Job problems-Vent

MrsFaust1432

I am a math teacher and I was teaching at the best school ever! I loved my job, my students, and my coworkers. About 2 weeks before the last day of school we found out that our program (there are 2 programs at my campus) was being shut down, and that another program was being brought in.

The next day, HR came in and told us one by one where we would be reassigned for the next year. All of my other coworkers were reassigned to another position on the same campus. I was reassigned to another school which is 20 minutes longer than my current commute!! Initially I was heartbroken I wouldn't be at the same school with my students and faculty family, but I was thankful just to be given another job considering I am not tenured, and no one would hire a pregnant girl!!!

The new school isn't all that bad though. Even though it is farther away and my class sizes will be a lot bigger, the new school is only 1 year old, I would only have to teach one or two courses instead of 3 and a remediation class, and I found a good daycare very close to the new school that is giving me 10% off for being a teacher and won't require that I pay for the summers that I have off and wouldn't need daycare, but would still hold my spot.

Now here is where the hiccup comes in. A math position at my old school unexpectedly became available. All my friends at my old school wanted me to interview, and I really wanted to be back with my friend and students and share my pregnancy and baby girl with all of them. So I emailed my old principal and asked to be considered for the job. (He even wrote me recommendations on my application website). He asked me to apply online like all the other candidates so he could call me for an interview. Last Thursday night he called and asked me if I could do an interview the following day. I said sure! No problem. Then he said, "I just want you to know that I have called the principal at the other school to let her know that you would be interviewing just out of courtesy," and then asked me to email her and let her know too.

Well that kind of sucked because I didn't want to jeopardize the new job if he wasn't going to hire me. Well I sent the email to the new principal anyway and decided to give it a shot and interview the next day. The interview went great (which was weird in itself bc he already knew me), and he said he would know sometime this week. After the interview the couselor who sat in on the interview texted me and said I did awesome in the interview.

Well he called me this morning about an hour ago and said they chose someone else for the position!!! I am so sad!! It's like finding out that I wouldn't be with my friends and students the first time all over again!! (Im sure the preganancy hormones don't help either) And I'm mad at him for wasting my time and having me interview if he knew he wasn't going to hire me! And I'm even more pissed that he called my new principal and told her I was interviewing and had me email her about it as well!!!

I don't know what to tell the other principal now!! It's just like, "hey they went with someone else so I guess I will be teaching there next year because I have no other choice! I hope you don't hate me, and I hope you haven't fired me before we have even met!" Like what do you even say?!? And I seriously don't know if interviewing jeopardized the other job or not since I was ASSIGNED there by the board.

I feel like a main reason why I didn't get the job is bc I am pregant too! And if he feels that way screw him anyway bc my baby girl is more important than working with that jerk anyway!

AND!! None of the other teachers like him!! I was always nice to him and gave him the benefit of the doubt! I would write him postcards when he was new and tell him he was doing a great job! He would also write me notecards saying he appreciated all did to help the students!!! He is just a big jerk!!!

Ugh!!! Sorry this was so long!! I just needed to vent and my hubby is at work!!

MrsFaust1432

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should write in the email to the new principal that doesn't make them just seem like my second choice, and doesn't make me seem like a big loser for not getting the job at my old school?

morganabyrd

Did your new principal reply to your email, saying you were interviewing? I would just explain that you had taught at former school for X years, you were disappointed that the program was cut and you would have to move schools, so when you heard there was a position of course you applied, in hopes of staying in what you were used to. However, that doesn't diminish your excitement for your new school! Add something about some program they have that you are looking forward to working with or implementing, etc.

Education is a strange professional world because it is so "small town" in that everyone knows everybody and you can be moved to easily at times. I don't think anyone can blame you for wanting to stay where you were, that's normal.

thegingeravenger

Dirty lurker here! I think your former principal made a huge breech of trust letting another principal know you were simply on an initial interview with him. It was a douche move on his end. I personally wouldn't email your new principal. If it comes up in conversation during a planning day, I'd just casually mention that you were curious about being back in your old environment, but are so excited to start in a new one. I just don't see how to convey that in an email with out it sounding like you're doing some serious back pedaling and brown nosing. Which you don't need to. It was an initial interview.

intheversa

I'm agreeing with thegingeravenger here. I would only talk about it if it comes up.  Sorry about the job though. I just left mine today after trying to leave for 3 years and I'm afraid to look for another until after I have the baby for the same reason. I don't think the principle will think less of you for trying to go back to where you were.  You were transferred internally and you were trying to stay with the district so I'm sure he would understand. 

