Moving Schools MUST Do's!

We are getting to that time in the year when teachers are at a crossroads. For some, this is the simple decision of staying or going. For others, the school budget doesn’t add up (or someone comes back from a marathon of maternity leaves) and they are forced to start anew. I was in the latter boat nearly four years ago. As heartbreaking as it was then, I can tell you that the cliche of “everything happens for a reason” is 100% true, even if it takes time.

Whether you’re ready to go or dreading the last day, there are tasks that you should accomplish by your final day. Before you hand in your classroom keys, here are four things you absolutely MUST do.

1. Save/backup ALL files and lessons BEFORE your last official day.

This is your warning that your district will probably cut the cord on your Google Drive and any other accounts you had digital resources saved on once your contract is up. Anything you saved with them is technically the district’s property, so once you leave, you no longer have any rights to those digital files. With that said, start saving things to your personal device or a USB drive as soon as you know you are leaving. This is a tedious task that you will thank yourself for later!

Do a Google search of how to save Google Drive folders as a ZIP file. You'll be able to reopen them later on Microsoft or Google. Download every single lesson plan you’ve submitted, even if your new school doesn’t do them or you’re teaching a different grade or subject. Just save them for your own reference. You'll also want to download all of your past observations, student growth objectives, student samples, and professional development records for your personal portfolio.

2. Beg, borrow, and... well, you get the rest.

As teachers, we tend to spend at least some money on classroom supplies and resources. Make sure to take anything you bought with your own money. It's also a good idea to keep an open ear for colleagues looking to get rid of materials that you can take with you.

Now about the last part of this step... when it comes to stealing, get a copy of a cool lesson plan a colleague used. Maybe a small box of pencils. Don’t take anything that would be noticed if it was missing. And definitely do not take any materials you share with other teachers without asking first.

3. Take (some of) your days!

It's usually recommended that if you don’t get your sick or personal days back in anyway, try to use as many as you can. While you may have 20+ days to use, remember to remain professional. How bad you might look doing this will depend on your situation and the overall vibe of the school, so be mindful of these things before taking every single day owed to you. If your district has a "sick day bank," consider donating some of your days. Not only will it make you look generous, but it can help someone in need.

On your days that you can take off, use the time to rejuvenate, spend time with family and friends, and prep for your new gig. But please do not forget to leave decent sub plans (you'll read why in #4). Remember that you are still responsible for your classes and what goes on until the end of your final day.

4. Never burn bridges.

I’ll tell you a short story about someone who left my current school on less than superb terms. They claimed they LOVED where they worked but, out of the blue, they got a job somewhere else. Their nose went straight up in the air as soon as they put their resignation in. Took a ton of days, but never left decent sub plans and left their department scrambling to figure it out for their classes. Now, rumor has it, they regret their decision. When they called to see if their old job was still open, it was not... Moral to the story is that no matter your certificates or experience, you ARE replaceable!

Don’t gloat or rub it in if you’re leaving a less than stellar school - I guarantee you that everyone from the custodians to top-level administration will notice your attitude. It's far from the impression you want to leave behind, especially if there is any chance you need to go back.

Be sure to send sincere “thank you’s” to anyone who helped you in your current position or were your references for your new job. It can be as simple as a card or buying them a coffee. This career path can be thankless enough - show your appreciation where you can! Do your best to keep in touch as well.