I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)

I'm about to enter my 7th year of teaching. I've lived in NC for 4 years now.

I've worked in a few schools here, and I ended up in a high-need, high-poverty school this past year. It was the hardest job of my life, but I absolutely LOVED my principal. Working for her was such a pleasure.

Fast-forward to the end of the year--our school didn't make adequate growth percentage on our end-of-year standardized tests (Big surprise there--ask non English-speaking students to take a 3 hour reading test and actually pass it in a language they haven't learned yet...great idea!). As part of not making growth, our school has now been taken over by the state, a new principal was brought in and my old principal has been transferred to a different school.

The school I work in currently is a 40-mile round trip commute. The school my principal got transferred to is literally 5 minutes from my doorstep.

I made my feelings known at the end of the year that I REALLY wanted her to consider having me transferred to be at her new school (she LOVES me and has always had amazing things to say about my teaching). On my way out on the last day, I said, "Please don't forget me...I would even take a Kindergarten position to come to your school" (I'm more of an upper-grade person).

I haven't heard anything. I would like to send her an email or give her a call, just to check in and remind her that I'm still interested. But, I don't know HOW--I don't want to seem pushy, but in more ways than one, this situation would be IDEAL for me, especially with two babies at home.

What should I do?

Message edited 7/6/2011 11:32:38 PM.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

I would email her.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Hello!

I would not even mention Title 1... or commute. I would say something similar to this.

Dear ___________________,

I am writing to express how deeply grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work under your supervision this past year. Your dedication to the students and our school community inspired me to come into work each day and put fourth my greatest efforts despite difficult circumstances.

It would truly be an honor to continue working with you as I feel like my professional goals and values closely align with yours. I would like to apply to a vacancy within your school district. Please let me know the proper protocol for this as I am greatly interested.

It would be a great priviledge to continue to be a member of your staff for the 2011-2012 school. My dedication and passion for this career remains as strong as the day I started teaching 7 years ago. I would love to bring this passion to the ________ school district.

Best Regards,
_____________________


Something like that? I dunno lol Hope you found it helpeful!

Message edited 7/6/2011 1:03:18 AM.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Thank you all so much for your suggestions!

I did wind up emailing her--late last night. In NC, all of Union County is one large school district with 50-something elementary schools, 12 middle schools, etc. So it's not a matter of switching districts, it's just a transfer within my current district.

I have a very friendly working relationship with my principal, so I was a little less formal. Here's what I wrote:

Hi Ms. xxxxxxx!

I hope you are having a fabulous summer, and that you are enjoying some R&R! I, for one, have discovered something amazing--food shopping on a weekday! Amazing!!!

I'm just checking in with you to see if you might have anything for me at your new school for next year. I'm sure you have plenty of people asking--I am just beginning to weigh my options for the upcoming year. Being closer to home and to my kids would be a huge advantage. But mostly, I just loved working for you and I'm hoping you have room for me in your new school--teacher, teacher assistant, custodian... :)

Thanks! Hope all is well!



And now, I wait...

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Posted by MrsRivera

Thank you all so much for your suggestions!

I did wind up emailing her--late last night. In NC, all of Union County is one large school district with 50-something elementary schools, 12 middle schools, etc. So it's not a matter of switching districts, it's just a transfer within my current district.

I have a very friendly working relationship with my principal, so I was a little less formal. Here's what I wrote:

Hi Ms. xxxxxxx!

I hope you are having a fabulous summer, and that you are enjoying some R&R! I, for one, have discovered something amazing--food shopping on a weekday! Amazing!!!

I'm just checking in with you to see if you might have anything for me at your new school for next year. I'm sure you have plenty of people asking--I am just beginning to weigh my options for the upcoming year. Being closer to home and to my kids would be a huge advantage. But mostly, I just loved working for you and I'm hoping you have room for me in your new school--teacher, teacher assistant, custodian... :)

Thanks! Hope all is well!



And now, I wait...

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Think that sounds good! Fingers crossed for you.

I travel almost 60 miles round trip everyday for work, so I understand the need to be closer to home.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

Good luck! I think what you wrote sounded good.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...

I got a response back. Maybe not the response I was hoping for, but it's not all bad. What do you guys think?

Hi, Beth. I’m glad you are enjoying the time off. You most certainly deserve it! I’m still waiting to hear from Dr. xxxxxx on the opening I may have. I hope to hear back from him by the end of this week. I’ll definitely let you know.

Thanks for staying in touch!

(she signed it with her first name).

Message edited 7/6/2011 11:30:17 PM.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)

I think her reply is a good sign. She knows your interested, obviously feels the same towards you. If she wasn't interested she could of blown you off or given you a "No". My advice is even if she can't hire you, stay in touch w/her. Maybe she can bring you over for the 2012-2013 school year.

Good Luck!

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)

that sounds very promising!

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)

Certainly not a bad response! And I do think if she weren't considering you for the opening, she'd never have mentioned it in the e-mail. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)

that sounds like a great response.

What were you looking for? Were you hoping she would say, yes I will hire you right then and there in the email?

This looks great. Keep in touch with her no matter what.

Re: I'm a teacher with a dilemma--but I could use some advice from non-teachers as well...(somewhat of an update)