Career moves

Seanchai

I'm teaching in a small school, and I'm very happy there. My job prospects are very good, and while I have thought about applying for new jobs, many of which are being advertised, I'm apprehensive about giving up a job in which I'm very happy. At all levels this is a brilliant school, except one: career advancement (because it's small).

I have now c. 5 years experience teaching and academically, aside from my subjects, I'm qualified up to, and including, Level 10. I'm a Year Head, but that's about as good as it's going to get due to seniority. I'm happy with the seniority thing as everybody without exception that I work with is sound (what a rare thing to say in a workplace; I know I'm blessed). Nevertheless, I'm looking another five years down the road and thinking where I'd like to be - on the way to being a principal, an examiner or something else with better pay in the system. I'd also like to write the textbooks, but I haven't a clue about the politics or finances of getting into that world (I only know that existing textbooks in my subject areas are poor).

Given my circumstances, what would you advise me to do: to stay and apply for such positions as an external candidate, or to move? grma/thanks.

rainbowtrout

I have written a couple of textbooks in my area so if you want to PM me about how that works you're more than welcome... btw it will only be a sideline, you won't earn enough from it to make it your main source of income.

TheDriver

i would say take each year as it comes. If you have your eyes on P or DP get your CV filled with other things either in school or outside of school. When you feel its time, start spotting ads around the place, there are pros and cons for outsiders and insiders. Maybe inspectorate would suit you, maybe the SEC would be a nice place for you. I personally love being a school manager but would hate the other 2, others would feel differently.

teacherhead

I'm at it ten years now in my school, have an a post, am very happy in the school too, it's a very good school, good enrolment, waiting list most years, it's a vocational school too btw.
As happy as I am, I want to move on up the ladder for a different challenge.

What surprises me is the attitude of some of my. Colleagues to the notion of looking for promotion. They would make you feel like some sort of lunatic who is power hungry or money hungry or both and seemingly can't see any good in anyone who would want it.

On the other hand the rest of my colleagues are very supportive.

Have ye come across this kind of attitude or is it just the begrudging checkers in my school?

TheDriver

people thought I was mad when i wanted to go into senior management but it takes all sorts I suppose.
Remember your best friends may become your worst enemies and you may need a thick skin but its great fun and highly rewarding.