I also really hate when companies tell your employer that you are interviewing with someone else. I specifically said DO NOT CONTACT my current employer during the application process for my now former job and they called anyway. I happened to answer but they still wanted to verify that I actually worked there by speaking with my manager. My coworker faked it for me, otherwise I'm not sure how my actual boss would have taken it and I didn't want them to find out that I was leaving that way. 

MrsFaust1432

@morganabyrd She did not reply to my initial email. In the initial email I wrote something like:
"Since a math position has become unexpectedly available, and I have taught there for 3 years, and I have a connection with the staff and the students, I asked to be considered for the position. Mr. Jerkface called tonight and set up an interview for tomorrow. I will let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding."
@thegingeravenger I agree I think it was a total breech of trust. He obviously knew he was going to hire the other candidate. Why would he waste my time to have me interview me when he already knows me and could easily compare him to me without an interview. I mean just tell me from the beginning that you had already chosen someone else!!
Thanks ladies! I definitely need to send her an email confirming I will be at the new school for next year. Just trying to find the right words which is very hard right now! As a math teacher you can imagine, I'm not the best with words!!

devonsd315

I'm sorry you are going through this. Your former boss sounds like a jerk. 

I would keep it really straightforward. Something along the lines of "I wanted to let you know that I was not hired for the new math position. I'm looking forward to starting at your school in the fall. Thank you for your understanding and you can contact me here if you need any further information." Keep it really basic and casual. Don't make it a bigger deal than it needs to be.

FWIW, I think interviewing for a position at the school you were leaving makes complete sense, and hopefully your future boss will be understanding. You didn't choose to be reassigned to your new school. It's not like you interviewed there, took the job (and they, for instance, had to call all the other candidates to let them know the decision) and then interviewed for the other position. I don't think you should feel bad, and hopefully that will help you not feel bad around your future boss. Good luck! 

MrsFaust1432

@intheversa I have to email her back though because I said I would let her know the outcome outcome of the interview/and or my decision.
Honestly yall it would have been a tough call even if he would have offered me the job.
Old job pros: faculty friends and old students, closer to home.
Old job cons: would have to teach alternative school kids 4 periods a day, would only teach my old students 2 periods a day, would have to rotate classrooms every class, and would have to teach 2 new courses.
New job pros: would only have to teach 2 courses and I have all the materials ready for those 2 courses because I have taught them for the last 3 years. Brand new classroom and school. Awesome daycare close by.
New job cons: Far from home, new coworkers, new boss (although that sounds like a good thing right about now), bigger classes. And I just flat out hate change!!
Would it be okay to say that after finding out all the details of what the job entailed that the new school is a better fit anyway?

MrsFaust1432

@devonsd315 thank you so much! That makes me feel so much better and makes so much sense!

devonsd315

@MrsFaust1432 you're welcome! I know how stressful interviewing and changing jobs can be. Another thing to keep in mind is that if your principal has been around, he or she is most likely used to people coming and going. What they are probably most worried about right now is whether they need to fill your position or not. I would imagine that your email will come as a relief - one more teacher they don't have to worry about hiring. 

It wouldn't hurt to also say something like "I'm excited for this new opportunity". But you don't need to lay it on too thick.

MrsFaust1432

How does this sound ladies??

Mrs. ______,

I hope this reaches you well. I wanted to inform you that I was not hired as the math teacher at _____. If you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me via email or my cell. Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and I am looking forward to this new opportunity at ______in the fall.

