With the current teacher crisis, chances are likely you could not only receive one teaching contract, but you could potentially receive more than one offer. Consequently, there are certain things to keep in mind when considering and ultimately, accepting a teaching position.
After an offer has been extended, don’t feel like you have to accept the offer in that moment, especially if you are considering other offers or waiting to hear from other schools of interest. Here are some things to take in to account:
- Do what is best for you and your family.
- Be honest - if you are still interviewing ask for additional time, i.e., twenty-four hours.
- When accepting a position, be professional and fulfill the contract (reneging on an offer reflects poorly on you, your university, and can at times result in you losing the opportunity to teach in any of the districts in the area).
- Open contracts are commonly offered at a teacher fair/recruiting event. This is extended when a school knows they want to hire you but they don’t know where in the district there is an opening, and they don’t want to lose you to someone else.
- The terms of an open contract for one school may be different for another.
- Ensure you understand the details of each open contract, such as, ask if you have a voice in the placement decision.
- Take time to consider the pros and cons of the contract.
- Visit your career coach at your university’s Career Services center for any additional questions and advice.
Before long, you will be in the classroom, putting to good use all the knowledge and experience you have gained, while making your mark in the world!
Derek Jack
Associate Director, Career Advancement, Brigham Young University
President, American Association for Employment in Education