Teachers--Have you transferred to another county/state after the deadline?

[Anonymous]

Thanks. The really frustrating part is that I have been offered another job in a surrounding district they just can't give me the contract until I can produce a letter stating I resigned without prejudice. No one seemed to know this "rule" except for the people in HR. I have been in VA public schools for more than 10 years and never heard you couldn't be hired by a surrounding district if you resign with prejudice. The only thing I can find in writing is about not being able to return to current district if I resign with prejudice. I'm totally ok with that. Glad to see I'm not alone in the use of the term indentured servitude...

[Anonymous]

Thanks. The really frustrating part is that I have been offered another job in a surrounding district they just can't give me the contract until I can produce a letter stating I resigned without prejudice. No one seemed to know this "rule" except for the people in HR. I have been in VA public schools for more than 10 years and never heard you couldn't be hired by a surrounding district if you resign with prejudice. The only thing I can find in writing is about not being able to return to current district if I resign with prejudice. I'm totally ok with that. Glad to see I'm not alone in the use of the term indentured servitude...

I am one of the previous posters who switched districts (but had to resign first). I had the same experience. This is not something that is advertised in the teaching profession. Many teachers are totally unaware of these rules until they try to change jobs. It's some kind of "gentlemen's agreement", but it really restricts the individual freedom of teachers as professionals. No other profession would get away with this. And, to the people who think the unions are strong in VA, NOT!! Teachers have little to no power over all aspects of their profession. In Virginia at least.