Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

I am in my 9th year as a city teacher. I am a VERY well respected teacher who I feel confident enough to say anyone would love to have in their school!

Over the years I've gone on SOME LI interviews and as we all know its all who you know. I hadn't had an interview in like 1 and 1/2 years and just was called last week for one and thought I did GREAT. The principal was so impressed by all of my knowledge telling me I can bring so much of my city teaching experience to her staff. Well, low and behold I just got my rejection letter.

I did make it clear that I would not except a leave ( I am tenured in the city), but there were 7 openings. She did mention though that the tenured track positions are USUALLY given to the ones who did time in the district such as leaves, etc.

I just don't get it. With 9 years experience isnt that so much more then taking your one year leave replacement teacher from within?

My hubby says its money and politics! I give up. Coming up on my 10th year and my salary will be $75,000 so why leave anyway!!!

Just a vent...

Thanks!

Message edited 6/6/2009 6:53:26 PM.

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

With 9 years on I would say you are now too expensive. Unfortunetely I think these days they are hiring straight out of college with just a bachelors, they are the cheapest.

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

I agree with PP, most LI districts will only honor 2-4 years experience when you sign on with them. So if you have much more than that, you seem less "desirable" to them. Also, by taking leaves from within the district they already know what they are getting- they've seen the person teach, seen their relationships with parents, and know how they interact with colleagues.

I'm sorry it's been so frustrating for you!

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hate to say it but I agree with the other posters. You may be thought of as too expensive. Also, sadly, sometimes with LI districts, there is a stigma with city teachers. I have a friend who interviewed for jobs on LI after she'd been in the city for about 7 years. She made it to the supt. at one excellent district at didn't get the job. The supt told her he wanted to be straight with her and told her she had been in the city for too long and that he didn't feel that she would necessarily fit into a LI district after being a city teacher for so long and doing things "the city way" - whatever that means.

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

Posted by mrswask

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hate to say it but I agree with the other posters. You may be thought of as too expensive. Also, sadly, sometimes with LI districts, there is a stigma with city teachers. I have a friend who interviewed for jobs on LI after she'd been in the city for about 7 years. She made it to the supt. at one excellent district at didn't get the job. The supt told her he wanted to be straight with her and told her she had been in the city for too long and that he didn't feel that she would necessarily fit into a LI district after being a city teacher for so long and doing things "the city way" - whatever that means.

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

I'm sorry. I agree with what the other posters have said about being too expensive. I also remember when I was student teaching back in '96 and one of my classmates told me that her district would not even interview anyone who had been in the city.

That's why I never really bothered to look much once I got my job in the city. Fortunately I have always been as happy as one could expect to be anywhere.

Re: Long Island Interviews Are A WASTE Of Time, Even With 9 Years Working For The NYC Public Schools

i'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

my district actually loves to hire city teachers. but the hiring craze of a few years ago when everyone retired is long over. we're lucky if we're having 2 elementary openings for my ENTIRE district this year. everyone is young, getting married and having babies so there are tons of leaves. and that is who my district hires first--their leave replacements.

it isn't always who you know--i've been in 3 districts and didn't know anyone when i was hired. now i'd probably be too expensive if i tried to move districts--which i'd love to do because my commute is insane.

don't give up. the teacher market right now isn't good at all.