Seeing the replies on GFY's thread shows there's little love for many of the people in my profession, but I thought I would pose this little possible "option" I'm faced with. Next fall, I will be entering my 5th year teaching. In the 4 years I've been here, I've revamped the current curriculumn that consisted of one general Technology Education course, so a 5 course elective option consisting of Digital Photography, Web Design, Electronics, Digital and Graphic Design. I do enjoy what I'm doing, and yes, I have the occasional day where I can almost convince myself I can't take another day, but in the end, it's interesting, rewarding at times, and enjoyable teaching things I love to do. I won't get into the benefits situation, as that will only stir the pot, so to speak, but I won't lie when I say I'm happy with what I have (PA teachers do pay in to both insurance and retirement, btw). Recently, a job has come available at a local college here for a Graphic Design instructor. This position only requires a Master's degree (which I have, but granted not in Fine Arts), and I'm assuming pay would be comparable to where I'm at now, with greater growth potential. A little more freedom in my daily schedule, and the opportunity to teach higher level concepts to more mature students is also a plus, not to mention the shorter drive. Granted, there's a good chance I wouldn't even land the job given the nature of a few key desired traits as outlined in the job posting, but I've considered applying. The catch? I have a good relationship established with the administration and faculty at the high school that I teach, and the administrators would be those whom I would turn to for a letter of recommendation. I feel that I may burn a few bridges by simply making the request. Obviously, I won't be fired for requesting such a thing, but I don't want to tarnish any professional relationships, especially since I'm not overly convinced I would get the position. I WANT to try, and I know at this point in my life, it's the best time for a change (young, no kids, retirement savings have accumulated significantly to make the decision more difficult, etc). Then part of me wonders if I'm just suffering from a temporary "the grass is always greener" mentality. What if I don't like the job if I were to get it? I have no experience teaching at the college level, so I really don't have anything to base my desire to teach at that level on. If I'm happy where I'm at, and while our benefits will most likely drastically change between now and when I would retire, I DO have a job. I'm thankful for that every day, and should I really be messing with a good thing at this point, for the possibly of a PERCEIVED better thing? Thoughts?
I really don't think your current admin can blame you for seeing what else is out there. Is the pay really "comparable"? I know a few who have taught at that school and more have left than stayed, I'm not sure why. I say investigate further.
At the end of the day, you want to know that you have attacked life and have not tried to just settle with the status quo. It sounds like you have a love for Graphic Design and wish to pursue a little more of a challenging job in terms of the technical side. I wish you the best of luck MGH. How hard is it to get back into the public school system in PA after one leaves in good standing?
Before the upcoming state budget overhauls, in my field, since we were in high demand, and low in quantity (Tech Ed teachers that is), it wouldn't be terribly difficult, but it would most likely require a move on my part. Now? Not sure. The positions that will be cut will be the elective based courses first.
The Admins at your school, if they are mature, understanding adults, should not hold any ill will against you for trying to advance your career. They should understand and help you as much as they can.
The Admins at your school, if they are mature, understanding adults, should not hold any ill will against you for trying to advance your career. They should understand and help you as much as they can.
The Admins at your school, if they are mature, understanding adults, should not hold any ill will against you for trying to advance your career. They should understand and help you as much as they can.
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
At least in IL...this is a very typical move...Higher education typically pays a little better, same or better benefits, better schedule (less hours) and more freedom overall. Don't ever hold yourself back for fear of what others might think (even your current administrators) - everyone would and should benefits themselves if given a chance. One thing most people never do is change jobs enough their first 10-15 years out of school...assuming each change you are bettering yourself - it's the quickest way to "climb the ladder" Sounds like you're excited by the possibility - at least investigate it to the fullest. GOOD LUCK!!! (how about all afternoon classes and bowhunt every morning)
