Stories from the Field
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A Principal in Transition: Shifting Gears…Or Was that Stripping Gears?
Just when you thought you were ahead of the game, planning a trip to the beach, excited about relaxing and getting rejuvenated for the coming year…Change happens! You have worked for many years in the same district when you, or your supervisor, decide it is time for a change! Much to your surprise you make a snap decision without really thinking things through. You resign. You never thought you wouldn’t complete your tenure, and retirement planning never really crossed your mind. So what now? You have not updated your resume nor interviewed for quite some time. You’re used to sitting on the other side of the table. Where has the time gone? Seems like it was just yesterday when you got your first job. Now you are faced with some major decisions and have really nothing on the forefront with regard to future job prospects.
While you haven’t had to market yourself in quite a while, you come to realize that the job market has changed and that you are competing with promising young leaders who will cost less money to hire. It might be time to “call in those markers” and connect with that network of colleagues you’ve developed throughout your career. It is time to set some goals, make a plan and put together a timeline to get the task done. Change can be a positive experience. Attitude is everything! Never diminish hope. Now dust off that resume paper and get busy!
- Always keep copies of all university transcripts on file until you can get official transcripts sent to your new employer.
- Keep a running record of your professional development history.
- Maintain copies of all licenses (certificates for you veterans).
- Keep records of all CEUs.
- Update your portfolio.
- Update your resume.
- Visit STRS if you’re within 5 years of retirement.
- Update your references, and touch base personally to let people know that you are back in the job market and that they may be receiving a call or a letter.
- If possible present yourself through technology. A disc or a CD is a lot less to carry around and it demonstrates your skillful use of the computer.
- Develop a cover letter or letter of interest that will set you apart from the other applicants.
- Remember that your integrity is all you really have that no one can take from you, except you.
Did you hear that? I think it’s the sound of waves washing along the shoreline…
