When it comes to your job, you want to know that there are progression opportunities for you to grow both on a professional and personal level. Luckily, a career in education can offer numerous opportunities like this, so you have a variety of paths to choose from. However, a promotion doesn’t just happen, and you need to be willing to put in the work to prove that you can take on the extra responsibility of your new role. So, if you’re a teacher who is looking to take the next steps in their career, here are a few things you will need to do.
Further Qualifications
For certain roles, you will need to have the relevant qualifications to even be considered as a candidate. Make sure you research this before you apply, and seek out reputable courses that you can apply to that will help you gain the degrees or other types of qualifications that are necessary for your next steps. If you’re worried about fitting in your studies around an already busy work schedule as a teacher, you can always enroll in an online degree course for a more flexible approach to learning. The Merrimack College Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership is a great example of the types of online degree programs available to teachers looking to improve their prospects.
Stay Updated
All teachers need to stay updated with the latest techniques and changes to the curriculum, but if you want to stand out, you should make an effort to keep in the loop more so than others. Take the time to read articles by other educational leaders in the relevant publications, and even make the effort to attend conferences and networking events so you can learn more from other teachers and education professionals about what they are doing, getting tips, and expanding your knowledge more generally.
Ask for More Responsibility
If you want to be taken seriously for a promotion at your school, you need to show your team leaders that you are capable of taking on the challenge. Asking for more responsibility such as taking on extra after-school clubs, or chaperoning school dances, or giving extra lessons for kids who are struggling will show that you are serious about your role as an educator and that you are working towards taking on more challenging roles in your career. You could even volunteer outside of your school for other education-based projects if you have the time and want to enhance your resume.
Be Flexible
Another thing to keep in mind if you want to get ahead in your teaching career is flexibility. Teachers are needed all over the country and beyond, and although you might be comfortable in a certain area, there might be more opportunities for you elsewhere. Consider the option of moving to another city, state, or country to pursue your career goals if necessary.
Working in education is an incredible career choice, with many challenges to face and rewards to be gained. If you’re a teacher looking to move up the career ladder, use these tips to help you get there.
