Welcome to DR1.
1. Is the DR safe for a young female?
If you are unfamiliar with the culture, you open yourself up to a few things. You can get ripped off (monetarily) because of your innocence or naivete. It's preferable to have a contact you trust ready to help you. There are different rules for societal behavior. It often means having to go through a long period of readjustment which can be depressing. You have to dress and act conservatively in this culture.
2. I don't think every man wants your money, but a lot of men want to get in your pants. There are exceptions. Rules of dating are different in DR. Best to go through the above "readjustment" before jumping in to anything.
I will also add that teaching English probably won't pay you a living wage. Meaning: you have to have $$ for short and long term planning.
I will also add the it is called the Dominican Republic, rare is the instance that people on this board cotton to the notion of calling it "The Dominican". I guess it sounds like calling the US "The United". So, call it DR or the Dominican Republic for the most help on here.
ps. I am a teacher who lived there for two months in a small town, and the rules were tough. However I would try again, only in a larger city this time and with more money saved.