The past couple of years has been really rough on children, their families, and especially on teachers. Most teachers had to adapt on the fly, without any warning, and completely change the way they taught, and all without any sort of promotion in position or pay. Though the thing about teachers is that most who go that route do so because it’s a calling, and not simply because it’s a job. Teachers, by and large, are undeterred by such setbacks, and many are still trying to advance their careers today. If you’re thinking of advancing your teaching career, here are some things you should know about the process.
Choose Your Preferred Level
The first step in the process toward advancing as an educator is to actually choose your level here. As an example, so you know what you’re dealing with: the qualifications required to teach elementary school vs. high school or college are different. If you want to advance, then your education needs to advance. Your qualifications need to match the level at which you want to teach. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach here. Just because you’re a teacher right now, and perhaps a really good one, does not mean that you can just obtain another teaching job higher up the ladder without the requisite qualifications.
Attain the Right Education
Next up, you’re going to need the right education. Teachers in America are held to a very high standard, and you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in an educational (or adjacent) field in most states, and a master’s degree in others. To teach college, you will likely need to finish an entire doctoral track with your Ph.D. So, depending on where you want to teach next, make sure you have the proper degree(s) in the proper field(s). You will not be able to advance any sort of career in education without having an education yourself that matches your preferred level of advancement.
Work Toward Certification
After receiving the proper education, you need certification. Becoming a national board certified teacher is going to open a whole lot of doors for you and your career. You can actually find a qualified coach who can help you through this process so that you can make quick work out of obtaining your certification. Since you already have a job as a teacher and just want to advance, it’s not as if you have ample time to dedicate specifically to advancing. Working with a coach toward your certification for advancement can help you get through the process a lot quicker.
Pass Any Required Tests
Depending on which state you live in, you’re going to have to pass different sorts of tests for different levels of education that you want to teach. Yes, this is another part of a process that seems rather lengthy; but you have to understand that this is all about becoming recognized at a specific level in your particular state. The same applies if you want to advance and actually become an administrator of some sort. Even if you’re not necessarily in the classroom teaching kids directly, you’re still going to be a large part of the educational process, and you will also have to take advancement tests to move up the ladder.
Go Full Steam Ahead
Once you have decided to advance your career, whether teaching a higher level, a more difficult subject, or moving on to administration duties, you have to stick with this decision and move ahead. If you’re just doing a little bit of work toward your certification or your education once in a while, you’re going to end up stuck in place. Make your decision, consult a coach about your certification, and get moving.
In Conclusion
Just because you’re already a teacher doesn’t mean you’re entitled to the promotion of your choice. You have to show that you’re dedicated and prepared to fill that new position. The process can be lengthy and even expensive. Luckily, you can find some help along the way with things like receiving your certification. Take advantage of help when you can find it and it will make the road to advancement easier.
