Questions about my return to the workforce

[matildasun]

My situation is a bit different in that I have been on extended childcare leave for 5 years. I am now ready to return to the work. I am guaranteed a position within the school district, but not my old position. My name is given to the staffing department, who in turn gives it to principals. 

There is one school where I have always wanted to work. I started tutoring there in September with hopes of getting my foot in the door.  The tutoring site coordinator is going to reach out to the principal for me, because my desired position is open for the next year.

I would also like to contact the principal directly. I plan on waiting until next week, after I hear back from the site coordinator. Is email my best course of action? If I email her do I need to send my resume with the first contact or wait until she asks for it? I need to mention that I am returning from leave, do I mention that it is child care leave? That information is in my personnel file, which she will have access to.

Sorry for the dumb questions, and thanks in advance. 

[jinkies]

I feel like this is very teaching-specific. I'm not a teacher (I just hate to see unanswered threads) so take my advice for what it's worth.

Assuming you get positive feedback from the site coordinator who is putting in a good word for you, I would email the principal, and attach your resume. I would include that you are returning from child care leave as means of explaining your 5 year gap (especially if it's already in your file as such, so it's not like your family status is secret).

good luck!

[sunshineluv]

I would email the principal your resume, and I would tell him/her about your interest in the position. I would also state that you are returning from childcare. I would add that you have put your name in with the staffing department, but you wanted to reach out to him/her because school xyz is your number one choice. I would brag on the school and state some specifics of what you have seen from tutoring.

There is no harm in emailing the principal, it is great for them to see your name come across their desk and to know you are interested.

[purpleminion]

Yes, email the principal. Tell him the reasons why you want to work at this particular school. Including your resume couldn't hurt. If you know any of the other teachers at that school, reach out to them too and ask them to put in a good word for you or write you a letter of recommendation. This is EXACTLY how got the job at my current school. I had so many people advocating for me that I didn't even have to interview for it, the principal just called and offered it to me. I was working in the district at the time, though.

Good luck! I don't know how your district is, but mine is very competitive. Too many teachers, not enough positions for them all. I hope you're able to get into the school you want!

[matildasun]

Thanks everyone.
The principal wants to meet me tomorrow, after my tutoring session, to set up an interview.