Teaching-Is it okay to say that I'm not coming back next year?

ktyd8 · March 2011

My husband and I recently bought a house closer to his work. Currently we are both driving 1 hour each way to work. I am a teacher and know that I will not be returning next year since the move causes me to be 1.5 hours away from the school each way. I'm really excited to share the purchase of our new house on facebook but am friends with co-workers. Is it okay to post the house and let people put two and two together that I will not be returning?

I also have an interview on Tuesday at a school close to our new home. How do I handle references if I haven't told my current employer I'm leaving?

Dr.Loretta · March 2011

I wouldn't do it. It has the potential to make the work atmosphere weird.

Do you have any references that aren't from your current school?

OUKatie · March 2011

I would hold off on saying something about the house unless you know you absolutely will not come back, even if you don't find a new job.

As far as job hunting without your boss knowing, simply ask that references not be contacted unless an offer is imminent. That's pretty normal, IME (I am on the hiring team at my school).

ktyd8 · March 2011

I know that I am absolutely not coming back next year.

This is my first year of teaching so I feel that using my current employers as references are really my only options.

trigal · March 2011

If you are planning on resigning and have no doubts about it, then by all means, let your employer know! It gives them a heads up for planning for next year, which they are already doing. There is no issue with you not returning due to a move. I'm sure your employer will be happy to write a recommendation or be a reference for you.

Mitzzi23 · March 2011

I would let them know. With the way it seems most districts are struggling financially it would help them plan better. If you had an honest conversation with them and they know it is because the commute will be too long I would think they would understand.

MariaIsMarried · March 2011

I think teaching is a unique field where planning for next year is such an important factor that they would appreciate knowing as soon as possible. My coworker moved out of state last year and by her informing administration early she ultimately saved a more junior teacher from being laid off due to budget cuts.

Ready4theParty · March 2011

I definately think you should tell the school you won't be coming back next year. With all the financial cuts it might come down to your job or someone else's in the district, and maybe they'd pick you and let the other person go. And maybe that person wanted to stay. I say the sooner you tell them the better.

Blessed55 · March 2011

I would definitely let your boss know and then post on facebook...not the other way around.

I left my job to come back to school and I told them months ahead of time that I wouldn't be there after X date. My H is a teacher and he told his boss the same thing months in advance since we had to relocate to another state. He used his principal and another adminstrator at that time as his references. It all worked out really well.

ktyd8 · March 2011

Thanks for the advice! We actually received our letter of intent today for next school year so I'm going ahead and letting my principals know!

ejpumpkin · March 2011

Absolutely let them know. I was in a similiar situation with a 1 hour commute and even without another job lined up for the following school year DH and I knew I had to resign and look for something closer to home.

I told my school in February as I didn't want them planning for the next year and include me in the plans when I knew I wouldn't be there; it wasn't fair to them or to other teachers that could be effected by me staying or leaving. I asked that my admin keep it confidential until April and they were very understanding and respected my wishes.

I asked for letters from them after telling them and there wasn't a problem at all. It is much more respectable to tell them when you are certain it's your plan than to keep them in the dark and potentially hinder their planning/staffing for next year.

gwynnetx · March 2011

because of the craptastic budget crisis in my state, our super is asking us to let our principals know ASAP if we know that we won't be coming back next school year. even if there weren't the budget issue, i think principals would appreciate knowing early so that they can plan ahead. people leave at the end of the school year every year due to moving, staying at home, etc.

nettje · March 2011

It's definitely ok to tell them that you're leaving. It gives the school and administration time to find someone suitable to fill your position. Also, if you are open and up front with you principle and assistant principle, they will probably more than willing to write you a reference for your next school.

I'm from a school board that has a high turn over rate for teachers and I know that my board would be grateful to have the information up front...

kaylynne · March 2011

I am moving to another state over the summer. I told my principal as soon as the decision was solid (two weeks ago). This way I have plenty of time to get recommendations, plus the school has already started planning courses for next year. I was getting questions about my classes from the programmer, and it didn't seem fair to her to let her plan on me. I am going to a job fair in two weeks, and my principal will have had a month to write the rec.

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