What would you do if you were me?

Ok, let me try to keep this short and sweet:

I've been working for the same district in NC for the past 3 years (This would be my 4th year). I've always taught 5th grade here, and I absolutely LOVE it.

I am currently entering my 3rd school in the district (this district apparently doesn't like maternity leave very much, so they feel they can shuffle you from school to school, God forbid you should have a baby). The school districts here are not like they are on LI...my whole county is one huge district with many elem, middle and high schools (Think about if there were such a thing as the "Nassau County School District").

For this year, I got moved to a school that's a 45-minute commute each way (my other school was 2 min. around the block). I got put into 3rd grade, which is a much younger grade than I wanted to teach.

School starts for the kids a week from today, on Wed. August 25th.

I got an inside tip that a very good, highly respected charter school 10 minutes from me just had a 5th grade ELA position become available. The position has not gone public yet--I happen to know about it because our Music Together teacher teaches there, and he told me about it.

This is the job I've been dreaming of. Not only would I be back to teaching 5th grade, I'd be teaching ELA (I have a Masters in Literacy), much shorter commute, and my daughter would automatically get to go to school there, should I still be there in 3 years when she starts Kindergarten.

I have already begun setting up my 3rd grade classroom at my new job.

I've been wanting to work at this school since we moved here, and there are never any open positions because everyone who teaches for them is extremely happy.

I feel like if I DON'T take the chance and jump at this position, I'll be kicking myself later. But I also risk burning bridges with my current district (which, remember, is HUGE and is pretty much my only option outside of private schools). I'd be leaving my new principal (who seems amazing) in the lurch at the last minute.

So...what would you do???

Re: What would you do if you were me?

That is a tough one. Is there anyway you can first see if you get hired at the new school before you leave your current district? Also, is there any type of job security at the new school?

If this is something that you've really wanted, I say go for it! Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

I'm sure it's very different in NC- but the word "charter" gives me pause- though I already know you have no union. I'd apply, but make sure they are very clear about what's expected as far as working conditions, etc. I know city charter schools in NY operate very differently and in many schools those teachers are expected to be available around the clock- by phone, in the evening, if kids have questions about HW. They also work a longer day, a longer year and there is school on Saturdays. These are some things to find out upfront, probably on the school's website.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Playing the other end here...let's say you go with the charter school and leave your old job with very little notice.


What happens if you hate the charter school? Are you close enough to another county where you could potentially get another job the following year or is this really the only county near by?

When I was in SC, I lived pretty close to 3 counties. The week before I was offered a job at the school I really wanted to work at, but if I left my position after my contract was signed they could go after my license.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

It doesn't hurt to try and put yourself out there. and even if you decide that you can't leave the county with such short notice, maybe they will keep you in mind for another position.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Send in your resume! From the sound of it- thats what you really want and it sounds like a great opportunity!

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Re: What would you do if you were me?

To answer some of your questions:

1. There isn't any job security at this school...but we don't have tenure in our public schools either. I mean, we do "technically" get tenure, but it doesn't mean anything worth a damn.

2. I COULD keep the interview process a secret from my current principal and leave this job if I get the new one...but as I said, with kids coming a week from now, I'd feel AWFUL to start the year and then cut out on them .

3. I do live fairly close to Mecklenburg County (which is where Charlotte is located), so I could always teach in those schools. The pay is notoriously higher, but so are the standards and expectations. I know a lot of people who have worked for them that have told me under NO circumstances should I go there.

I want this job so badly...but I want it NOW so I can put in my notice as far ahead as possible. I know...I'm asking a lot.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Posted by MrsRivera

To answer some of your questions:

1. There isn't any job security at this school...but we don't have tenure in our public schools either. I mean, we do "technically" get tenure, but it doesn't mean anything worth a damn.

2. I COULD keep the interview process a secret from my current principal and leave this job if I get the new one...but as I said, with kids coming a week from now, I'd feel AWFUL to start the year and then cut out on them .

3. I do live fairly close to Mecklenburg County (which is where Charlotte is located), so I could always teach in those schools. The pay is notoriously higher, but so are the standards and expectations. I know a lot of people who have worked for them that have told me under NO circumstances should I go there.

I want this job so badly...but I want it NOW so I can put in my notice as far ahead as possible. I know...I'm asking a lot.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Posted by missfabulous

Posted by MrsRivera

To answer some of your questions:

1. There isn't any job security at this school...but we don't have tenure in our public schools either. I mean, we do "technically" get tenure, but it doesn't mean anything worth a damn.

2. I COULD keep the interview process a secret from my current principal and leave this job if I get the new one...but as I said, with kids coming a week from now, I'd feel AWFUL to start the year and then cut out on them .

3. I do live fairly close to Mecklenburg County (which is where Charlotte is located), so I could always teach in those schools. The pay is notoriously higher, but so are the standards and expectations. I know a lot of people who have worked for them that have told me under NO circumstances should I go there.

I want this job so badly...but I want it NOW so I can put in my notice as far ahead as possible. I know...I'm asking a lot.

I just wanted to respond to your second notation. The job market is huge for teachers. It might be a PITA for the principal to find another teacher, but honestly, they would have SO many applicants I wouldn't worry about that (although I understand what you mean). In the end, you have to do whats best for you and your family.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

DO IT! You only live once! You deserve to be happy! Let us know how it goes!

Re: What would you do if you were me?

I would take it one step at a time. Apply and see what happens. I wouldn't go crazy with the "what ifs" yet.

Re: What would you do if you were me?

I keep looking back to see if you've updated! Please let us know how everything goes!

Re: What would you do if you were me?

Posted by missfabulous

I keep looking back to see if you've updated! Please let us know how everything goes!

Re: What would you do if you were me?

It always frustrates me when a school already has someone in mind for a position. It just happens so much.

But like you, I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason. At least now you dont have to worry about letting your principal know you're leaving or making any big decisions!