How easy is it to transfer schools in a district? For example, would it be difficult to transfer from a high school to elementary school (or whatever the situation is)? I am just thinking for the long term. Can anyone share how this process works?
I'd say that it depends on your district. In my district it's pretty easy to transfer to another school within the district. In the spring, the district opens up voluntary transfer periods and provides a list of all the available positions at all the schools in the district. If you want one of the positions and are qualified, you just call the principal and set up an interview. If the principal wants you, you're transferred. No muss, no fuss.
Agreed with Caesar, it really depends. It used to be easy in my district but isn't really anymore. It's still easier than getting hired as a new person.
Getting transferred in my district has become a lot more difficult. When I moved positions a few years ago, my principal put in a good word and that was it. Now, teachers who wish to transfer have to go through the same interview process as new teachers wishing to get hired into the district.
In my district you had to be hired just like a new teacher, although if word got around that you were good, it was easy to transfer as anyone would want you. Of course they'd rather have the person who has proven themselves in the district rather than an outsider who just interviews well.
Here's how it works in my district: Postings (for transfer purposes) go out in spring. No interviews are held. If you want to apply for a posting, you can do so. The person who is awarded the position is the teacher with the most experience in the grade-level they're applying for. For example, I taught middle school during 2011-2012. When a 2012-2013 transfer posting for 2nd grade came up, I applied for it. I was awarded the position over someone who had 15 years in the district because I had six years of 2nd grade experience and she had only taught kinder and 1st. Again, no interview was held. It was based solely on experience. Most principals hate this process because they sometimes get "stuck" with someone undesirable and they have no say-so!
In the Spring in my district they send out a memo that anyone who wants to transfer can send in their info. There isn't a list generated a head of time. Principals then interview the candidates they think would be a good fit and then hire the ones they like best. Everyone is guaranteed a position if they are already a staff member of our district. You would have to have credentials for whatever subject/age group you wanted to move to. The process is relatively easy.
It's slightly complicated in my district. There is an internal application and then you can check it for positions. Internal applicants who are certified must be given an interview. The P then decides who they want. Its not unheard of for P's to block you from leaving though.
It's really shady that a P would block you from leaving. I know that each time I have transferred, my Ps have been very sad to see me go but very supportive to support me in finding the right position for me.
We get intent forms in the spring where we indicate whether we are returning or not. It used to have a place to request transfers, and it was a matter of filling that out. Now the jobs are all posted, and the teachers have to apply and be interviewed like everyone else. Each school hires its own staff, so it's no longer a district job.
We are given intent forms in the spring and there is a place where you can request a transfer. It isn't guaranteed but when it comes down to trying to plug up open positions they will look at internal requests before hiring outside people. Of course there is a lot of shuffling around regardless in my district lately as I am possibly going on to my third transfer.
