The International Schools Review Forum

What are the chances recruiters might be concerned someone applying for a teaching position is studying or getting certified to become a principal? Might they be concerned the teacher might meddle with their decisions, undermine their authority, be interested in taking their job at some point? I'm wondering if that should be left off a cover letter and resume.

Always tough to predict what any given admin type will do. Some might have a negative reaction such as you describe. Many might see your interest/training as a potential resource they could use (or even exploit in the short term) presuming that they viewed your teaching credential/experience as worthy of being hired/

On the whole it's probably close to a wash, leaning towards a positive to include it.

That's good news. It would be nice if the interest, work and expense could actually enhance my application.

No good admin will feel intimidated by someone with just bookish knowledge. The question is if you have the experience, raw intelligence and personal skills required to be a problem solver, coach, and see the bigger picture on a daily basis. It takes years for a newbie to evolve into an efficient and skillful administrator. Mere paperwork will not cut it.

If those are indeed your aspirations and goals with a particular appointment I wouldnt include that in your cover letter or resume. Im off the position to concur with @WT123 that its a wash, though my outcome is the other side of the metrics. You need to consider that equation for the whole leadership team. The HOS and executive leadership might not think anything of it, even seeing you as a possible member of the leadership team in the future, even to go so far as grooming you. There may however be other leadership (junior, senior leaders) that would be very threatened. I would take the approach that your cover letter and resume should reflect and highlight the merits of the appointment you are applying for, and having a separate application packet that includes those leadership items when applying for leadership roles and leaving it off the IT application packet.

When you are interviewing, admin are looking for a good fit for that position for a few years...ideally beyond the initial contract. They would naturally be wary of someone who is looking at a teaching position as a stepping stone to something else.

So...don't advertise yourself as that. Some schools are very willing to promote from within...and others have a clear pattern of not doing that, no matter who's already there and how capable they may be. Asking that question--what is your track record of promoting from within--is a good question. Just be prepared that schools will be less than honest.

Best rule of thumb--be fully committed to the job you're interviewing for.

Weak admin will be horrified. Take this as a blessing that they are repelled by the threat you pose to them. The stench of fear on them should tell you all you need to know about them and how you never want to work with them.