To put in a transfer request - yea or nay?

[ekaterinn]

I've posted before about looking for a job without letting my principal know, and have gotten some very good advice here, thanks to you all. I'm now asking for advice about trying to transfer within the district as well, which has the major drawback of letting my principal know I want to leave the school

Comments

[wytetygryss]

Are the possibilitiesof having the last few months be bad, or ending up in another difficult place, worse than the certainty that it will be toxic if you stay where you are next year? Can you come up with a backup plan for the possibility of not having a job in teaching next year?

[ekaterinn]

I think you're right. I'm just scared.

If worse came to worse, well, I have savings and could probably cobble together enough part-time stuff to survive while I reapply to grad school. Or my sister taught in Japan for two years and may be able to at least get me an interview with one for her former bosses. :P

[wytetygryss]

I did a transfer last year and I am much happier and less stressed this year. It IS scary... change often is. Best of luck!

[ekaterinn]

Thanks! I did end up putting in the request - it's a relief to think I won't be back at this school next year.

[ekaterinn]

I will certainly phrase it like that if I put in the request! Thanks for the feedback - I think "Do it" is the overwhelming advice I've gotten so far.

[borntoteach]

I don't have any advice really but I hope you find something so you can be happy. In my district, up until last year, transfers were done solely based upon seniority/certification. Principals had ZERO say in who came or went in their schools. So perhaps your principal won't get a chance to say anything bad about you...and if you do get a transfer and s/he makes life hell, file a grievance with your union because that constitutes a hostile work environment which in and of itself is BS.

I really hope things work out for you!

[ekaterinn]

Thanks for the support! I put in the request - I don't think transfers work like that in my district, but I do feel a sense of relief in knowing I'm probably not going to be at this school next year!

[whyintellectual]

The only advice I can offer is not to worry about the kids. You have been taught and lectured to about "doing for the kids" forever I am sure and truth be told... The school doesn't actually have any loyalty to you at all. So make decisions based on what is best for you/your family and worry very little about the children you teach.

[layers_of_eli]

Agree with this.

[ekaterinn]

Thanks so much for your support on this post and my other one. I did end up putting in the request, so we'll see where it leads!

[layers_of_eli]

Good for you :) Hoping you find your "forever school" like I did after my bad experience! It's out there!