By Leigh Cline
Last summer, I made a change and left my school district of 20 years for a job closer to home. If you’ve been thinking about making a change, whether you’ve been in your district for one year or 21 years, here are some thoughts to keep in mind.
1. Be prepared
Research the district, school and position before your interview. Be familiar with the programs and ask questions that show you’re paying attention to the district. Think about your previous experience and how you’ll be an asset when hired. Stay true to yourself! Be proud of your achievements—don’t sell yourself short in interviews. Interviewers appreciate confidence and honest answers.
2. Location
Have a main area you want to work out of, but don’t be afraid to go outside of the radius a bit. Apply to all the districts where you see positions, and see what happens. A job closer to home can mean more time with your family, but you may have to give up jam sessions on the radio during a long drive.
3. Money
Yes, obviously your salary is important. Research the salary guides or reach out to people you know who work there. Districts may give salary guide steps for your experience, but they may not give you all of them. Also, keep in mind that taking a pay cut to go to another district may still save you in the long run if you are driving less and spending less money on gas, tolls, and wear and tear on your car.
4. Administration
During your interviews and demonstration lessons, remember that you are judging if this is a district where you see yourself working. Can you picture yourself working for the people conducting the interview? Are they friendly and supportive? You want to pick a place where you are excited to work and feel supported and valued.
5. Benefits
Leaving your old district behind means your health care benefits may need to change. Your policy may be different, and the amount of your contributions may change, as well. Be aware of what type of plan you can join as a new hire. Some districts only allow single coverage, while others allow family coverage right away.
6. Payroll deductions
When changing districts, you will need to update your information to make sure your deductions come out in your new district and your plans continue. For me, I had to update my 403(b) plan and my Prudential disability plan, as well as move my summer savings club to a new credit union.
7. Rejoin NJEA
Your membership doesn’t automatically transfer when you change districts. Be sure to complete the membership forms or visit njea.org/join to prevent a lapse in service.
8. Try something new
Don’t pigeonhole yourself into looking for one specific type of position. Interview for any positions you are qualified for and see what might be the best fit. Just because you are familiar with a certain position doesn’t mean you won’t love something else.
9. Support
Look for a district that provides professional development, supportive resources and mentoring. Districts that invest in their staff show they want to build a cohesive workforce that grows professionally. Even as a veteran teacher, new hires in a new district have things to learn about the school, district and position. Mentors, instructional coaches and behavior specialists can all be helpful as you get acclimated.
10. Tenure status
When you leave your old district, you must earn tenure again. Starting over can be a scary thing, but when you find the right position in the right district, it will feel worth it.
Leigh Cline is a teacher at the Voorhees Early Childhood Development Center in Voorhees Township, Camden County. Previously a second-grade teacher in Ewing, Cline is the 2022-23 Mercer County Teacher of the Year.