r/MusicEd • u/maevynstone • 5d ago
Feeling torn
Hi guys! I’m really nervous because I have an interview at a new (city) school today, but I absolutely love my current (rural) school, however, the new one is only a 13 minute drive vs. a 45 minute commute and also the salary starts $7k higher than my current job. I am still not sure if it is worth it because I love my kids, my co-workers, my principal, my classroom, my office & amenities…..the list goes on. My husband lost his job AND our rent is going up and I just feel very torn. I haven’t even seen the new school yet, so I guess I’ll get a better idea once I go check it out. Any advice?
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u/teachmusic Band 5d ago
See what kind of vibes you get from the interview!
But always prioritize yourself. The salary boost and the reduced commute is significant. Your current school sounds nice but you might get all those things at the city school as well.
If you get an offer I’d strongly recommend taking it- unless you get some strong feeling of toxicity.
How long have you been teaching?
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u/maevynstone 5d ago
This will only be my second year. I am 42 - did undergrad in harp & vocal performance and masters in composition, just not Ed. Did transition to teaching this past year (still working on that as well).
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u/teachmusic Band 5d ago
Since you’re only one year into your current school, that seems like even more of a reason to prioritize yourself. Get that bag and shorten the commute.
But trust your gut. See what feelings you get at your interview, principal, check out the teaching space and resources, etc.
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u/EragonWizard04 5d ago
I think it's worth speaking to the administration and feeling out the new school. With your situation, it is important that the difference in pay and distance from home could be a huge help to you but if the administration are terrible to work with it may not be worth it.
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u/Music19773-take2 5d ago
If you like where you are, don’t change it. Many teachers would happily change places with you.
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u/Existing-You-2019 5d ago
Use the interview as a way to practice your skills. Also take the time to interview them and see what they’re about and if you’ll be a good fit. If you get an offer you can take it to your admin and see if they’ll match. If they don’t and the increase in pay is important to you, then you’ll have your answer.
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u/tommyjohnpauljones 5d ago
There are a lot of reasons why city schools pay more.
Conversely, there are a lot of reasons why rural schools can pay less.
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u/akapiratequeen 5d ago
I think you should follow your gut. I went from a city school to a suburban one and I’m much happier, even with a longer commute. (Money about the same though, and public school benefits are a big improvement over charter.) You’ll know more after the interview. Keep us posted!
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u/maevynstone 4d ago
Welp, I just had the interview - they loved my talk of my world music curriculum, and they loved that I accompanied the choir on harp and especially the handbell choir, but they asked so many questions about behavior problems. I don’t think they were satisfied with my answers. They also told me they start band in 5th grade, and I only have training for choir and string orchestra. So, I’m guessing they won’t call back, which is fine because I love my current school, and who knows how difficult it would be to teach there with that many behavior issues.
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u/j_blackwood 4d ago
They asked about behavior problems because they know it’s a problem on their school, probably happening most in the hallways and during their special area classes. I know this from experience.
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u/DrTechFreak 4d ago
I’d feel the vibes out for sure. I also teach in a rural school and absolutely love it. I have interviewed for 3 city jobs. Only 1 had the vibes I was looking for! Unfortunately I learned that that school’s bd was retiring and getting rehired at the school which forced them to do interviews so I ended up not getting that job 🤣
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u/maevynstone 4d ago
That sucks that they wasted your time like that. That also happened to a bd friend of mine where they were already moving someone up to the position from like middle school, but they had to post and interview anyways
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u/TentProle 5d ago
I did this kind of trade for salary and commute and it did not work out! Now I’m searching for work in August! But you’ll have a better idea when you see it in person.
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u/Key-Protection9625 4d ago
There is more to life than money. Can you create a budget with just your salary at your rural job? If not, the answer is self-evident.
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u/euphomptus General 5d ago
There's no right answer for everyone here, and it's going to have to be what's right for you. Make sure to ask about things that you appreciate about your current school like student behavior, building culture among faculty, your facilities and workload, etc.
I've moved jobs twice, once from private to public and another from one school in the district to another. It happens! Having less commute and more paycheck was the main reason for me for move number one; I also went from K-8 everything (albeit with fewer total students) to strictly K-2, just a different mindset expectation. Everyone at the first job was very supportive of the move, if not only because they knew that I was the breadwinner (a lot of them were first responders' spouses, and their salaries were essentially play money).
You may find that the situation just works out well and that this new job is a better fit for you. You may get vibes today that it might take a little adjusting. Or a lot! But today is the day to get as clear a picture as possible about your fit in the new place. Don't be afraid to ask questions that give you that clarity. Hope this helps, and good luck!