On Monday, I made a request to be transferred to another school in the city in August if I did renew my contract. To be honest, my hopes weren't high, the chances of being allowed to transfer on JET are one in a million. The rules are strict, you need to have a bloody good reason to transfer, such as family or health reasons... but I had nothing to lose, and it was worth a try.
Later, on the same day, I received arrangements to meet at the BOE (Board of Education) later in the week. Rather than a straight out 'NO', of which I was expecting especially since I had missed the deadline for transfer requests by 3 months, they had agreed to meet with me.
Yesterday, someone from the BOE came to talk about my reasons for wanting to transfer. She drew up a report for the Head Supervisor, and today I attended a meeting with him.
He was direct, the first thing he said was that the BOE appreciated my efforts and my work, and wanted me to continue working for them. Someone from BOE, who has been working with ALTs in the borough for years, had commented that I was the first ALT they had worked with who contributed so much to their schools. It was high praise, and I definitely don't believe I fully deserve it, my work is nothing compared to that of a main teacher's, but that didn't stop me from letting loose the tears. I did a lot more crying than talking during that meeting... not a great way to sell myself.
They were willing to compromise. I recontract for another year, and if they weren't able to make any changes to my situation by the end of my current contract, they will transfer me to a different school when my new contract starts.
Sounds promising, I just hope they'll keep their promises when the time comes, because if nothing changes and I'm stuck in the same school for another year, I will have to resort to breaking contract. Anyway, being granted a transfer based on my own efforts really boosts confidence. I'm glad as hell, I didn't go down the wrong path of just giving up and letting my work suffer. I need to persevere! It's not too late to make changes! I needn't care what others think of me, I should just be myself!
Corny sentiments that are easier said than done... wish me luck ;)
2 comments:
LUCK! Lots & Lots of Luck. AH, ah! You appear to agree with me? If Stephanie is satisfied with Stephanie, then do not get uposet with the unreasonable critics? Look on the Bright Side, the meeting with BOE suggests things could well improve, and the next year be a great reward for you patience. My fingers are crossed.
Thank you for the encouragement Ron!
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