To ask advice on a job

[Tinkerbec]

Limited info so I don't out myself.

I currently work in a challenging school initially on a one year contract but it looks like they may renew it. I worked as support staff there for several years but had previously taught. So they sort of took a chance on me. I interviewed properly for it though with others.

A school not far from me that is lovely has essentially said there is a job available and implied I have a strong chance. This is an outstanding school and I would like my own daughter to go there but we live on the boundaries between that school and one in special measures. So it is touch and go whether she would get in. A few old staff from my current school have moved there.

I am just so torn in what to do. I would not have actively looked for another job. I love the people I work with but the apathy and battle to teach and the behaviour is a bit draining. I also feel quite loyal to them. My boyfriend works there too and has helped me out a lot. Not that I could not do it myself just more admin tasks to get work completed more quickly.

I would dread telling the head, my head of department and my close friends. I would feel like I am letting them down. However these chances don't come a long every week. Also my current school still have my final report to write. Not that they would be awkward as they are professional but they maybe irked at the effort.
I am also 37 and was hoping for a mortgage in about 8 months so it would make that longer. I would then probably never have another child as I am getting on a bit.

Aghhhh I don't know.

You are on a one year contract. They haven't renewed it yet. It's May.

You owe them nothing.

Go for this job, and a few others. If they want to keep you, they will get a move on with the renewal.

I'm a teacher too and have been at my current school in various teaching and non-teaching roles for many years. So I sort of understand how you might be feeling about your current school. However, as you say, this is a rare opportunity. Go and visit the other school, see what is on offer, and if you like it then jump! You will start wondering "what if..." if you don't. This your life and your career - sometimes you have to put yourself first.

Take emotions out of the equation. They wouldn't think twice about not renewing your contract. Do what is best for you.

Go to the school you want. You don't owe them anything. You're an employee.

Having said that, when interviewing you, leaving after a year would count against you. I'd wonder how loyal you'd be to the new school.

When would you need to apply / resign? You also need to consider that you might not get the new job having already handed in your notice for your current school.

If it was me, I'd stay put for a couple of years before looking elsewhere. That's using your vague details though. Were you a TA, then got QTS and now have taught for one year?

when interviewing you, leaving after a year would count against you.

Even when it's a fixed term contract which is coming to an end?

Maybe 'could' would have been a better phrase.

When interviewing teachers, there are many, many considerations and they all count for you or against you.

Not renewing a contract may mean that you weren't good enough. It may mean the school couldn't afford you ... any number of reasons. The OP may well be offered another contract which would mean she will tell the new head that she turned it down and would like to work for them.

It's not going to mean she doesn't get the new job but it's unlikely to be viewed as a positive. In an ideal world, I like staff who move on after about 6 years.

I would go for it. You don't know for sure that your current job will renew. You don't know for sure that you will get offered the second job. You don't have any decision to make until you have two job offers.

Remember that interviews are two-way things - what would swing the new one in your favour? Permanent contract, better hours, better pay, better chances for training? What would put you off? The interview is the time to find out about any of this, as well as tell them all you have to offer.

The fact they haven't renewed your contract yet shows that either they are not going to renew it at all or they are taking you for granted. Either way they are not looking out for you, so you really need to look out for yourself. The other school are looking out for you and making and getting you on board. It sounds like an ideal set up for you! Go for it and all the best!

when interviewing you, leaving after a year would count against you.

Even when it's a fixed term contract which is coming to an end?

Thanks all

I have worked here for about 6 years. It is a one year contract teaching but still have my support staff role but apparently they have me on the timetable as a teacher next year.

Aghhh so hard . I already feel guilty talking just acting like normal today. Aghhh

For months I was led to believe that my first job (fixed term year) would be made permanent. They then realised they had to lose a class so of course it was me who had to go. Believe me, until you have a permanent contract in your hands anything could change!

Are they paying you now as a teacher or support staff?

As a teacher pay at moment.

I would go and look at the other school. Get a feel for it, what the kids are like (watch them arriving and leaving school), the staff, the department. If you like it then go for it or you might find your existing school wake up and offer you a proper contract. Always go with the better contract. Dealing with constant poor behaviour is really wearing, however conversly being in a school where every kid, irrespective of ability, has a ridiculously high target grade, is also wearing.

Simple. Tell them you have to go for job security. They havnt offered a new contract so you have to hedge your bets and apply for other jobs