Can I Start The New Year With a New Job?

Rivette Pena

Are you at the point that you can’t walk into the builiding not even one more time? Unfortunately you are not alone. Many teachers leave at this point for many different reasons. When I left, it was for mental and physical issues, I was grieving the recent loss of my daughter. I came to the realization that I had given 20 years to a district that didn’t appreciate my sacrifices. I really had no one to blame but myself. I willingly gave of myself, my time, my money and my spirit.

I could sit and play the blame game or I could leave the district and begin to heal. I chose healing. So what to do next.

I started by contacting human resources and explained to them that I was going to retire. I had just enough time in to retire. At least I thought I did.

After 20 years, all I got was ok send it in writing. No arguments on their part. Once again I felt the love. #sarcasm. Oh but it wasn’t over, because I’d missed so many days, I didn’t earn my 1/2 credit needed for my retirement. So they released me from my contract and never looked back.

I was now unemployed and no money coming in. My first bit of advise to anyone deciding to leave at mid-year is have a plan. I acted rashly and that put me in a financial bind.

Retirement

Research your options. Make sure you qualify. If you are retiring then make sure you fill out your paperwork and file it in a timely manner. You don’t want to be left without pay for any amount of time. Mid-year is common for retirement Starting a new outside of the classroom adventure and begin your retirement journey.

Other Reasons.

Mental health, physical health or to care for a loved one are all valid reasons to leave and may be received in a more understanding manner. Make sure you have the paperwork to justify your reasons for leaving.

I had my doctor fill out my FMLA paperwork with diagnosis depression and anxiety due to grief. In retrospect, I could have taken a leave of absence and still been able to return in the fall.

A new job or better paying job is not always received well and you may experience backlash.

Contract

You are under contract and are therefore bound to serve out that contract unless the school district realeases you from said contract. Because you are under contract its not as easy as just putting in your two weeks. I’m not a lawyer and I am merely offering advise based on my experience.

Read your contract. Research what reasons your district has released other teachers from their contracts. In view of the teacher shortage, you may come across some resistance. While some

districts may ask you to stay until they fill your position others may require you to fulfill your obligation.

Consequences

If leaving mid-year is the best choice for you, then remember that the district may not be so willing to let you go. If you are not released from your contract and you refuse to go back to work. The district may have options.

The district may threaten to suspend your license. They may or may not follow through but I know of a teacher in Texas whose license was suspended and he wasn’t able to get a job for a year. Do not make this decision lightly. Not to mention that these are the people you will be using as references. Don’t burn bridges you may need to use one day.

Some districts fine the employees and make them pay a penalty for leaving before the end of the contract. Read you contract, some districts lay out the fees and charges in the contract. Check with your union rep as well. They can help you decipher the contract.

Leaving in the middle of the year may leave you feeling guilty for not finishing the year with your students. You may feel bad about abanding your coworkers or team of teachers. It is ok to put yourself first.