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Still ask for references from your old school. Maybe they will understand why you had to leave so quickly. All they can do is say no.
I also recommend you call the principal and personally ask him to send you a reference letter. Assuming you just didn't show up for class one day, that shouldn't be a problem. The potential employer will likely contact the previous school district personnel department to verify your employment there so a Central Office reference isn't really necessary. If you received district honors, such as Teacher of the Year or received a state or national award or grant, ask the superintendent to write a brief reference noting those achievements. Your stated reasons for leaving are understandable. However, due to the unfortunate presence of predators in our schools, a hasty departure does raise a red flag that probably can't be lowered by just an employment verification checklist. Good luck in your new home and I hope the family emergency has either resolved or improved.
I haven't yet fortunately. I second asking for a reference from your old school. I'm sure it hurt to lose you, but at the end of the day, the people working there are human and I'd expect them to be sympathetic about the circumstances. The same holds true for the people who are going to be interviewing you. If you explain the context, I'm betting they'll be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.
I recently did the same. Resigned my job. TOXIC TOXIC TOXIC! Fortunately, there are still friendlies there. Ask anyway. Look to other people who know your worth and work. They can also be a reference.
Leaving in the middle of the school year for a teacher is a big red flag so I suggest getting references from that school from superintendent, principal, and director level if you can because that shows your potential employer that at the very least you were liked, getting references from teachers just shows you had friends. Also you need to address why you moved, don’t wait for them to ask, they are going to think of it so might as well address the elephant in the room.
Just be truthful and honest
Yes, something similar happened to me when my mom got sick a couple of years ago, and I had to move closer to help. It’s so hard leaving mid-year, but the right school leaders will understand. If you made solid relationships at your last school, maybe you can still reach out for a quick written reference.
Did you leave on bad terms? If not, what is preventing you from contacting your former employers and ask if they would agree to be a reference for you?
So did I. Left on my terms. Even though I resigned…was approved for unemployment benefits. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Gives me time to take a breath and look for the job I’m meant to have. Create a reference of a friendly who worked there.