Even if you have little loyalty to the district do what is best for the kids. I'm not saying not to retire in December. If you can and you are ready it would be better for you and the kids for you to go. However, be open with your district so that they can have a plan. They will not be able to find a qualified educator in January to replace your years of experience. A sub is not fair for the parents or kids unless it is a former retired, quality director but even then, they need time to plan and be prepared which should happen well before the day you walk out the door. These kids have invested in the program and therefore, you should honor that investment with some respect for where it goes after you leave. And just a sidenote - I am sure you have lectured more than one student on "finishing what you started" so there are some potential long-term teachable moments here that could last for generations if you walk out in the middle of the year while telling the kids they have to stay till the end of the year. The district needs to be able to have someone on board in August to seamlessly transition, even if it's a younger teacher but has a semester with you before they have it alone). Of course, this assumes there isn't an assistant already with you that can take over as you exit. Are you the only director in the district? Part of a team of directors? Is there a FAD that can step in or other buildings that could shift someone around to cover the second semester.
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