I'm a HD in a school you've never heard of. I want out of this district for lots of district-level reasons that won't change any time soon. How do I make myself more marketable in the large school head director market? No shade on small schools, I've done it before and I prefer to stay the 5A/6A level.
I have a track record as a turnaround guy. I've taken multiple programs from mediocre to consistent Div 1. I'd love to get to the next level - a program that is at least in the running at Area marching, Honor Band process, Mark of Excellence, etc. I've hit a ceiling here and we're nowhere close to that level. We won't get any better until the district fixes some things.
My current district argued with me about spending the money for Area contest because we've consistently placed toward the bottom, they're not going to support honor band (but the football team always goes to playoffs with a losing record and loses again in the first round).
I would consider another turnaround gig if the district support is there.
I've applied for head director positions and rarely a call. Usually I see later that they promote an assistant, I get it.
I've applied and interviewed for assistant positions at schools I want. I'd take that job if it was offered, but I can't seem to convince the panel that I'd be happy to take a step back and learn from someone who's doing it better than me.
Is it worth sending out resumes preemptively? Should I email fine arts directors or head directors with my interest, even if they don't have a job up?
I'm quietly working my network through friends in the business, music store reps, etc. Trying to keep it quiet for my current kids and colleagues.
I'll say this. If you're an ATSSB HBD with experience who's trying to get in as an assistant at a high end suburban school that has State/BOA accolades...your chances are still slim. They see you as a "small school guy". Even with the step down and even with experience, they're not usually going to take the chance.
Maybe you're having trouble even getting in at the less successful 5A/6As. My goal in that case would be to first rewrite myself as a "big district guy" by moving to a job as a Blue Collar/Title I 3C head (or even a Blue Collar/Title I 3C assistant) that serves a district with multiple 5A/6A high schools. Build success there, get to know others in the district and then chain that into a Title I 5A/6A assistant job nearby. The smaller application pools of these schools will make it easier to set yourself apart and get your foot in the door.
I'd avoid HISD/DISD Title I, since the culture of those districts can trap you there. It's near impossible to turn those schools around. You ideally want a big district that has a mix of both successful and less ideal schools...Work at the less successful ones, get to know the ones at the more successful ones, be willing and eager to do stuff at region events
I have been trying to get my first HD gig for a few years. Got tons of experience, and references who all say I can fix mess like no one else. But I am not from the area I work in and all the jobs seem to go to an under qualified assistant who just existed the longest, or to someone who graduated from there. It's very frustrating. I wish you luck and if you find out the solution, let me know too!
