This may sound a bit odd, but I believe that as spring time rolls around and teachers and students start to think about summer vacation or next school year, I believe it is healthy for educators to consider their own career options.
Obviously there will be some reading this who are working their dream job in their dream scenario, doing their ideal job at the perfect age level in exactly the community they’d always hoped to work in.
A few of you will be in the opposite situation...you’re only reading this after hitting “refresh” on your favorite job board for the 22nd time this morning.
The majority of us though, are somewhere in the middle. And you know what? That’s ok! When you’re on the job, you’re morally and contractually obligated to do what’s best for kids. But when you’re off the clock and pondering your own happiness? You have a moral obligation to do what’s best for you and your family.
This sort of reflection is not only healthy, it's important in education. By taking a relaxed, realistic view of where we are, and where we want to be as people, we’re forced to confront any negativities in our current situation.
The truth is, students deserve teachers who WANT to be their teacher. This job is hard enough (just not for the reasons you might think). and you’d better be committed to it if you’re going to sign up for another year.
That doesn’t mean you should make rash decisions. I once mentored a new teacher who was really struggling to find her place in our profession. As she discussed leaving the profession, as calmly as I could I asked her “So, what would you do? You still have to pay the bills and eat, right?” To my surprise, she had a fall back plan ready to go and had clearly given this much thought. She was unhappy with her current colleagues, frustrated by the students and administration. While we discussed all of the great things she was accomplishing early in her career and I told her I thought she was doing a good job, I also encouraged her to consider her options, because while career change is certainly a possibility, I believe sometimes teacher’s just haven't found their ideal “fit” either. Before ANYONE gives up on the teaching profession, they should consider changing buildings, changing districts, changing subjects, or grade levels….but if you’re unhappy, change something. Ours is a wonderful profession, regardless of what the naysayers may tell you, but life’s too short to be miserable, Edunators.
But here’s the thing….simply going through the motions of exploring career options can affirm where we are, or direct us to what we need to be improving upon.
As an exercise in teacher reflection, consider these activities as you open your windows and let the smell of summer start to creep into your classroom. Whether you’re considering pursuing a new position or not, they’ll help you re-charge and prepare for the new school year and if you are in the job market - they’ll help you prepare for that as well.
Update your resume to include anything new or exciting you accomplished this year. It will help take stock in the positive things you’ve accomplished. Haven’t done anything new or noteworthy this year? Hmmm….is there still time in the school year to try a new, wacky lesson idea? (The last few weeks before a long break are actually a great time to try this!) No time left ? Start thinking about what you’d like to add to your resume for next year and schedule times this summer to make that happen. Even if you don’t have anything “new” to add to your resume, taking stock in all the positive things that make you awesome as an educator as you prepare for your interview (real or imagined) will help you remember why you do this. Speaking of….
Think about those cliche, boring interview questions like “Why did you want to become a teacher?” or “Why do you want this position?” Whether you ever actually go an interview or not, it would do your heart good to answer these questions -even if just to yourself. It never hurts us to remind ourselves why we chose this profession and nothing affirms that like an interview. It also wouldn’t be the first time I heard of a candidate who, when asked “Why do you want this position?” decided “I don’t” and suddenly realized how happy they were in their current role. Need more ideas? We’ve got more interview questions for you to think about if you’re seriously considering a new position.
Prepare an exemplary lesson. You know, the kind that you had coming out of college in a color coded binder, all pretty and laminated and aligned to state standards ready to incorporate every buzzword known to man? Even if you never use it in an interview, it’ll do your heart good to have one really awesome lesson or unit ready to rock for next year, especially if it’s the legendary kind that builds a legacy of awesome in your classroom.
Think about the questions you’d ask a potential employer. This is important, both in an interview and in our exercise in reflection. What is it you value in a work environment? Are those needs being met in your position? Can you be sure they will be in a new environment? Do you need to jump the fence and head off to wear the grass is greener, or do you need to spend some time watering your own grass?
Perhaps you’ll decide it really is time to pursue something different. Hopefully though, you’ll go through this process only to realize you’re not unhappy where you are…you just need to spend some time working on you...and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
Looking for a new teaching position and need to brush up on your interview skills? Or are you looking to hire a passionate teacher, ready to overcome obstacles and focus on learning? Check out our eBook, "21 Questions for Hiring 'Edunators'" below!
