAP. Ideally you just want the trees taken down with no damage to anything. They could be fine for days, weeks, years... But those things are coming down. It's worth it to pay a little bit up front to avoid hassle, preserve your relationship with the neighbors, avoid further damage. Etc. Etc.

True. Each district negotiates the salary scale and I know many are.

If you do the math. The OP will be making more per hour teaching than working at BIW (based on what others are saying) in just about any district in the state starting or at least within a few years... (35k ÷ 180 ÷ 8 = 24.3)

I mean, I could see not liking the salary and going into business or something, but...

There are pros and cons to both. Let me give you the other side.

I've been a teacher for 20+ years. My Salary is more than it would be if I had made the same choice you are considering. I get my summers off. During that time, I've been able to spend tons of time with my kids as they grpw up - I've done things like gone camping for entire month. I have a side hustle doing small contracting jobs. I only take jobs I want - when it fits my schedule.

I also have LOTS of hobbies that make money (playing in bands for instance), but I would never want to have those things be needing to pay the bills. Teaching affords me the time to persue my passions.

I have strong union representation and job security. I'm so deep in the seniority list that I'm confident I won't get laid off.

I felt like I was making peanuts at the beginning. I feel very comfortable now. I still have 20+ years to go.

Consider moving districts to a place with a higher salary. Unfortunately some districts pay significantly more.

There are also lots of opportunities to 'move up' in education. Stay long enough and you'll start to see them.

It's hard being a new teacher.