Am I the only one that's hesitant to apply for jobs mid-year? Other than maternity and retirement, don't these positions usually open up because a teacher quits due to a rough class? Just speculation of course.
No offense, but that is all in your head. Teachers around here do not quit midyear due to rough classes. I've known of teachers taking a job in a charter and quitting within a month (I, myself, did this.), but I've never known of a public school teacher doing this. Besides, if they were quitting due to a rough class, they will likely quit by October.
It's not always due to rough kids, but taking over any class in the middle of the year is challenging. I took over a class that gave the first teacher a nervous breakdown. They ran off three LTS before I applied. By the end of January, we were running like I'd started the year with them, but it was tough. Most of the time, mid-year openings are due to spouse work transfers and retirements. I only know of a couple of people who were fired or quit.
We have never had a teacher quit mid-year due to a rough class, and we have mid-year positions open up more often than most people think. * teacher let her license expire * teacher took a newly-created position * teacher took an admin job * teacher took a job in another district for better pay * teacher retired (most common) * teacher's spouse/partner was relocated for work * teacher on sabbatical * teacher doesnt return from maternity leave * teacher unable to return from sick leave
I'm with others, just because it's a mid year opening, it doesn't mean it is due to rough classes. If a school has a lot of teacher turnover, that is a bigger red flag, as in my mind is probably due to rough students and even more a mediocre, non-supportive administration.
My district will be hiring a new teacher to start in November. The new hire will be replacing a teacher who has accepted a supervisor position in another district.
She covered it all When I was looking for a job, I kept applying throughout the year, not just summer. Job openings pop up all the time. Is it less than when the school year ends? Absolutely. But always try all year round to maximize your chances of getting a job. It's not always because someone quit due to a difficult class. Also, even if that's the case, what if you are able to handle that "difficult class" better? Keep applying!
