Deputy Principal Job-am I mad?

gaeilgegrinds1 · 02-05-2011 10:55pm #1

Ok so here goes. Was told a neighbouring school has a job coming up as D.P. Main differences between workload and that of fulltime teacher? Also, have two very small babies, I am wondering am I mad but I always give out about the need for change, is this not my chance? And yes, I know I haven't even applied, yet alone been called for interview...but I'm just thinking aloud...

doc_17 · 03-05-2011 3:52pm

I'd say go for it....

The young kids won't be long growing up. Deputy gigs are hard to get and suitable ones don't come round that often.

You might have an increased workload in terms of admin but you'll be well compensated in terms of class contact time.

rainbowtrout · 03-05-2011 4:13pm

If it's something you are interested in go for it. I suppose the workload will depend on the size and type of school it is, the bigger the school the less hours in the classroom, but probably more admin and disciplinary type work.

looksee · 03-05-2011 9:29pm

Suspect you will find yourself much more 'on call' and/or working during holidays than in regular teaching.

TheDriver · 03-05-2011 11:49pm

how big is the school? Is there supportive staff and principal?

I won't say go for it unless you know what your getting into. Would you miss teaching? Do you like paperwork/legislation/not being part of the teacher gang anymore?

Feeded · 04-05-2011 12:04am

I'm feeling a sense of excitement from your post and it sounds like you want to go for it so i'd say live life and apply!! You've nothing to lose but a few hours off work for the interview. . . It'd be great interview experience too. . . . Would i be right in thinking that you haven't told anyone in work about it??? If so, you're showing a real modesty that is needed in a job like that. . . Go get 'em gaeilgegrinds!

TheDriver · 04-05-2011 8:23am

I totally disagree, live life might be stopped short if you actually hate it. People apply and then get DP and don't expect it and subsequently hate it but can't get back into teaching, I know a few teachers that this happened to. So you need to think about it. Believe me, its a big big change-A brilliant change but only if you like it!

gaeilgegrinds1 · 04-05-2011 8:24am

Barely told himself, yet alone other staff members. Most don't even know I did a masters. I tend to keep things like that to myself. Sure I'll apply and see!

TheDriver · 04-05-2011 10:47am

other advice, do lots of preparation, I mean lots..........

slickmcvic · 04-05-2011 7:31pm

heres some food for thought
http://www.independent.ie/education/features/diary-of-a-schoolteacher-why-would-anybody-want-the-job-of-deputy-principal-2599931.html

niall3r · 04-05-2011 7:45pm

Incidentally: If you do decide to go for it, and get it, and get a say in hiring and firing. . . . . .

Hows it going.

Redr · 04-05-2011 7:51pm

As an Assistant Principal (or A post as it used to be known) I have to say it is great to go in to a class, teach for the set amount of time, and then you're done. And while many classes are them same you do get a buzz with seeing learning taking place. With admin duties it is neverending and it is getting worse. A DP is going to be doing the timetable, sorting out caretakers/janitors/admin staff, handling discipline, handling health and safety, making returns to the department, filling in for sick teachers (or trying to sort it out), dealing with parents, budgeting, solving the problem of the leaky toilet/lack of connectivity, etc. With Croke Park there is no room for innovation or creativity or changing the system.

You've kids? If you're DP wave goodbye to the teachers' hols - you'll have to find someone to mind them while you're sorting out rooms for exams, etc. I know I sound negative but ...

namoosh · 05-05-2011 8:57pm

Dont go for it. Principals see themselves as 'big picture' people, you'll be left with ALL the day to day running of the school and all the scut work while the principal does 'strategic planning' behind closed doors. Two of my friends are DP's and both said if I knew then what I know now ......

Art Teacher · 06-05-2011 4:15pm

I think you should go for it. You have done a masters so deep down your must have the calling to do it. Here is a link to a good essay about being a deputy principal which may give you ideas for your application form and interview. Best of luck !

TheDriver · 06-05-2011 4:45pm

Art Teacher wrote: »

You have done a masters so deep down your must have the calling to do it.

Lots of Teachers do Masters nowadays for their own interest or increase in pay or CPD. Few do a masters to get a DP or P job

rainbowtrout · 06-05-2011 6:19pm

TheDriver wrote: »

Lots of Teachers do Masters nowadays for their own interest or increase in pay or CPD. Few do a masters to get a DP or P job

I'd agree. Some might do a masters in management with a view to getting a DP job, but geting a DP job was always possibly a long term aim. Some want to do masters just for the sake of it and have no intention of getting into management. I've applied for a Masters in Software Engineering for the next academic year, I have no interest in management but I do like programming

Art Teacher · 06-05-2011 6:38pm

Its true that Masters does not equate with an interest in management, but in Gaeilgegrinds case I reckoned that she was mindful of a management post, and I was trying to encourage her in this direction.

Wow - Software Engineering! I'm trying to finish up on a masters in elearning, i'm finding the whole thesis side of it very headwrecking! I'd love to design software but i wouldn't have the technical brains for it. How about this for a suggestion - The Leaving Cert School online - You could do engineer the software, I could look after the pedagogy of elearning and Gaeilgegrinds could be the principal! We could do it all from our computers at home and our principal wouldn't need to worry about childcare or holidays! Spurious could be the moderator and there's all the teachers on this forum to teach the different subjects.

Although i am grinning at bit here, and have a glass of wine in me at present, Its not that strange an idea, other countries provide national qualification education online. Anyway i reckon Gaeilgegrinds should go for it!

rainbowtrout · 06-05-2011 6:44pm

Art Teacher wrote: »

Its true that Masters does not equate with an interest in management, but in Gaeilgegrinds case I reckoned that she was mindful of a management post, and I was trying to encourage her in this direction.

Wow - Software Engineering! I'm trying to finish up on a masters in elearning, i'm finding the whole thesis side of it very headwrecking! I'd love to design software but i wouldn't have the technical brains for it. How about this for a suggestion - The Leaving Cert Boards School online :pac:- You could do engineer the software, I could look after the pedagogy of elearning and Gaeilgegrinds could be the principal! We could do it all from our computers at home and our principal wouldn't need to worry about childcare or holidays! Spurious could be the moderator and there's all the teachers on this forum to teach the different subjects.

Although i am grinning at bit here, and have a glass of wine in me at present, Its not that strange an idea, other countries provide national qualification education online. Anyway i reckon Gaeilgegrinds should go for it!

I like it, I'll just head on over to the Leaving Cert forum and see what the uptake would be like

Deputy Principal Job-am I mad?

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