How To Switch Schools As A Teacher
How to switch schools as a teacher
I want to share with you my top 5 tips for switching schools as a teacher. As an elementary teacher in a public school, I know how scary it can be to want to switch schools let alone actually doing it. If you haven’t heard my teacher burnout story, you can watch that video here. One of the ways I overcame teacher burnout was switching schools. If you’re dealing with burnout, go watch that video.
Switching schools just might be the best choice for you
If you didn’t catch the news on Instagram, I’m switching schools and grade levels this fall. I’ve always taught kindergarten or first grade and I’m going to 5th grade. I got the opportunity to switch to my dream school so I took the opportunity. I wanted a really big change, so I decided to take the 5th grade position. Tutoring has helped me feel confident working with older kids so I’m ready for the challenge!
Switching schools doesn't have to be overwhelming
Switching schools can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be
Before I was a teacher, I worked in the banking and loan industries. I didn’t start teaching until I was 27, so I was used to being able to switch positions at the job I had. When I got to teaching, there seemed to be a stigma around wanting to switch schools. In fact, there was a lot of red tape around it. In my school district, before you can even interview at a different school, you’re supposed to tell your building principal first. In the outside world, that’s unheard of. This was definitely something I had to get used to. When I left my first school, I learned many lessons on what not to do. If you’re interested in learning the 10 mistakes I’ve made teaching, you can click here to watch that video.
Switching schools doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider this your guide to moving to your dream school and finally having the teaching position you’ve always wanted.
Start planning early
Start planning early
The early bird truly does get the worm when it comes to switching schools. Last year, I wanted to switch to the school I’m going to this coming year. The principal was very open and honest with me and ended up hiring a teacher she had previously worked with before. She told me she would keep my name at the front of her list and to email her around December of the next year. She did not disappoint and kept in touch with me. As soon as the first job came available, she had me come over to the school and just chat. I didn’t even have to interview at that point. So, start planning early on and know what you want. Sending an email to a building principal as early as you can expressing interest will never hurt.
Utilize connections you have with other teachers
Find out if you have any connections in the building you want to move to
I hate to say it, but in teaching, it really does help to know someone in the building you want to move to. A little nepotism goes a long way and is great in the teacher world. I hate to say it but it’s true, the principal is not likely going to watch you teach a lesson. Likely, you already know someone in the building you want to move to because you’ve heard great things about their school. If you have a teacher friend in that building, even better. My teacher bestie is in the building I’m headed to and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with her. Find those connections and use them!
Express interest in the school early on
Email the building principal and express interest in their school
Email the building principal early on and explain why this is your dream school. I mentioned this before and it never hurts to let the principal know just how much you want to come to their building. Explaining the reasons why you want to be in their building will stand out to that principal and they’ll remember your name when a position opens up. I’m not promising you you’ll get an answer back. Sometimes principals are really good about answering emails and other times they aren’t. It really depends on their personality. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get an email back. They’ll likely remember you.
Be honest with your current building principal
Be honest with your current building principal
Like I mentioned before, most school districts require you to talk to your building principal if you’re going to apply to a school within that district. Principals talk to one another so the last thing you want is to get black listed because you weren’t upfront with your current administration. I know this is tough because I went through a lot of stress leaving my last school. At that point, I wasn’t tenured yet, so I was nervous. I knew I had to do what was best for me, but you still have to have that tough conversation with your current principal.
Stop stressing over moving schools
Stop stressing about moving schools
Just do what you need to do. The only person looking out for number one, is you! Just remember that your happiness in your teaching role is more important than worrying about making a switch. Sometimes switching schools is the best thing we can do for our teaching careers!
If you have any tips for switching grade levels, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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