While it was once commonplace to start in one classroom and stay there for 30 years, it is not any more. Whether it is a change in the cap allowing veteran teachers more credit for their experience, more charter schools within districts or the increasing competitiveness between and among struggling and successful school districts, teachers of all tenures are more mobile than ever.
Here are a few tips on why and how it may be a good time to change districts.
It’s not you, it’s me
The most important factor in a successful change is getting clear on why we are doing it. Being tired of the bureaucracy in our current district may be exhausting but may not be sufficient for changing every aspect of our professional lives.
Thus, the critical first step is to sit down and honestly answer three fundamental questions, listing the pros, cons and neutral answers for each.
- Are there personal reasons to make the move? (e.g., easier/ same commute, more/less time with family, etc.)
- What is the professional impact of moving? (e.g., better long-term opportunities, more stability, longer/shorter tenure track, etc.)
- How does the move translate financially? (e.g., pay steps, retirement contributions, increased/decreased commuting costs, more extra-pay opportunities, etc.)
Get yourself a box
With that assignment completed to an A+ standard, the next step is to prepare for the move. In a recent conversation with Jillian Schneider, a middle school teacher in Rhode Island who recently made a move across districts, she noted letting go of her old position as a critical step in preparing for her new one.
Letting go included going through old files, books, and non-essentials as well as desk items, wall hangings and organizers. "It is a great time to declutter, streamline and prepare to start anew."
In addition to letting go of physical items, Schneider emphasized the need to let go of old ways of thinking.
She credits being open to new ways of doing things, new people and new opportunities as great ways to build early connections in her new community. "Additionally, I asked a lot of questions about procedures and day one routines. The key is not to be afraid to say you don’t know and ask for help when needed."
Jump!
After getting clear on the tangible reasons to make a move and both physically and mentally preparing to transition, the final step is to do whatever is possible to get ready for the new year.
Frequently, teachers changing districts start right before the new school year, which does not always leave a lot of time for prep. Be ready to adjust those usual late summer plans to allow for flexibility for different start of school schedules and maximize any time available to get in and set up your classroom.
The bottom line is that even positive change comes with a lot of stress. The best way to make any transition as smooth as possible is to get clear on the why and then create as much mental and physical space as possible to make a clean break and take advantage of new opportunities.
