Finding that you are unfulfilled or not making enough money to support your lifestyle is depressing. It can also be the biggest motivating factor for changing school districts. However, changing jobs is a big move that shouldn’t be done in the spur of the moment. It will affect many aspects of your life in either a positive or negative fashion. Knowing what to consider when contemplating changing jobs by switching districts can help you avoid the major pitfalls of a bad career move. Here are some things to think about if you believe another school district may be right for you.
Monetary Goals
The last thing you want to do is make a bold career move that you will later regret. It is important to consider your alternatives carefully before changing jobs. Ideally, the new school district will offer a larger, more comfortable salary. While a bigger paycheck can be quite a motivator, it isn’t the only important aspect of your career move.
An attractive benefits package can also be a relevant precursor for a job change. Good insurance is attractive, and there may be other benefits that draw you to a specific school district. For instance, teacher performance bonuses often attract some of the best talents while giving students in the district a better education.
You’ll also want to think about grants, scholarships and educational reimbursements. Teachers’ pay often correlates with their skill level and personal education. If furthering your education is one of your goals, you’ll want to ensure that the new district supports that and rewards you for it. Depending on your age, the retirement benefit offered by a school district may be of specific importance. Each school district offers its own pension plan, and some can be quite enticing.
Personal Achievement
Your personal and career goals should be a big factor in your decision to change school districts. You’ll want to ensure that the new district offers advancement opportunities that correlate with your long-term goals. As you pursue advanced education, you will develop new skills. You’ll want your new school district to support those skills and challenge you professionally. However, what you read on paper isn’t the only important consideration. The professional culture fostered in the district you choose must be one that you not only agree with but also support. Ask about the district’s mission statement and ensure that it is one you can really get behind. You may be working in the new district for a long time so you want to ensure they have a socially responsible agenda that you can support.
Opportunity Cost
Opportunity cost is a big factor in your decision to change school districts. For instance, when will the new school district be ready for you to make the change? Will you have the downtime you need to make it a smooth transition? Changing jobs is a big decision, and you don’t want to feel rushed. Think about the location of the new school district and how it will affect your commute. If the commute is longer, are you being compensated for it? Will you need to arrange your schedule to make time for the longer commute?
Perhaps, it will be just the opposite, and the shortened commute will be a benefit. You should also consider talking to other teachers and professionals who work in the new district. Ask how they feel about it and see if they are willing to recommend it over others. Other professionals can often shed light on things that aren’t public knowledge, such as the way a district supports its teachers.
Changing jobs is a big move, and you want to approach your decision with caution. Take the time to ensure that this district change will benefit you and your career by doing your due diligence. You will find that it makes your decision easier, and you will be much happier with your choice in the long run.