It is my first year teaching and I was happy to find any kind of job. Currently, I am working 50% in a high school about an hour from my house. I enjoy the work, but the commute is difficult and I am barely making enough to get by, even with my other part-time retail job. Now, a job right in the town where I live opened (just today!). It's 100% so I would even get benefits, which I don't get now. Is it silly to apply? I can't find anything in my current district's contract about resignations. Would they allow me to leave if I was offered the position? Thank you for any advice.
Are you on good terms with the administration? If so, just come out and ask them what you should do. Many districts do have reasonable "opt-out" clauses for situations like yours.
Thank you for your advice. I think I will apply and see if I get an interview. I feel guilty for even thinking of changing schools during the year, but this is a job where I could stay until retirement.
I say apply. While most of the time I believe you honor the contract in a case of fulltime over half time employment, I say do what is best for your family.
Update: They called and said they wanted me to come in for a talk. I thought this meant interview and got all ready and prepared. However, it was really just the principal wanting to ask a few questions and I guess see my personality. He said since it wasn't an interview he could ask me some personal questions. Not many just a few. Overall, it was a bit of strange experience. Anyway, now he will decide who to ask to the formal interview. Anyone had this happen to them? Also, if I would get offered the job, how likely is it that my district would hold me to my contract? I have never known anyone who resigned from a teaching job and if they had problems getting out of their contract. Thanks as always.
Have never heard of that before, but for my current job I was prepared for an interview and the director ended up just telling me about the job and how the office works. At the end, she offered me the job on the spot. (Not a teaching job). I know teachers that have been let out of their contracts mid-year. I don't see it being a problem for you.
As a prospective employer it was still illegal for the principal to ask you personal questions, no matter how he tried to frame it. If you do accept a job there you should be mindful of your rights in case he makes a habit of trying to twist laws to get what he wants.
You should be good. But, be mindful. If you're under contract the administration can raise heck up to, and beyond, suspension of your teaching license.
