Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

So, I got 2 job offers yesterday... I loved both schools - and the principal and AP that I met with were both phenomenal... and both were close commutes (1.2 vs. 4.5 miles). Though, i do get a bit concerend with the 1.2 mile commute... just because I'll be so close.

Both are for 5th grade, one that classes would probably be a bit larger. The further one i loved the principal, whereas I loved the ap at the other, but didn't meet the principal.

Does anyone have any advice they might be able to give me? Any pros/cons to living so close (4.5 miles is at least different shopping centers, etc., where as 1.2 I'd probably be bumping into the kids all the time).

Also, the one principal (4.5 miles) bribed me with a smart board

Message edited 6/29/2006 7:01:29 PM.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

personally, I would never live so close to my district. I am 4 towns over (about 5 miles) and that is perfect for me!! I hate the thought of running into parents at the supermarket, drug store, or (god forbid in their eyes) the liquor store!!

plus, I could never turn down a smart board!! I am dying for one!!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I don't really have any advice about the distance, but I just wanted to congratulate you for getting 2 offers! That is amazing and I am sure you will make the right decision!! Best of luck to you!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Posted by Karen

personally, I would never live so close to my district. I am 4 towns over (about 5 miles) and that is perfect for me!! I hate the thought of running into parents at the supermarket, drug store, or (god forbid in their eyes) the liquor store!!

plus, I could never turn down a smart board!! I am dying for one!!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Posted by Diana

I don't really have any advice about the distance, but I just wanted to congratulate you for getting 2 offers! That is amazing and I am sure you will make the right decision!! Best of luck to you!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Well I know that when my friends who are teachers see parents and/or students around town they try and hide. Distance wise, both jobs are both so close - you can't really go wrong with either choice. Go with your gut though.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I'm not a teacher, but I did work in a library close to my home and while convenient, wasn't that great in the long run. On a weekend or day off running errands, I'd bump in to tons of people. Of course I'd be in sweats and no make-up, and they'd ask why I wasn't working today.

Convenience definitely has its pros/cons. good luck!!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Congrats.

First, if I could at all help it I would not teach in my home district. My commute is a bit much but at least I can go out to dinner with DH, vent about my job and not worry about who is in the booth behind me or run into parents at the grocery store asking about what Jimmy got on his test.

Two, do you know about benefits at either?

Third, Pay scale? Steps for extra credit? Sometimes the highest starting salary is not the best because it depends upon the increments. My district has an average starting salary but we only have 17 steps and MS plus 60... teachers start to actually lose money after 17 years. Can you find a pay chart?

Fourth, job security? Are they expecting any other openings in the school. I'm now 3rd in seniority with 8 people under me in my dept. Even with budget cuts my head will never be on the chopping block. That's so important, particularly in districts where budgets can be iffy year to year. Trust me I know mine is like that even in good economic times... for decades we bite our nails during every budget vote. Also, what do the expect the population to do in the next several years? Grow?- good for you because you won't me "low man"... Shrink? YIKES, you'll be sitting on pins and needles every year.

Just some food for thought.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Thanks so much!

Both are actually in the same district - VA does it by counties, and then clusters (kind of like district), but pay/benefits are all the same unless i worked in an excel school (no half day mondays/longer days because of accrediation issues).

While there is a chance of having to change next year at the one, I would just be destaffed to another school, or moved to another grade - That's the good thing about a large district - I have 136 other elementary schools to choose from.


Ugh - so much to think about!

Thanks for the congratulations and the advice though

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Congrats Deb!!!

I dont know anything about teaching but I would go for the one further away. Good luck!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I would hate to see the kids or parents outside of school. I would go to the further one. Congrats, you must be a great teacher

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Personally I would go with the one a bit further away. You do not want to be running into parents and students in the supermarket, on the street, at restaurants or bars.

ETA: Congrats!!

Message edited 6/29/2006 4:49:10 PM.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

One con I could see is that students would probably know where you lived at the 1.5 mile one and you may even be in the community. I definately would not want to live in the community where I was the dean, that is for sure!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I'm leaning toward the slightly further/smart board one

But I'm going to call her tomorrow just to ask her about what happens next year (this class just happens to be a bit big... so does that mean i would possibly move to 6th next year, or what).

I feel so lucky to have gotten both of the schools i wanted the most, but at the same time, this is making it difficult!

Thanks again for all of the advice/things to think about! You ladies are the best!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

My school got two smart boards for next year. I am lobbying hard to get one of them.

So that's my input.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I live 2 towns over from where I teach....less than a 10 minute drive. ALthough I LOVE being so close to work, I am always worried about seeing parents - especially in bars, etc. I feel like I always have to have my "professional" face on. I would definitely go with the 4.5 mile one - like you said different shopping centers, etc. You can run out with no makeup on in sweats and not have to worry. Just another story to sway you - I work with a teacher who lives down the block from the school. An incident happened at school and the parent took it upon himself to KNOCK ON THE TEACHERS DOOR that night to dicuss the situation. ***?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!??!!??!?!!?!?

ETA: CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING OFFERED THE JOBS!!!!!!!!!! (And the smartboard too!!!!!)

Message edited 6/29/2006 5:37:17 PM.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

I would go for the 4.5, the fab principal and the smartboard!!!

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

with gas prices as high as they are, I would take the closer job

congrats by the way

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one)

Thanks everyone!

But it gets better!

One of the reasons I wanted the closer position was because i had worked with the principal before when i student taught... Well, he's going to another school, which is fine, since I loved the AP...

Well, now I got an e-mail from him - he wants to e-mail me at his new school.

I don't know if he e-mailed me and forgot that he saw me the day before at his old school (he's still there wrapping things up), or if he e-mailed me because he found out how much the other school liked me

Not gonna lie, I'm getting a bit of a big head from all of this

I'm going to call him tomorrow to find out about the position(s), just because I've previously had good experiences with him. So we shall see.

I swear - it's either feast or famine - the same thing happened to me last year

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Deb this is great news!!! I looked for a job for THREE years and sent out hundreds upon hundreds of resumes in TWO states and nothing but interviews where I just made the cut

Actually, my dating life was kinda similar... it took me years... 20 years of dating... in many jobs I would have qualified for a pension after 20 years before meeting DH

These are all GREAT problems to have

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Aww - thanks so much!

I actually feel a bit bad post this dillema when i know so many teachers are looking for jobs in NY...

But just to let you know, teaching jobs in VA are much easier to come by considering several schools are openend in the area every year... and this particular district has over 130 elementary schools alone.

I do want to wish all of you the best of luck in your job search - and - hey - if you're willing to move to VA I'll hook ya up

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Yes, best of luck everyone.

My experiences are from over a decade ago (when you could have been my student as I'm an oldie.
I've been tenured for 8 years in my district and would make less than 1/3 my salary if I went to VA or almost any other part of the country. I would be losing money even with the cheaper housing.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.
Sleep on it and it might just come to you. Go with your gut.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

Yes, best of luck everyone.

My experiences are from over a decade ago (when you could have been my student as I'm an oldie.
I've been tenured for 8 years in my district and would make less than 1/3 my salary if I went to VA or almost any other part of the country. I would be losing money even with the cheaper housing.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.
Sleep on it and it might just come to you. Go with your gut.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Great news, Deb! It must feel awesome to have them fighting over you.

Re: Bit of a job dillema... (But a good one) Updated at bottom with another interesting twist :P

Oooh, I LOVE smart boards!