I say go for it Mel! You have to do what your family needs. There are very few ways to promote as a teacher so if you feel you are qualified, do it! I am a teacher too.

Absolutely, unless its more trouble. My brother is a high school teacher and those administrators can make or break you. If you have one that is not really helping you move along ( if you want to ) then you might do better elsewhere.

Great that the other administrators have signaled that they think you have the ability to move up.

Good luck,

Bob

Go for it, Mel. It's obvious that you love what you do, and that work is a balm for you. This is a good thing!

Thank you! I have a plan.... Looking forward to it.

I think I should train someone for my position if I'm going to leave. What do you think?

You are valuable for what you know. If the promotions don't come where you are, seek other campuses, as long as they are still in district so you don't lose that hard earned seniority.

As for training? How much did you get? Have the changes you made, been included in a manual? Will those changes,effect unwritten,cause students to suffer? be hurt? by new teacher with out you training them?
The training will add stress to your job as well as the search for promotions, it should only be done once a desired position is secure.
I know you can do it but at what cost to you? Just don't overload.

My husband died 19 months ago and I am planning on going to work in September. You take as much time as you need - you need to take care of yourself because no one else will. I had to be off work because my husband died of cancer and, at the time, my girls were 9,4,2. Now all three will be in school full time, finding childcare is a nightmare. My work was very supportive but, now they are getting impatient. I had to listen to my heart and do what I feel is right for my family.

Mel, I think you should go for the promotions but I would not tell your administrator that it was because of her lack of support. Oftentimes, women think they have to explain themselves more than they need to in work situations, and casting it in terms of a negative on her does not do you any good. Even if you are in another school in the district, there may come a time when you will need her support - maybe not for the first promotion but for a second promotion - and it may not be a wise move to burn that bridge. Even a mediocre reference from a former boss is better than a negative one, especially if there is stiff competition for the roles you are applying for.

I think you would be entirely capable of finding a better position and handling a more responsible position. My only concern is how you handle your exit from where you are.

Is it possible for you to present it to her simply in terms of, 'I believe this is the right time for me to pursue a promotion, and I believe I am prepared for a more responsible position. I would like to make any transitions as smoothe as possible and work with you towards that end.' She may not deserve such courtesy and consideration - many bosses don't! But she may appreciate it enough to actually help you in your quest. She may also not want you to train a successor - sometimes bosses want to start fresh with a new person, and there is always the possibility that someone under you would like your job, so the transition/training issue may be simpler than you think.

It's not uncommon for people who are lousy at relationships but great with numbers to wind up in administrative positions. I really got that message at my last job when they ran all the lawyers and managers through Myers-Briggs personality tests, and most of them fell under the "Inspector" type categories. Not good with emotions, but great with facts, figures, machines, etc. The fact your administrator burst into tears when you told her you would stay a year kind of says to me maybe she is another of those people who are lousy at relationships (and probably wishes she wasn't). Once I understood how my managers were, I was able to work with them for a smoothe exit, and I know they would hire me back in a heartbeat and give me a glowing reference if I needed it. And we are wildly different people!

I am glad you are feeling strong enough to move ahead. I am also glad you have given yourself some time to do this. It's always good in the first couple of years to have some flexibility and a back-up plan, too.

Hope this helps....

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Absolutely go for it if the reward is bigger then the risk. And good luck doing it. I hope everything works out for you.

I say go for it - me and my fiance were both amitious people who tried to encourage our friends to go for what they want in life. For some that might be a promotion but for others just a job they were happier in. All I would say is make sure it won't be too much pressure on you. I'm nearly at 4 months and finding coping with my job very stressful even though I'm only at a fraction of my previous capacity. You don't want to burn out but if you feel ready good luck.

x

Go for it, you need to provide for your family. Plus it sounds like you have thought this over and were looking for a promotion prior to your loss.

Best wishes, Russ