Once you have become a teacher, you may be fearful that there is no chance of ever progressing in your career. However, there are actually many ways you can develop professionally; whether it be as a principal, special needs educator or as a school inspector. Due to the vast amount of opportunities available to you, you will need to come up with a solid plan to help you achieve your main goal.
If you’re looking for ways to progress in your teaching career in the very near future, check out these top tips that should steer you in the right direction, regardless of which path you take.
1. Identify your teaching strategy
Ensuring you have a career strategy is essential if you wish to progress. Before you can figure out the next steps to take, you need to map out your career goals and work out how they can be achieved. Look at the different teaching jobs that interest you and think realistically about where you want to be in five years’ time. This should help determine whether you’re currently on the right path and if not; what steps you need to take to get there.
2. Take on new courses
While you have most likely already studied in higher education to become a fully-fledged teacher, there is always room to study more. Enrolling on new degree courses is one of the most obvious ways to progress and you will be able to show employers that you have secured even more knowledge than most other teachers.
In order to be able to teach students with disabilities, for example, you’ll need to earn a Masters in Teaching with a Special Education. As a current teacher, it’s unlikely you’ll have enough time to dedicate to regular study; however, courses such as this one at Redlands University Online can be studied from the comfort of your own home and is completely flexible to fit around your current commitments. If you’re looking to study further, it would be well worth finding out more about Redlands University Online.
3. Find a mentor
It may not ever be of something you’ve thought about, but you can learn so much from your fellow teachers and mentors – especially those who have been in the industry for years. If you’re looking to move into a higher position such as a leadership role for a specific department or even as a principal in the near future, then don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you can to those who may be able to provide useful answers. This can be an invaluable tip to gain some insight into how to move forward, from those who have already been there and done it.
4. Think about your career growth over pay
As the teaching industry is extremely competitive, it’s essential you remember to remain in a school where career progression may be on the cards, rather than becoming obsessed with your paycheck. Have a long, hard think about whether the school you’re currently working at is likely to give you the opportunity to develop and if not, it may be time to move elsewhere. If your school doesn’t seem to be understanding your personal mission, you may like to choose somewhere that will encourage your personal career growth.