I've got a work dilemma. Im a teacher in Kentucky. Im just finIshing my first year ( hired in January at the school my father taught at for years) and do not have tenure. I've yet to be offered my job back, in fact my principle told me that a few people with tenure needs to be placed before he can commit to me. I've talked to the district head of my department who also has a role in hiring, she says I'm coming back. Not to worry. Here is the rub, I work 40 minutes away, the school down the street has a position. My director has been working close to me to build a new unit for emotionally disturbed students. Do I apply to the job? I feel that I've gotten my job now due to the impression that most are under that I would be loyal to the district, which is under priveledged. The distance costs me 2000 dollars a year, and have a 1 yr old and stay at home wife. Do I apply for the new job? Why or why not? If they do not rehire me at the new job in a year then I've ended up without a job and having burnt a bridge, what do I do?

You should apply for both jobs and if you receive offers for both decide between them. if you only receive a single offer take it. If you don't get an offer you have to ask yourself why you didn't apply for more jobs.

I don't see that you have any ethical obligation to commit to your current position, particularly as they are not making a commitment to you. I agree with Kookaburra - keep your options open and pursue both jobs. If you end up with two offers, you may then have to make a choice and at that point you may have to consider whether there are ethical considerations which would make you take your current position rather than the new one. But until you reach that point, I don't see that you have any dilemma at all.