Thank You,

______

intheversa

Sounds good to me.

mandala1107

A little late to the party here but I wanted to add my two cents. As a hiring manager in a company with more than 600 employees, I run into this situation frequently. In our company, it is considered professional courtesy to inform the internal candidate's current supervisor that you are interviewing one of his/her current employees for an open position. It is highly encouraged that the applicant be the one to inform his/her current supervisor because there is no guarantee or expectation that it will not come out in the hiring process. We do it so that there is always an open line of communication and not a sense of secrecy. Plus, where else do you get to ask a supervisor about a current employee? Now, your situation is very different in that the hiring principal obviously knew what type of worker you were since you JUST worked for him. Although still, professional courtesy would apply. However, I myself would have informed the candidate prior to doing so. That's just how I roll. My husband is a teacher and teachers in our district run into this same situation all the time, and typically everyone is informed.

As a manager, I would never hold it against someone for wanting to better themselves or their family situation.

You received some good advice about the email. I agree that you need to send a follow up email or even just drop by new principal's office to let her know where things stand, although to be honest, she probably already knows due to Mr. Jerkface's track record. As a suggestion, you may want to change the wording from "I was not hired" to something like "another candidate was chosen." This may sound crazy, but that way the focus is off of you not being hired and onto the candidate who was chosen vs. focusing on something you didn't get and her wondering why. Again, that is very not picky and if you already sent it, your email is perfectly fine. I've been in your situation before with someone spilling my beans and it sucks. I now just head it off before someone else beats me to it. That way I control the message. Good luck mama!

MrsFaust1432

Thanks @mandala1107 for the suggestion. I did change it to "another candidate was chosen." I agree that sounds better!

Thank you ladies for all your help! I'll keep you updated on her response

mandala1107

I truly believe that anyone can see why you would apply so like others, I wouldn't stress about it but avoiding the matter doesn't work. I believe you did the right thing with a follow up email. Can't wait to hear her response!

MrsFaust1432

Here was her response. Don't really know what to make of it...

"I will be back in touch once teaching assignments are decided. I hope to communicate that info to teachers by the first of July. Enjoy your break."

LiveNLove44

@MrsFaust1432, I'd consider her response to be very professional and to the point. Try not to "make of it" anything more than it is. Principals need a break, too, and she may be taking hers or they are working on logistics of recent hires or position adjustments. Try not to take it personally, either, because the work they do with teaching assignments is often a more complicated process than it seems. Best of luck this August as you begin at a new school!

MrsFaust1432

@LiveNLove44 thanks! That makes sense!

I just wanted to say thanks to all the awesome ladies that have commented! Yesterday was a really rough day and you all really helped put me at ease! Thanks yall are the best!

LiveNLove44

@MrsFaust1432, any word yet? It's the second week in July, so I hope you've heard something!

MrsFaust1432

The principal emailed me about 2 weeks ago and let me know (tentatively) what I would be teaching next year. I am supposed to go help with registration next Wednesday, but may have a funeral to attend now (from the missing person post).

I was also hoping to get in to my classroom early in the summer so I'd have time to work in my room and also because I'd need my husbands help moving things, but due to floor maintenance I won't be able to get into my new room until the 27th and we start 2 weeks after that!

LiveNLove44

@MrsFaust1432, I was looking at the news releases to see if there was much about the missing girl. Was she from Prattville, AL? I am so sorry to hear about the loss to the community, family, and all who knew her. 

gograce

@MrsFaust1432 I wouldn't be discouraged by your principal's email response from before. My principal is often very short in her emails, but warm and friendly in person.
I've got a new position at the same school as last year, but this is only my second semester teaching. I'm very nervous to make new friends, but I know it'll come. I know new friendships are awaiting you at your new position, too.

MrsFaust1432

@LiveNLove44 she was from Shelby County AL. Her name was Haleigh.

@gograce I am nervous about meeting new people as well. Hopefully people will be extra nice to the pregnant lady!

LiveNLove44

MrsFaust1432 said:

@LiveNLove44 she was from Shelby County AL. Her name was Haleigh. @gograce I am nervous about meeting new people as well. Hopefully people will be extra nice to the pregnant lady!

It's so heartbreaking. I pray that everyone will find answers soon!

MrsFaust1432

Thank you!