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Need Some Advice
So, I know a while ago I was talking about DH encouraging me to look around for a job that was closer to home and made a little more money. And I basically told him that, no, I like my job even though it's an hour away.
Well.... that still rings true. However, a position at the local laboratory school opened up, and I'm seriously considering applying for it. For those of you unfamiliar with the term 'laboratory school,' basically it is a school that functions as a place where future teachers at the college the school is affiliated with go to train and study. Also, the school tends to be on the cutting edge of education and technology and all of that good stuff.
I went to the laboratory high school in the district that this elementary position is in. It's kind of my dream job. The school is so awesome, and my brother went there, too. I know several teachers and students there already. It really would be an amazing position to get. I'd be honored to teach there. So I've been fiddling with a cover letter for the past hour, and am very seriously considering applying. DH is totally for it.
Here's the tricky part: the application wants reference letters. Since I'd prefer my principal not know that I'm looking for another job unless I get an interview, how do I go about this? I know that I would ask the special education teacher that I co-teach with to write me one, but who else can I ask? Am I wrong for wanting to keep this on the DL unless they're interested in me? I have such mixed feelings right now, and don't know what to do.
Re: Need Some Advice
I think you are correct in how you are going about it. Whenever we have done hiring, we have had people tell us that their current employer doesn't know they are employing. I have even filled out applications myself that ask if it is OK to contact the current employer. As far as references go, I think your co-teacher is a good choice. Do you have department heads? Is there possibly a vice principal or curriculum director that you trust that could write one for you? A letter from a parent may even be a good idea.
I don't blame you for not telling them. You don't want to burn any bridges in case you don't get it.
I think it's generally unwise to let your current employer know you are updating your resume/job searching unless you were demanding a raise. You never want to give your employer a reason to fire you or let you go. Especially in this economy when so many recent grads are chomping at the bit to get into their first teaching job.
Ask only those who you feel would also keep this on the DL. Are there any other previous employers you still keep in contact with? Mentors or professors? I don't limit myself to just professionals either. I've had good friends of my parents write me reference letters since they know me well. GL!
Do the creep.
Thanks for confirming my thoughts, girls. I'm just having such mixed feelings about it for several reasons. I like where I work now, but it's an hour away. The lab school is literally 5 minutes from my house. But I love teaching middle school, and the lab school position is for 4th grade. I think that I would love 4th grade too, but for very different reasons.
Ugh... I hate being a grown up.