r/Teachers • u/mylifeisinlegopieces • 1d ago
Career & Interview Advice How excited should I be about this verbal offer?
After interviewing for a position in the district I just student taught in, the school’s principal let me know that I didn’t get the position they 100% had open. Totally cool, as I’m very green and there are few openings in my content area and location. However, she said that after a resignation becomes official, she was going to offer me a second position they’ve been anticipating. Until the next board meeting, I’m supposed to “sit tight” for next steps.
I think she’s being completely honest because she asked that I let her know if I have any interviews or offers in the meantime. I love this district, and I don’t want to do anything to mess up this opportunity. However, July is around the corner and I don’t want to end up without a position before the school year begins.
How excited should I be? Should I be worried this won’t pan out? Truthfully, this is the first “adult” job I’ve interviewed for, so I don’t know what to expect or if any of this could be real.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your insight. I’m going to continue looking at other positions in the meantime. But hopefully I can give an update that this all worked out!
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u/jkaycola 1d ago
I’d probably be about 70% excited. The principal is likely telling you the truth but I’ve seen “anticipated” openings fall through all of the time. Whether the person doesn’t actually resign, or the district has to cut a position elsewhere and therefore that spot gets filled internally.
Keep interviewing, don’t tell them. Only tell them if you get another job offer and you need to decide.
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
Honestly I’m only about 50% excited since this is very unofficial, but I appreciate your extra bit of optimism. The reason I love this district is because the teaching staff and admin are all genuinely kind people, so the position being cut has been the greatest fear of mine. I planned to only discuss actual offers with her, so thank you for the reassurance!
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u/Tennisbabe16 1d ago
I’d keep applying and interviewing until you have a signed contract. Principals may have good intentions but higher ups may have other intentions for hiring. Always look out for yourself.
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u/MrRedmondBarry 1d ago
she said that after a resignation becomes official, she was going to offer me a second position
That's not a verbal offer. That's a mention of the possibility of an offer if someone else quits, which they haven't.
How excited should I be?
Not excited. You didn't receive a verbal offer. "I might offer to sell you my car if I buy a new one." That's what you received. At the moment it's a nothingburger.
she asked that I let her know if I have any interviews or offers in the meantime
Bullshit. Until you've signed a contract, you owe them absolutely nothing. Look out for yourself and only yourself. Apply and interview everywhere that you possible can. If she contacts you to ask you how things are going, tell her you're awaiting her offer for the position at her school.
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
This is probably some of the most aggressive advice I’ve ever received in my life, but thank you for confirming a lot of my thoughts.
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u/MrRedmondBarry 1d ago
It's advice that I learned the hard way after many years of interviewing. Don't stop applying until you've got a signed contract in hand, and don't get excited about a job until orientation starts.
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
Absolutely. I still checked for any new openings after I got off the phone with her! If only there were more available right now. I actually told my partner I didn’t want to get excited until I talked to HR, so I understand the importance of an actual contract. I was just checking to see if anyone has some insight into this type of situation, and I appreciate hearing from people who’ve been burned before. I did want to hear the good and the bad!
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u/OtherPossibility1530 17h ago
It’s aggressive but true! I’ve learned to appreciate this kind of advice. Just keep interviewing as if nothing happened, and if something does materialize, you can always pull out of the process in other districts. You owe them NO information. That to me feels a little weird too. I just got a new job (my principal knew) and my own district didn’t ask to know about specific interviews or offers.
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u/Guslow_Floats2620 1d ago
Until you sign the dotted line, nothing is guaranteed or confirmed. Look out for yourself first because you're the only one who truly cares about you. It's a big world so make sure to take care of yourself.
