Going from an A.P. back into the classroom
Going from an A.P. back into the classroom
How would it appear to potential employers if someone who has worked as an assistant principal for a couple of years applied for a teaching position at a new school? I would like to move on from my current school and I am looking at teaching positions, not principal or AP positions, which seem to be filled from within a school. Is it possible to go back into the classroom after working as an A.P. for a few years and have this not be viewed as some kind of demotion or a step back professionally? Are superintendents at fairs going to find this strange, or will they view me as a stronger teacher, having been in my current position as an AP? I miss teaching to be honest.
Responses
First, many admin positions (mine included) were filled externally, the demand has increased to the point that Search now has an admin/leadership fair for them specifically.
You must be from the states, because almost all international schools are private and dont have superintendent. The term is usually headmaster or headmistress (dont giggle) to describe a schools CEO (usually referred to as the "head"), who may be the schools owner or reports to a board. Below that you have principals. Usually 1 for primary and 1 for secondary. If an IB school they may have three (PYP, MYP, DIP), sometimes these principals are called directors or coordinators. Below those you have Assistant (Vice) Principals, who may also be called Coordinators, or Assistant Coordinators, or Assistant Directors, or Deputy Directors.
Sorry for the lecture. I was trying to figure out how to write this, but I think any recruiter for a school would find in strange and probably worrisome that youd be "stepping back" from being an admin to a teacher. Along that line, your time as an admin has effectively removed you from the classroom for some length of time, which means your not "currently" a teacher, and a recruiter might be concerned how "dated" your skills are.
In all honesty, we (I) just dont know enough about you or your resume to really comment on how any particular recruiter would perceive you. Though I believe your comment of "missing the classroom" is an understandable one.
You must be from the states, because almost all international schools are private and dont have superintendent. The term is usually headmaster or headmistress (dont giggle) to describe a schools CEO (usually referred to as the "head"), who may be the schools owner or reports to a board. Below that you have principals. Usually 1 for primary and 1 for secondary. If an IB school they may have three (PYP, MYP, DIP), sometimes these principals are called directors or coordinators. Below those you have Assistant (Vice) Principals, who may also be called Coordinators, or Assistant Coordinators, or Assistant Directors, or Deputy Directors.
Sorry for the lecture. I was trying to figure out how to write this, but I think any recruiter for a school would find in strange and probably worrisome that youd be "stepping back" from being an admin to a teacher. Along that line, your time as an admin has effectively removed you from the classroom for some length of time, which means your not "currently" a teacher, and a recruiter might be concerned how "dated" your skills are.
In all honesty, we (I) just dont know enough about you or your resume to really comment on how any particular recruiter would perceive you. Though I believe your comment of "missing the classroom" is an understandable one.
Last edited by PsyGuy on Sat Nov 19, 2011 3:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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overseasvet2
- Posts: 191
- Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:50 pm
Heads of School
You're right, PsyGuy, there are different titles for heads of school. Schools that began primarily to service the U.S. community will often call the head of school "superintendent". It has nothing to do with private/public but a very U.S. oriented school. I think "Director" is one of the most common titles but if you look on search, you'll see a whole variety in use.
As far as going back into the classroom, it all depends on how you describe it. If admin is not a career path for you and you're honest about that, it would have to be respected. If it's just because no openings have come your way, then the person doing the hiring will probably wonder how long you'll be around. Go after what gives you the greatest professional satisfaction.
As far as going back into the classroom, it all depends on how you describe it. If admin is not a career path for you and you're honest about that, it would have to be respected. If it's just because no openings have come your way, then the person doing the hiring will probably wonder how long you'll be around. Go after what gives you the greatest professional satisfaction.
I think you can predict two lines of questioning for your potential interviews.
The 1st will probe why you want to move from admin to the classroom?
I suspect many admin would relate to a peer who missed the contact with students and the joy of spending more time in the classroom. If that's how you feel and you project this in an interview, they will be impressed.
The 2nd line of questioning will probe whether you are up to date with your teaching methods etc (how do you assess students, differentiate, incorporate tech into your teaching etc etc).
Having recently been through a job interview process with one of the better international schools, you really need to be able to state specific examples of how your teaching is cutting edge and reflective of current educational research. If you can do this, then the recent admin experience should not stop you finding a good teaching position.
Of course, a lot depends on your teaching area and what you did as an administrator - for instance, if your job involved instructional leadership and mentoring teachers, you'd be more attractive than if the job was of the 'organising the school buses and the schedule' variety and not too related to classroom teaching.
All the best with your job search.
The 1st will probe why you want to move from admin to the classroom?
I suspect many admin would relate to a peer who missed the contact with students and the joy of spending more time in the classroom. If that's how you feel and you project this in an interview, they will be impressed.
The 2nd line of questioning will probe whether you are up to date with your teaching methods etc (how do you assess students, differentiate, incorporate tech into your teaching etc etc).
Having recently been through a job interview process with one of the better international schools, you really need to be able to state specific examples of how your teaching is cutting edge and reflective of current educational research. If you can do this, then the recent admin experience should not stop you finding a good teaching position.
Of course, a lot depends on your teaching area and what you did as an administrator - for instance, if your job involved instructional leadership and mentoring teachers, you'd be more attractive than if the job was of the 'organising the school buses and the schedule' variety and not too related to classroom teaching.
All the best with your job search.