Another Case in Point

Donna wants to teach in an elementary school and has been networking and meeting several principals.

Two of them have interviewed her and have expressed interest in her teaching at their school.

Donna really wants to work at P.S. 55 and has received an offer as a teaching assistant. Luckily, Donna was also offered a position at P.S. 22 for a full-time teaching position, but she would much rather work at P.S. 55. She can negotiate with the principal at P.S. 55 in the following way:

• Thank the principal at P.S. 55 for the offer. Even though it’s a teaching assistant versus teaching position, she should let her know she is flattered to receive the offer.
• Let the principal know that while she’s been looking for the past three to four months, another principal has offered her a full-time teaching position. She also appreciates receiving that offer; however, her number one choice is P.S. 55 because she spent time student teaching at the school, and because she has formed solid relationships with several of the teachers in addition to the principal.
• Is there any way she could have a full-time teaching position?
• If that isn’t possible, and she accepts the teaching assistant position, would it possibly turn into a teaching position, and, if so, how long would that take?
• If the principal cannot guarantee the better position, Donna should take the job at P.S. 22. Although the school is somewhat unfamiliar to her, she should trust that she can succeed there and advance in a stellar way.