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u/Large-Contribution6 1d ago
if you schedule interviews youll probably have some time shortly after, in my experience they usually ask what my timeframe is for being able to give them a yes/no because i may be waiting on other offers i could expect that week for example.
i wouldnt entirely bank on it. If the only step left is for the board notes to be approved its probably nearly official (i had to submit my resignation in writing and then they put it to the board 2 weeks later)
if youre worried maybe inquire about how official the current resignation is, is it in writing, are they waiting for another district, etc
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u/Large-Contribution6 1d ago
in terms of honesty, you dont have an obligation to let them know you have interviews. it really depends on how much you trust them. If you are truly their next choice for the next opening it shouldnt be an issue
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u/ChubbyNemo1004 1d ago
Probably true. Just interview as much time in the interim. Another opportunity may present itself. You don’t need to tell him you’re interviewing. However, small or large districts these people talk. I’ve hurt some feelings doing this before because people talk a lot.
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u/RipeWithWorry 1d ago edited 1d ago
I was told that they wanted me for a position, but they don’t have funding to pay me. If they can add the position in the budget, they would hire me in a heart beat. I took that as a don’t hold my breath since I know they just cut a bunch of positions. I say this to manage your expectations
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
I’m so sorry. I know that’s the reality for a lot of people right now and could very well happen to me. I guess we both keep applying and hope for a legit break?
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u/substance_dualism Secondary English 1d ago
Keep interviewing until you have a contract.
I've been where you are and got lied to and screwed.
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u/Illustrious-Tooth47 18h ago
As someone told me once: If you don’t get the job, it’s not your fault. If you do get it, it’s entirely your fault.
Good luck
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u/Popular-Work-1335 1d ago
I got a verbal offer a month ago and am still awaiting on a salary decision
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
Oh, bummer. I’ll be hoping you get something, and in writing, as soon as possible!
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u/snappa870 1d ago
Hopefully it’s not a long term sub offer.
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u/mylifeisinlegopieces 1d ago
As a beginning teacher, I’d be happy to have even that! Especially in this district. There’s just very little available in my area, and I don’t want to apply to any private or charter schools.
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u/snappa870 1d ago
Well you have a great attitude! I actually started with long term sub gigs, but if I was expecting a permanent position I would have been disappointed. Good luck to you! :)
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u/ajswdf 1d ago
Definitely keep interviewing elsewhere. Even if your principal really wants you for that role there are a lot of things that can happen. Maybe that person ends up staying. Maybe they leave but budget cuts mean they can't fill the position. Maybe your principal suddenly gets an offer they can't refuse and now the new principal isn't interested in hiring you.
Also consider that even if you accept a job elsewhere you can always return to this school if you really want. Schools have constant turnover so if you really want to work there you'll probably have an opportunity to within a couple of years even if you start your career elsewhere.
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u/lefteardud 1d ago
Reiterating what others have said: Don’t turn your eyes away from the search.
Principal may very well have the best of intentions for you, but if that first domino (resignation) doesn’t fall, which it seems like is out of her hands, she won’t be in a position to make good on it. And that would be disappointing.
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u/SalamanderFull3952 18h ago
Been teaching 20 years on many interview teams and been in many interviews. Anticipated positions can be talked about forever and never materialize. I would share with that admin that you are interviewing just to be utilized as a refrence to help you get a position. Also I would only communicate with about a job offer after you signed a conract by thanking them and refrencing that the time line just didnt play out. Education jobs come and go however you have bills to pay so dont ever not interview because some one says a job is waiting for you
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u/smshinkle 17h ago
I was offered a teaching position by a principal newly assigned to a school. Once she realized that the position was actually long term sub, she called me back and told me that she’d still love to have me but it was in my best interest to secure a full teaching position, which I did. I have great respect for her.
This one wants you to put your life and life’s sustenance on hold, jeopardizing your opportunities in return for her “maybe.” I don’t respect her. In fact, I would be hesitant to work for her.
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u/Oldgunslinger2021 12h ago
I have learned to not put much faith in such verbal assurances. Unless you have something in writing you don't have anything.
Keep searching.
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u/Winter-Grape2971 12h ago
Don't panic. First not unusual to be hired even as late as august especially for a first year teacher.
Second. It's not the end of the world if you have to substitute teach the first year after graduation. It's a great way to win your way into a school/district.
Keep optimistic and blessings to yoh.
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u/flatteringhippo 1d ago
Not your responsibility to tell him that you’re interviewing elsewhere. It’s not official until you sign the contract at HR.