This kind of goes with my question about my daughter in the "How do you help your child" post.

This year I taught in a small rural school (only 38 kids in the whole school). I know at the first of the year, I complained about the stress. I have discovered that I do this ever September so next September if I complain, just tell me to "shut up, things always get better!" I absolutely love my school but teaching a 1-2-3 class is challenging and demands extra planning time.

Next year, there is a Kindergarten position coming up at the school DD and DS go to. I can't decide if I should transfer or not. I taught at this school last year and the principal would like me back (or at least I think so. There wasn't a job there this year for me.) It's the same school division.

Pros for staying where I am: I know the children. I would have many of the same children again next year. They are a great group. I wouldn't have to spend time figuring out where they were academically and would only have to teach routines to the new students. The staff is wonderful and I have lots of opportunities for professional development. I could also possibly take DD with me to get her in to a new social group.

Pros for the Kindergarten: only one grade level for planning. I would be in the same school as the kids. No commuting, no afterschool child care. Kindergarteners are so adorable.

Cons for staying where I am: planning is very time consuming. My wonderful aid is leaving this year.

Cons for the Kindergarten: some staff find the adminstrator somewhat overbearing.

So, any advice or comments????

By Karen~admin on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 05:57 am:

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

For me, the fact that I'd be in the same school as my kids with no commute or after school care would seal the deal.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 07:17 am:

The question is not whether some staff find the administrator overbearing, but whether you find the administrator overbearing. Can you work comfortably with this administrator, or would you be transferring for all the other pluses you listed and just grit your teeth and bear it when dealing with the administrator? If the latter, how much contact would you have with the administrator - weekly, daily, several times a day?

Unless the administrator is a negative for you, it seems to me to be an easy question to answer. If the administrator is a negative for you, how much of a problem would this be? You've worked there, so you know the answer to that question. Given that this is the only negative you've listed at the school with the new position, only you can decide how heavily it would weigh on your decision.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 09:07 am:

Agree with Ginny, The administrator would be a big red flag for me if it is someone I personally can't stand to deal with. Not others opinions but my own.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 01:08 pm:

Bleh, administrators need teachers more than anything and you're always going to have some sort of administrator that isn't that great...I'd just avoid him/her and enjoy being at the same school as your kids. (Especially if your daughter is having a hard time with friends, etc.)

Oh, and I'd be ecstatic about having less planning. That's way too much on your plate, along with commuting, afterschool care.

By Colette on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 02:17 pm:

Ditto Mrs Heidi.

By Paulas on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 04:11 pm:

I've worked with the principal before but only as a VP. We also golf together. However, I have never worked with her as an principal. I guess I believe that if I do my job well there shouldn't be a problem.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 04:56 pm:

Then why exactly are you asking us???

You suggested that we tell you, "if I complain, just tell me to "shut up, things always get better!" Well, shut up and apply for the job... Sounds like a better deal for you and your family, which is always a kicker... Let us know when you take the next step so we can keep you in our thoughts over this whole deal and what will be will be...

You crack me up by the way, I have a hard time making my mind up over things too.. I drive everyone around me crazy, the other moderators too... I am just getting to where I can find humor in it.. One of the blessings of getting older I think... Anyway, best of luck... and keep us posted...

By Paulas on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 06:59 pm:

LOL Bobbie

I am having feelings of guilt for even thinking about leaving my current school. I know what I believe about me doing my job but I still worry. Staff morale is down this year b/c people find admin too pushy.

You are so right, Bobbie...I can never make up my mind.

By Karen~admin on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 07:22 pm:

Paula, do some soul-searching, decide in your heart, what is right for YOU. That's what really matters. What is best for YOU and your family, what will make YOU happiest, what will be the best thing for your family. It's very easy to be sucked into the guilt thing, or the feeling that you are at least partially responsible for making things better for others in given situations. But if YOU aren't happy, what's it all worth??

By Enchens on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 08:09 pm:

Ditto, Karen. I was feeling very guilty about quitting my job a few years ago. When I started to think of ways I could still do the commute and find a sitter for my ds, my boss saw me and said,"Oh, I just found someone to replace you." I still had a few weeks left on my contract at the time. That statement woke me up, and I quit without feeling guilty. My point is that you can always be replaced at a job, so do what's best for you and your family.