On 7/01/09, Amy wrote:
> I've been offered a job in the suburbs and have a few 2nd
> interviews coming up. The job offer wants me to come in and
> sign a contract. Can I break this contract before it even
> starts?

In Illinois, if you sign a board-approved teaching contract,
then you are stuck if the district doesn't want to release you.
If you break it without board approval, then the district can
ask ISBE to suspend your teaching license.

Now, that said, most districts will release you if you give
them suitable notice. What they consider "suitable notice" is
up to them. Obviously they don't want someone who doesn't want
to be there, but if you try to jump ship a week before school
starts, you might have issues.

Its a difficult situation. My advice is to usually not sign a
contract unless you're 95 percent sure. Yeah, there might be a
"dream" district out there that will pay 10 thousand more a
year and is highly rated, or maybe its a lot closer for you, so
then maybe you take the gamble and try to get out of the
contract. If we're talking about a couple thousand more in
salary, or a little lower health insurance copay, then I
wouldn't jump ship over that. You burn bridges, and there's
always next year.

Plus, with the economy the way it is, there are a lot of people
with NO job offer, so you might want to consider that. You got
a contract. If its a job you think you can work, I'd sign it,
and worry about breaking it only if that dream district comes
calling.

Good Luck

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