How do you answer the "reason for leaving" question on a job App?

Question

I'm a teacher and I want to change districts it's not that i'm totaly unhappy and can't bear staying at my school however I've got a bit of the grass is greener syndrome going on there are things that I clearly don't like and then there are things that i can tolerate but i don't want to be negative I'm not from the area (both my current location and the school I'm applying to) so I can't use the location thing as a reason I get paid well enough althought this other district pays better but my wanting to leave is not about money. I don't know how to put nicely I don't like some of the procedures(for both students and teachers) and other things. how do I put that nicely

I'm a first year teacher and not to say that my experience has been all bad it just hasn't been what I was expecting. I've been "shopping" around other school districts,however on nearly every application it asks for a reason for leaving. I'm not really sure how to answer this because my reasons vary.
On one hand I like the schools(I split my time between MS & HS) however the administration has no interest in maintianing a music program at the MS level and the HS program is suffering dearly for it. I came into this district because i was told they had an excelent 1st yr teacher mentoring program(vet/1st yr). My mentor is non-existent yet we work in the same school in the same dept. my kids for the most part are great but I feel like I'm the only person who cares at that school and that bothers me because I'm told I'm being to hard on the kids and myself. I'm supposed to let foolish acts run off my back and ignore the problems. I can't do it. How do I put that nicely on a job app

Answer 1

I have been teaching for 30 years. I worked 1 year in another state, 3 years in the next school where I actually founded their band program, and have been at my current school since that time. The first year I left because of wanting to move closer to my family. The next school where I absolutely loved my kids and parents, I couldn't see eye-to-eye with my supt., but the reason I listed (which was actually also true) was because I desired a step up to a larger district where music was appreciated and encouraged. I desired to relocate to a district/program that I could grow with.

Relax, honey. Many first year teachers move onto another district after their first year of teaching. Most administrations/school boards understand that fact. You will find a good match to your teaching style and where you feel support and appreciation. At this Spring's contests, keep an eye open for a band or choir that does well and that you might be interested in teaching.

I also had made good connections with a large music store in my area and they were very helpful in matching me to the school I currently work for. If you know anyone at your music store you might get advice from like that, ask them where you might do well (teaching theory and style match wise). They usually know your teaching abilities and can be a great help to you!

Answer 2

You sort of answered your own question with this: "however the administration has no interest in maintianing a music program at the MS level and the HS program is suffering dearly for it. I came into this district because i was told they had an excelent 1st yr teacher mentoring program(vet/1st yr). My mentor is non-existent"

Just say you are uncertain if the district will continue to support Music ed and you are looking for job security. And you are looking for somewhere with a strong mentoring program. I'm looking to change too, but mine's a lot trickier - I hate my principal with a passion. She makes going to work a living hell.

Answer 3

After only one year in the school... I wouldn't say that you're looking for opportunities for advancement.

I agree with the other answer that says you are relocating. You could state it as "Relocating for personal reasons." Then you need to be able to answer the question if you are lucky enough to get an interview. At that time you can say you have heard excellent reports about the school to which you are applying (and be prepared to give specific examples) and would welcome the opportunity to develop your skills as a teacher where excellence is the standard.

If you are seeking employment with another school district because you don't agree with procedures in your current district, be sure to research how things are done wherever you apply. Be sure that the change is going to resolve your dissatisfaction. You could end up bouncing around all over the place,not advancing yourself and earning a reputation as unstable.

Answer 4

You might say that you are relocating due to a family move or simply because you have found an area that you would like to live in. Be positive. Avoid saying things that suggest that you are unhappy in your present position or have issues with supervisors. You could also simply say that you felt ready for a change. Whatever you say, you will likely be asked about it during an interview, so be as clear and truthful as possible without being negative.

Answer 5

Friend, there will be many reasons for leaving a job. If you are working out of your country, you have to get adjust with the environment prevailing there. Generally, employees should be in a position to adjust with the environment where they are working even in own country. If it is other country, at least small amount of discrimination prevails. If the discrimination did not hurt your ego, it is better to adjust with the peers. If the job is essential for your earnings and for living, there is no other way instead of adjustment. If your ego is hurt, you can lodge a complaint or take the same to the notice of the CEO of the company for resolution of your grievance. my suggestion is not to leave the working environment for simple reasons, and try to win your surrounding peers. best of luck kesa narayana rao

Answer 6

However you put it, I suggest you consider using some periods to form more than one sentence! I hope you don't write like that in school!

Never put anything negative on a job application. Why don't you just say that you've spoken to some teachers from that district and they say it's the best-managed district they've ever worked for? Alternately, read some of their website and write about one of their future plans that excites you (are they opening new schools or adding new programs?).

Answer 7

You're looking for a better job -- which is exactly the truth. There's no reason to say anything more unless you are asked in an interview. If you are, I'd suggest you keep your answer short. There's no reason to go on and on about the things you dislike with your current employer.

Answer 8

You could put something like "just ready for a change - looking to improve upon my ideas and grow as a person by interfacing with new faculty, staff and students"

I would put something generic like "lack of advancement potential"

Answer 9

You think of something positive ,
Carrying on about something negative when you are not staying to be part of the solution - that says negative things about you .
No one wants to hire complainers , they want problem solvers and people with constructive attitudes .

Answer 10

Never be negative on this. Try,

"Looking for opportunities to advance my career." No one can argue with that.