I have been offered a position in another country which I’m interested in taking (which starts in September) and taking it would force me to leave mid year. One issue is the work permit process, as it takes around 6 weeks (even slightly more) to process, and it’s not a guarantee that I will get it.
As such, I’m a little hesitant to put in my notice now, and would prefer to wait until the work permit is a sure thing. However, it might take another month or so for this confirmation. As such, I would likely be putting in just about a month’s notice (ending mid/July). Fortunately though, because of summer break, they wouldn’t need anyone until mid August, giving them a bit more time to find someone.
This job isn’t an ALT position and has a fair bit more responsibility btw. As such, I’m wondering if roughly a month’s notice would be putting the school in a bad position (again though, it might be closer to two months before a new teacher would start).
Thanks.
14 comments
Two weeks’ notice is fine. This may be a private school, but it’s still a business, don’t give yourself any ideas that they would give you more than two weeks if they were under pressure.
I think 1 month is sufficient. 5 weeks if you can. 2 weeks if that is what it comes down to. Will they be in a bit of a bind? Sure. However, you need to take care of you, and if you have a great opportunity, take it!
Although it is not an ALT position, the school likely still has connections with placement / dispatch agencies that place ALTS (as well as solo teachers) and they can call on those places to put up an ad for immediate hunt for a replacement teacher. Also, they have the summer break to do interviews, etc.
Also, I’m looking for a new position and fine to leave where I am in mid-year so feel free to message and maybe your school will let me just take it over. Ha ha! (Several years experience, masters degree, in Tokyo)
Tell them as soon as possible. I know I would (I work at a private JHS too) and make sure you give them plenty of time to find someone to replace you.
Why not talk to them and see? Of course they want you to fulfill your contract, but you’re a mercenary and something bigger and better has come along. Asking them upfront will put them on notice and allow you to negotiate better than just asking Reddit. Two weeks is acceptable, but if you like your bosses and coworkers, a month is a big help to them.
First what does your contract states?
2. How do other retiring of positions go? If they’re accommodating then be good and give a bit more than contract. If they’re salty then give exactly contract.
Lastly relationships are good but don’t leave yourself out to dry with losing your job before you can afford too.
Do you like the school?
*”Yes, I like the school.” -> give them the maximum amount of notice possible from the moment you are guaranteed your new job to a minimum of the legally required 2 weeks.
*”No, I don’t like the school.” -> Give them the legally required 2 weeks.
Part of successfully running a school is securing talent. If the school doesn’t have a plan in place for hiring teachers on the fly or in offering competitive enough conditions that you aren’t tempted to leave, it’s hardly your fault for, you know, leaving. And you aren’t doing management any favors by permitting them to wallow in inept talent-acquisition out of some misplaced sense of worker honor.
If you’re worried about the school finding a replacement, you’d want to tell them before summer starts. That’ll give them a few weeks to replace you.
But overall, usually 2 weeks. They won’t be happy but what can they do, that’s the rules.
If you are the main teacher then you are seriously screwing your school and the students by leaving before the school can find a replacement
If you are a classroom teacher in-charge if your entire course, you should wait until the end of the school year. Handing over a course you deigned mid term can cause issues if your replacement doesn’t fully understand your methods.
If you are an ALT or unqualified teacher following some BS pearson designed curriculum, two weeks is fine. Your employer has already decided money is more important.
Current job in the US?
The private school is a business, theybwould lay you off without notice if made “business sense”.
It makes “business sense” for you to make sure you have the new job before turning in your notice.
Don’t feel guilty, companies in the US have no respect or loyalty to their employees, employees have no reason to show never ending loyalty to their companies.
TLDR, the private school would give you no notice if the tables were turned, so don’t stress about giving them a lot of notice.
One month is more than adequate. If you want to go the extra mile, consider trying to find your replacement amongst your contacts or letting people here know. Best of luck with your new adventure.
We all just went through covy, I think your school can handle losing you. Do what is best for you, while maintaining whatever integrity you feel is required.
It’s a business and they gave you a contract with that information. As long as you do what you signed to do in the contract, you should be fine. I wouldn’t do it before because they might fire you before and you’ll have no income. If their contract says one month, you have to do it abiding to the contract. If the contract says 5 days, you do it 5 days before. That’s why contracts exist.
Are you a homeroom teacher?