The Yellow Board

Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by DFW on 3/2/2021, 1:01 pm

Looking to transition from current hs band job to middle school.
Any tips for interviewing and transition?

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by MSBD on 3/3/2021, 10:53 am, in reply to "Advise for leaving HS job"

I made the transition. Some things to consider:

1. MS kids grasp things a lot slower. They don’t already know most things like HS kids do. Are you patient and prepared to handle that without flipping a lid?

2. You will have classes back to back all day. Hardly any breaks. 30 min lunch. Duty. Some HS staff have fluid schedules. Are you ready for that kind of schedule?

3. Beginners. You will be THE beginner instructor. You will need to teach more than your “main instrument” depending on what other teachers are around. You may need to teach all
WW’s, all Brass, or even percussion and WW’s or brass
Are you comfortable with that and willing to do it?

4. Admin is all over you all the time. You actually get a lot of walkthroughs unlike at most HS’s.

5. Lesson planning. If you don’t, the kids will eat you up.

Those are just some things to consider. Good luck!

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by so where out there on 3/3/2021, 9:43 am, in reply to "Advise for leaving HS job"

I did it 7 years ago after 25 years HS head. Some ways it good but you need to make sure you can work with the HS staff. It's been a challenge to say the least. I don't miss dealing with some of the HS issues but miss so of the HS activities and process as well

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by Mr. Dude on 3/3/2021, 9:27 am, in reply to "Advise for leaving HS job"

I actually attempted this about 5 years ago, I ended up at a high school because it was an awesome opportunity and it was a great fit for me and my family.

With the interviews, I was really honest why I was looking for a JH gig. Everyone I interviewed with was really receptive to my honesty and it did not prevent me from getting an honest look for those jobs.

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by Dennis Syring on 3/2/2021, 4:59 pm, in reply to "Advise for leaving HS job"

Be careful for what you wish. After 21 years as head director I thought I would enjoy middle school but I was wrong wrong wrong. Advice for interviews I have none. My advice is to look for another head job.

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by Except... on 3/3/2021, 9:17 am, in reply to "Re: Advise for leaving HS job"

he/she didn't say that is a head director job, just "current hs job". Could be assistant that wants to move to MS. Not enough info from OP.

Many reasons to change; family, time HS takes, relates to younger kids better, etc.

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by 2nd that on 3/2/2021, 6:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Advise for leaving HS job"

I concur!!!

Re: Advise for leaving HS job

Posted by Other hand on 3/3/2021, 8:11 am, in reply to "Re: Advise for leaving HS job"

I would give literally anything to be able to move into a MS job from this HS job.

Literally anything.

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