What is the career path of a teacher?

I bet everyone can name at least one teacher from their childhood who was a “lifer”.  Thirty years in one classroom. Taught multiple generations from the same family.  Perhaps even inspired you to become a teacher.  These educators dedicated their lives to public service and were pillars of the community.  They represent one definition of a “career-minded teacher”. 

But that path isn’t for everyone. Research shows that younger teachers today are more inclined than previous generations to seek career mobility within education.  There are plenty of reasons why teachers should not view success in the classroom as a career stop sign.

The benefits of being career-minded:

• Accumulate a diverse set of skills and experience
• More career opportunities 
• Career control
• Potential for a higher salary
• Personal challenge and fulfillment

As more teachers seek advancement, the stigma or guilt associated with a teacher’s exit from the classroom will (hopefully) dissipate.  In fact, education, and ultimately students, would gain from a new wave of teachers who are career-minded. When talented and experienced teachers assume roles of leadership, coaching, and curriculum development, education is propelled forward.

Tips for Being a Career-Minded Teacher

1. Get comfortable outside your classroom.

The tendency, especially for newer teachers, is to “hide” within the friendly confines of their room.  Older teachers do this too.  But the truth is that if you’re not doing things outside your classroom — teaming up to implement a new academic program, helping organize the school’s testing schedule, sitting on the school DEI committee — you will likely stunt your career.

2. Say “yes”.

We’ve all watched a principal ask for volunteers for some unpleasant task (see #1 above) only to be met with silence.  We want you to balance work and home life.  But if something extra would fit into your schedule…say “yes”. 

3. Be intentional with your communication.

Be as clear and professional as possible when it comes to your verbal and written communication.  Think about who might be able to hear your conversation in the hallway.  Reflect on your social media presence.  Negative or unprofessional communication — especially digital — can come back to haunt you.

4. Be a positive force for change on your campus.

A school is a workplace with many challenges and not many easy solutions.  It’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining about the current problems without providing any suggestions for improving those issues.

5. Invest time and money in yourself.

This can be difficult for two reasons.  First, budgeting for tuition when your paycheck isn’t huge is tough.  Also, the last thing you have energy for is that evening or weekend class.  Try to plan at least one professional advancement activity a year: a class and the local college, a weekend conference, or make it your goal to research master’s programs and apply for the following year.

At least once a year, update your resume. A “resume” mindset helps promote an attitude of advancement and prepares you for any possible career transition.

6. Embrace change.

Just when you’re getting comfortable in education, here comes something new to upset that.  Be willing to pilot a program or volunteer to help colleagues with the new technology.  Whatever your career objectives are, the ability to adapt is crucial.

Be on the lookout for programs or changes that are in line with your personal mission in education.  Even if the program does not last for generations, it will be something you are invested in, something that is aligned with your values, and something you can discuss in interviews as an example of how you live your mission.

7. Establish realistic time boundaries.

The key word here is “realistic”.  It isn’t practical to say you’re never going to stay on campus past 3 o’clock or that you’ll never work at home on the weekend.  If that’s your goal, education probably isn’t for you.  On the other hand, you should establish boundaries.  Set a time during the evening after which you don’t check your email.   Have at least one day a week that is work-free.  Amanda wrote a more detailed piece on establishing boundaries as a teacher. 

8. Know that your students will be fine.

The attention to detail many teachers give to every lesson is amazing.  But if you need to occasionally use a less-than-perfect lesson in order to have the time and energy to further your career, then do it!  For example, if you spend the afternoon re-writing your school’s dress code policy (a resume builder, for sure) then maybe tomorrow’s lesson won’t have the usual bells and whistles.  Your students will be fine.

Redefining What It Means to Be A Career Teacher

Traditionally, teachers were expected to prioritize their students above their own careers.  And yes, the profession exists to serve students.  But teaching should be viewed as a career like any other – one that requires careful planning and strategic thinking to help it grow.  It should be a profession that values advancement.  Career development is essential to feeling energized and excited by the profession.