Rebecca Koenig Interim Senior Editorial Director | EdSurge Research
Many teachers in the K-12 education system face a challenge as they seek career growth while wanting to remain in the classroom. The pressure to advance often means considering roles outside of teaching, such as administration or curriculum development, which can take educators away from direct student engagement.
One educator reflected on this dilemma after seven years in the classroom, expressing a desire for professional growth without leaving teaching. In a discussion with their principal about leadership opportunities, the principal advised: "Leadership takes many forms and that I should take every opportunity I can. On one hand, I am already a leader with my grade level team and my work advocating for staff as founder and chair of our Staff Culture Committee. If I wanted to reach for more opportunities, I needed to look for other opportunities outside the classroom that could feed my desire for accomplishment and learning and strengthen my classroom teaching skills."
Following this advice, the teacher sought out new experiences and found an after-school program focused on civic engagement called Youth 2 Leaders. This initiative allowed them to collaborate with other social studies teachers to design lessons aimed at helping students engage with their communities and local government. "It appeared that I had found a life-changing program in my own backyard, and to top it all off, they were paying me to do it! I honestly had no idea that such opportunities were out there," the teacher said.
In addition to leading extracurricular activities, the educator pursued personal development by applying for a writing fellowship: "The EdSurge Voices of Change fellowship has transformed how I view myself as a teacher. By trying for and succeeding in something I previously thought of as a weak spot, I realized that all aspects of being a teacher and educator are open for me to explore." The experience also influenced their classroom practice by allowing them to share insights from writing and editing with students.
The article encourages teachers seeking similar opportunities to connect with local colleges or universities, look beyond their comfort zones, apply for grants, and even create new initiatives if existing ones do not meet their needs. Grants are available each year to support teachers in attending conferences, developing curricula, or exploring education systems abroad.
The educator concluded by stating: "I probably won’t ever go into administration; one day, I hope to retire as a classroom teacher. But for now, I can say I’m a teacher, writer, curriculum designer and leader in my community. Just imagine what I’ll be able to call myself in another couple of years. If you want more, remember to take every opportunity and be open to new experiences. You never know where it may lead."
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