Fear of the Unknown
I am in a quandary. My job as Project Manager for my school is only for 2 years (I am currently in my 1st year). When this job was presented to me I was led to believe that wonderful opportunities would be available once my job assignment was over. However, I have since found out that my school will have to reabsorb me. I have no guarantee where I will be placed. The principal has the option to keep me in my current position, but must use discretionary funds. I have since learned that there is a really good possibility there will be several assistant principal jobs available for the upcoming school year. My quandary is I am not sure if I should apply for these positions since I told them I would be PM for 2 years or if I should finish my 2 years and then pray other opportunities will arise. I could go back into the classroom, but I haven't been in there for 8 years and I feel it would be a step back.
While I am not asking you to tell me what to do; I would love feedback on what you would do and some pros/cons.
While I am not asking you to tell me what to do; I would love feedback on what you would do and some pros/cons.
Was in the same situation a few years ago. Took position through a grant. Had the opportunity to leave after year one but that really wasn't an option due to I couldn't afford a pay cut at the time. When grant was over back to the classroom I went. While I'm sure my position could've had staying power it was totally at the discretion of the principal. Long story short pray and seek the desires of your heart. Yes you gave your word for two years but that was before job stability would come into question. Take the time out to set up meeting with principal and express concerns and your descision would be based on outcome of meeting. History has shown if position is not lucrative for school what would be a good reason to keep it.
ReplyDeleteI would speak to your principal to express your concerns and maybe get more insight into his/her plans for you. I would also be very honest about your desire to apply for AP positions shall they become available, I would definitely not let any opportunities pass by especially with the uncertainty of your current position.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Tonisha and Nicole about talking to your principal, but I also have some thoughts to share about the AP positions (because I'm somewhat in the same boat as you). I'm wrapping up a month long internship now, during which time I've basically worked as an AP. I've also done my homework, so I'll share my experience and insights with you. First of all, I would hope they pay a LOT more money for that position in your district. They just changed our pay scale this past year, so instead of new APs getting about a $12K per year raise, they ONLY get a $3K annual supplement. They do earn more, but it's only their regular pay for the extra month they work in the summer. On top of that, most of our APs work late hours almost every day (after 5 at least and/or work from home). I've had to do this too even as an intern. The extra work and responsibilities and headaches (discipline, RTI, 504s, IEPs, parent complaints, etc., etc., etc.) are definitely NOT work $3K in my humble opinion. Actually, I think it's horrible that people actually take those jobs not realizing what they're getting into, and then in hindsight wish they could go back to their former positions, especially if it's not to the classroom but something like project manager, instructional coach, EIP, etc. Here's another kicker...now administrators CANNOT get a doctorate and get a pay bump to T7 anymore! They will only earn T6 pay, even if they enroll in a program and earn a doctorate on leadership (now that may just be my county, but I think many districts have adopted this plan). I know it's a super tough choice that you're facing, but just make sure you get all the relevant info before making an informed decision. Good luck!
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