Q&A on ‘open market’ transfer plan

Apr 24, 2008 4:09 PM

So you want to switch schools?

So you want to switch schools? The Open Market Transfer Plan period has begun! If you are not happy with your school or principal or you simply want a new opportunity or wish to be closer to home, this plan gives you the opportunity to apply for a position at another school. You can view vacancies citywide and submit online applications via the DOE Web site.

Under the plan, individuals can apply for any and all vacancies for which they are appropriately licensed. This Q&A is meant to address the most commonly asked questions about the Open Market Transfer Plan.

Q: Who is covered by the transfer plan?

A: All pedagogues, including paraprofessionals, clinicians, guidance counselors and secretaries.

Q: When does the transfer period begin and how will I be able to learn about vacancies?

A: The Department of Education begins to post vacancies on April 15 each year, as per our contract. As principals continue to learn of vacancies they will be added to the site throughout the transfer period, which ends Aug. 7. When a position has been filled the listing will be removed from the site.

Q: Is there a minimum period of time vacancies will be posted?

A: The DOE is telling principals that vacancies should be posted for a meaningful amount of time — at least seven calendar days.

Q: What is the definition of a vacancy under the plan?

A: A vacancy is a position to which no teacher has been appointed, except where a non-appointed teacher is filling in for an appointed teacher on a leave of absence. Vacancies are created as a result of growth (new positions due to anticipated enrollment growth or qualification for a new grant), retirements and resignations.

Q: It seems like schools may be adding and deleting vacant positions throughout the spring and summer, is that right?

A: Yes. For that reason, it’s advisable that anyone interested in securing a transfer should regularly check the vacancy postings. The new plan also allows you to apply to a school that hasn’t posted a vacancy in the event one develops later.

Q: How do I apply?

A: First you’ll be asked to complete an online registration form, which involves creating a user ID and password. Once you do this you’ll be able to electronically apply to any and all vacancies in your current license area. There is room on the online application for a cover letter and resume. You will also be able to apply to transfer to schools that have not advertised a vacancy. If you choose to do this your application will be kept on file should a vacancy subsequently arise. Upon submitting an application, a confirmation page will appear, which we suggest you print and keep on file. Candidates also may be considered at job fairs, which will be posted online.

Q: How will schools know that I’ve applied?

A: Each school will have an online mailbox. Applications of candidates interested in transferring to the school will be put into that mailbox.

Q: Once I apply to transfer to an advertised vacancy, what happens next?

A: Every school is required to form a Human Resources Committee made up of pedagogues and administrators. The committee will decide which candidates it wants to interview and is not required to interview all applicants. The committee’s ultimate responsibility is to make hiring recommendations to the principal. The final decision is the principal’s. If you are selected, both you and the principal will have to sign a commitment form called Agreement to Accept Open Market Transfer.

Q: Will I need a release from my current principal to accept a transfer to a new school?

A: While the selection of candidates may be made at any time, transfers secured through Aug. 7 do not require a release.

Q: Will my principal know that I’ve applied for a transfer?

A: Not necessarily. The newly developed electronic transfer application system does not include an automatic notification to your current principal. Of course, nothing stops one principal from phoning another to get his or her opinion.

Q: Will I be asked to sign anything?

A: Both the principal offering a position and the employee accepting the offer will be asked to sign a form called Agreement to Accept Open Market Transfer. The document is binding on both parties. That means once the principal signs the form the offer cannot be withdrawn except if the vacancy is withdrawn because of budgetary issues. In that case, you will have the right to return to your original school and take your rightful place in seniority. By the same token, once the employee signs he or she cannot rescind the transfer. Except that after Aug. 7 an individual may rescind a transfer provided that:

• the former principal approves his or her return to the school; and
• the new principal approves the release.