I have been teaching junior high for two weeks, and I hate it. Can I quit immediately, or can they sue me, or something, for doing that? I'm not sure where a copy of the contract is. I just wondered if someone had any experience with quitting a teaching job at a public school and could tell me how it works. Thanks.
2006-08-26 07:20:26 · 21 answers · asked by Curtis76 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
If this is your first year teaching, then you've only got a probationary contract anyway. You can probably quit without too many repercussions. To be on the safe side, try talking to a representative for teachers. If your state has a union, that shouldn't be too difficult to do. I like the idea someone gave you about taking a leave of absence. I know someone who's done this to get his doctorate, but he doesn't have plans to return to his school. He just didn't want to burn bridges in case he needed people from the school as a reference in the future.
2006-08-26 09:39:11 · answer #1 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you signed a contract, you are under contract to complete the terms. You will have to check with your union and the district to see what the ramifications are. Plus, only giving something 2 weeks isn't really enough time to settle in. Teaching is a tough job and the first two years can be rough. But then, you should have thought about that before accepting the job. You made a commitment.
Also, in terms of finding another teaching job--a lot of districts frown on contract breaking. You may kill any chance of getting another job. Who wants to hire someone who quits after 2 weeks, no matter what the circumstances?
2006-08-27 08:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by sidnee_marie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find your contract or ask for a copy to be transferred to you via interoffice mail. After you have that copy (requested from the District office), then look at the terms.
I've had to experience quite a few classes with my two children where the teachers up and quit one after another quite some time into the new school year -- because they could not cope with the teaching profession. They just left and did not come back.
2006-08-26 16:14:25 · answer #3 · answered by sglmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Teacher and I think there is a rule that you can not be re-hired by another school if you quit AFTER teaching for a certain number of days working at a certain school. For example, if you start work in August, you cant quit in October, and start working at a new school 10 days later. Just check your contract and see what the law is in your state.
I know people are telling you to stay, but dont stay anywhere where you are 100% absolutely miserable, because you cant be dvoted to your students if you are. Maybe you need a different grade level, or maybe you need to work with Special Ed (ESE)--just try different avenues in teaching. But you can always Sub for a short while to get a flavor of what grade level you might like. Peace
2006-08-26 13:38:41 · answer #4 · answered by Plus-Sized &Proud 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon your contract. If you are leaving for a position that can be considered a promotion for you, then you might be able to leave in good standing (meaning that if you would ever want to return to the school district, you would be able to). Your best bet would be to have an honest conversation with your principal and let him/her know what you are feeling. Do you hate it because of the work load, the students, the subject you are teaching? Talk with your principal about it. If you are really unhappy but want to still teach, they may be able to arrange for a transfer for you to another school or grade level.
IF you break your contract, depending upon the state that you are in, your teaching license can be revoked. You signed a contract stating that you would work for a specific amount of time. It can look bad to future employers that you quit a position after 2 weeks AND broke your contract.
2006-08-26 13:01:46 · answer #5 · answered by lonely_girl3_98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Junior high is a horror. But, you can't quit or you probably won't get another teaching job. Also, depending on your state they could pull your license and you worked really hard to get it.
Endure this year and learn what you can from it, then change age levels next year. It's only been 2 weeks, the first two weeks are bad at any age level. It will probably get better.
2006-08-26 15:04:37 · answer #6 · answered by Layla Clapton 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teachers do just up and quit, so the rest of us thank you for at least thinking about the consequences.
Junior high/middle school is the most difficult age to teach...and for your first job, too! Did they give you a mentor? Can you find one? Is there an approachable principal or guidance counselor? Are you on a team? (middle school approach) or departmentalized? There has to be someone who can help you keep from losing your mind at least until they can find a replacement.
They tend to give new teachers the 'bad kids', too--because once you have some seniority you have some choice. This is really a baptism by fire. It actually takes about THREE years for we normal humans--not natural middle school teachers--to 'get it'. I've been teaching in a middle school/jr. high (depending on the trend of the week) for 28 years, and the first year was so terrible. I can't begin to tell you how awful, you'd NEVER believe what those kids were like. and I hate to admit how BAD I was at teaching them.
Please find someone to talk to before you 'abandon' your students, because that's what it will feel like to them, even if they act like total sh*theads to you! If you do leave, tell them first and don't put the blame on them, or they'll be even worse for their next teacher. Tell them you got an exciting opportunity that you couldn't pass by and lie through your teeth about how much you'll miss them. One, you'll help out the next teacher. Two, it's fun to watch the wheels turn in their little brains when they realize that they didn't rattle you. Don't ever let them see you sweat or they 'win'. Be calm, cool, businesslike, call parents, give them reasonable amounts of work, grade strictly (but not so strictly that they can sic their parents on you) and well, if you need to get out, talk to the human resources person that hired you. He/she will understand that it is best for the students education that they have a teacher that wants to be there (or can pretend 4 days out of five)
Good luck in whatever you decide.
2006-08-26 12:16:22 · answer #7 · answered by frauholzer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I teach in a public school. If you look in your teaching contract, you will probably find information about breaking your contract. However, I would not let two weeks turn me off to the profession. Do you have a mentor? Is there someone you can go to for advice? The first year of teaching is definitely the hardest/worst...
2006-08-26 07:24:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kiki 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In my state if you break a contract you can loose your teacher's certificate.
If this is your first year teaching, I'd try to stick with it. How can you know already after only 2 weeks that this is not the career for you. Your first year will probably be the toughest year of your life, but it will get better...I promise. I'd try to tough it out at least until the holidays. Don't make a rash decision that could cost you your certificate!
2006-08-26 08:42:14 · answer #9 · answered by kturner5265 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I teach in a public school and I can quit whenever I want . Now depends what is the low there...I don't know if once you give up to teaching , will you be able to find another school easily?
2006-08-26 07:24:09 · answer #10 · answered by Pearl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