Hello everyone. I have been a teacher for years. Worked in 2 different districts and the procedures are always the same. First interview, second interview then interview with HR for Job offer. I recently applied for this school who has a a great reputation as a top school. I went to an interview, then did a demo lesson and finally was ask to meet with the direct of human resources for a job offer. The day I went, the director had to leave because her mother passed away so I met with the assistance superintendent who said that he is looking forward to have me as part of their team but stated that I should wait for the director of human resources to return. She called me today. I was expecting her to schedule an interview but no! She made me an offer ON THE PHONE!! Never have I ever seen that before. Her offer is less than what I am making now so I told her I would think about it. I called back and spoke with the secretary to schedule a meeting in person and negotiate and she said she would call me back. Instead, she sent me an email asking me my availability tomorrow to give me a call. How busy can you be that you can't even schedule a meeting in person. I have heard of negotiations on the phone but in a teaching field? I have never heard that before. The fact that she doesn't even have time or is interested in meeting me in person worries me. Am I overthinking this? I know this school has a good reputation but I'm well aware of my abilities. I felt belittled by this.
Answers & Comments
When you've just lost your mom and have been off work, you can be VERY busy She's probably doing the best she can to get caught up. The potential job change might be YOUR top priority but she probably has other issues to deal with that are just as important if not more
She was just out of the office due to the death of her mother and you are wondering why she is too busy to schedule a meeting with you???
She emailed you for availability to discuss, perhaps she doesn't want to sit down with you...and would prefer to handle everything over the phone.
Yes you're over thinking this.
She is busy.
Why on earth do you need to sit down with her in person? Just pick up the phone like you've been told and give her your number.
Maybe you'd prefer to do business via carrier pigeon or horse & buggy...
1. Where are teaching positions non-union and negotiable instead of dictated as part of the CBA?
2. Why do you think there is a negotiation? You said you would think about it, not come back with a counter-offer. Based on your note, they didn't indicate they would increase the wage.
3. Why would you negotiate in person? If it's really a negotiation they are going to have to crunch numbers and wouldn't do that with you sitting there.
4. Why waste everyone's time to have an in-person meeting, especially if the entire conversation is "this is our offer, if you are unable to accept it, we will have to look elsewhere".
Please work on improving your writing skills. Your students deserve better. I called you a teacher's assistant the other day because I can't imagine a certified teacher having writing skills at your level. Even if you aren't in the English department or a grade where you teach English, you should be able to write clearly and concisely.
Yes, you are overthinking this. There is nothing abnormal about busy people having a full calendar on any given day, let alone on a day shortly after returning to work from a bereavement leave due to the death of a parent.