Should I stay or should I go?

I work in a school that's close to my house, and is your standard-issue NYCDOE high school. I like my principal (mostly) but my AP drives me NUTS. The quality of student we've been getting is steadily declining. I've been there for three years.

A friend of mine works in a great district on LI. Someone's retiring in her school, and she wants to walk my resume into her principal. She can absolutely get me an interview.

Another opportunity opened up in another NYC high school. Its a longer commute, but the school has an excellent reputation. I'd be part of a department, instead of being the only counselor like I am now.

Do I stay or do I go?

Re: Should I stay or should I go?

Did you receive your tenure yet? If so I say go, and then you only need to put in 2 years before you get tenure again.

If you don't have tenure yet I still say go, because you have nothing to lose.

Atleast go on the interviews and see how you feel afterwards

Good luck

Re: Should I stay or should I go?

i would go on the interviews and see what happens. if you get an interview, and then the job, i would definitely go to LI or to better DOE high school. i wouldn't say a word though until it was definite, you don't want to screw yourself out of the job you have now.

Message edited 5/27/2009 3:49:16 PM.

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Re: Should I stay or should I go?

If your AP drives you nuts, and the kids are "steadily declining," GO. There's something to be said for the saints who work in City schools and try to make a difference in the lives of kids who really need them. But it's hard, and you can burn out so fast, and I knew very few teachers there who did not resent the kids, hate the administration, and count the years until their retirement.

I was at a school in NYC for six years, in the same situation. It kept getting worse, and by the end of the sixth year it got to the point where getting out of bed in the morning to have to get to work would nearly bring me to tears.

The school was walking distance to my apartment. I was tenured. I was making more money there than I currently do in LI. There was a long list of reasons to stay. But you can't put a price on your sanity, your happiness. I was ready to quit teaching altogether. Now, I teach in a LI school where the faculty/administration is great. I feel appreciated, I like the kids a lot, the parents are supportive, I have access to great technology. If you have a friend who likes her district and can get you an interview there, take it.

And good luck!

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I'd be nervous about taking a job outside of the city at the moment. I still think it will be a couple more years till the economy's truly back in good shape, and I'd be very anxious about layoffs/last hired, etc. I would only consider the non-city job if I could get my city job back if needed. Otherwise the other city job sounds good.

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I would go on the interviews--there are some great city schools!

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I am teaching for 9 years in the city and am actually off today and going for a LI Elem Ed interview. I've been there, done that before. However, I decided if I don't go I will always wonder "what if"...so I am going.

If I was LUCKY enough after 9 years of looking on LI to FINALLY be offered employment I'd have to think long and hard before leaving my tenured city job.

But, living out on eatern LI and just having a baby may just make me GO!

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An interview can't hurt! Which district is more convenient for you and which one pays better? I think it's worth a shot!

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Resumes sent... now lets see what happens!

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Im a counselor also My first job was in a abig HS that housed a smaller one. The GC there has way too much going on she was expected to do everything and it was awful.

You are tenured I would go for it. I think you would enjoy the big NYC HS you were speaking of

I am always apprehensive when I hear people talking about going to the island bc I have heard stories (which may be BS mind you) that is hard to get tenure. Also I dont like there childcare leave, only 2 yrs as opposed to 5 in NYC.

GOOD LUCK