Which teaching job would YOU pick?
Which special education teaching job would you go for?
Job 1:
A school you've already been at for 2 years. Familiar, comfortable, knowing you are going to have a wonderful caseload where you already know all the kids and have amazing relationships with them, no behavior issues, 20 minute drive from home (way out in the country), pay isn't the best, expensive insurance premium/deductible. Getting a new principal this coming school year. Doesn't pay more for accumulating grad credits, but will bump up salary once you have a masters.
Job 2:
A new-to-you school, have never met any of the staff or students, have no idea what kind of caseload you'd have. Could be a wild card. Could be really hard. Or could be manageable. Its a big unknown. Pay is better than job 1, more expensive insurance premium but has better coverage overall. The school is in town, in a better location, 15 min drive from home, bigger and better district. More opportunities for longterm growth. They will increase salary for every 6 grad credits I accumulate towards my masters degree.
The hardest part is the change and diving into the unknown. Afraid to make a mistake and regret leaving my school. If I choose job 2, I will miss my current caseload so terribly. And I will miss that comfort I have of not being the new person.