Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Very few people want to be stuck doing the same thing for the rest of their lives. Even if educators view their career as a calling, the desire to grow and experience new things is human nature.
In the K-12 education system, this leads to a problem for many dedicated classroom teachers. The internal drive to learn, improve and make more money in an increasingly expensive world often conflicts with the desire to stay in the classroom.
The call to leave the classroom can be enticing, as educators may view themselves as "just a teacher" when they forgo advanced career options.
Should we leave the classroom to take a job in administration, at a curriculum company, or into higher education and academia, or should we stay in our classrooms?
This dilemma is a common challenge for many educators, who must weigh their personal and professional goals against their commitment to their students and the classroom.
Author's summary: Educators face a dilemma in seeking growth and leadership opportunities.