Episode 80: How to Redefine Your Teacher Identity

When I became a teacher, I really thought I would be a teacher forever. And my whole identity was really tied up in this idea of being a teacher. So when I started to look for different options beyond the classroom and explore those options, it really came with shifting my identity; I was still a teacher, but I had to redefine my teacher identity. And you might find yourself in the same boat, whether you're deciding to just look and see what's out there beyond the classroom, or you really want to claim your expertise as the education expert that you are, or you're ready to move entirely beyond the classroom and expand your impact. All of this comes with really redefining your teacher identity.

In this episode, I talk about how to really redefine your teacher identity, so that you can confidently go forward into whatever career path you want, whether to stay in the classroom or move beyond.

 
 
 
 
 

Read the transcript for this episode:

Welcome to Educator Forever, where we empower teachers to innovate education. Join us each week to hear stories of teachers expanding their impacts beyond the classroom and explore ways to reimagine teaching and learning.

When I became a teacher, I really thought I would be a teacher forever. And my whole identity was really tied up in this idea of being a teacher. So when I started to look for different options beyond the classroom and explore those options, it really came with shifting my identity; I was still a teacher, but I had to redefine my teacher identity. And you might find yourself in the same boat, whether you're deciding to just look and see what's out there beyond the classroom, or you really want to claim your expertise as the education expert that you are, or you're ready to move entirely beyond the classroom and expand your impact. All of this comes with really redefining your teacher identity.

As a teacher, you have learned so much. And so part of this step is really thinking about all the things you've learned, where you've come from, and where you want to go. And as teachers, we're often not told that we are education experts, and we aren't treated well. And so really, part of this is building your confidence that you know about education, you know, about what works in the classroom. And you can use that expertise in so many ways.In this episode, So today, I talk about how to really redefine your teacher identity, so that you can confidently go forward into whatever career path you want, whether to stay in the classroom or move beyond.

When you think about transitioning out of the classroom, it's okay to feel uncertain about it. Since teaching is so all consuming and Passion Driven, it's normal to wonder if any work will be as meaning or meaningful or will leave you feeling as fulfilled. And I get that. But I also get that there are so many ways to do meaningful work. And that I think this can be a trap sometimes of being like, Oh, we got into teaching for the mission, right? We want to make a difference. We want it to be the great equalizer. We want to inspire kids, all the things. But that's not the only way that you can do these things. And so I think it's so important to lean into the meaning behind your career, like why do you want to do it, and your mission and your values, but know that there are multiple ways that you can work towards those missions with those values. And so maybe you're also thinking about leaving your comfort zone, and really adapting to new and unfamiliar settings. It's like it's a change, right? And changes are hard. Or maybe you're worried about leaving your teacher friends or your communities, all these things are valid, but they also signify the beginning of an exciting journey of discovery and growth and possibilities. Really lean into the possibilities because there are so many, so many that they can feel overwhelming sometimes. And we've been wondering: what possibility do I choose?

But the first step is really redefining your teacher identity. You can leave the classroom if you want to, without leaving education, you can stay in the classroom if you want to, while also doing other things in education, or building a more sustainable and joyful life. You can do any of these things. But it's important to intentionally grow your teacher identity and adapt your teacher identity. And start by thinking about the things that you love doing, you know, what do you really enjoy about teaching? What have you learned from teaching, and that'll give you clues about your next step, which could be working in curriculum development or education, consulting, or instructional coaching or education writing, online teaching education, entrepreneurship, like the list goes on and on. But the main message is that your next career step doesn't have to mean the end of your career as a teacher. Reframe your identity as a teacher instead, and view a job change as an opportunity for growth and exploration of the ways you can continue to make an impact in education.

So let's think about these three steps to take as you embrace a new career path. The first one is really listening to yourself and starting to envision a new reality. So this takes time. It's not something like you snap your fingers and you're like, Alright, I know exactly what to do. No. Take the time to reflect on what you want. What do you want to do beyond the classroom as an educator, what's working for you? What's not working for you? What do you want to lean into? Allow yourself to explore new possibilities without judgment or self criticism. This could be through journaling. This could be doing a voice memo on your phone, this could be talking to a friend but allow yourself time to reflect and during and then to get further clarity on this. Really think about your interests. What brings you joy in teaching? What are your lifestyle preferences? Do you want to go to the classroom? Do you want to not go into a classroom? Do you want to work at night? Do you want to work in the morning? Do you want to never go in person, like all of these things are options. But we need to get clear on what you want. Then determine if certain positions or places or organizations resonate with you. And keep an open mind along the way. This is kind of nuanced, because here I am saying like, all these things are possibilities. But also keep an open mind. Because while we can create these different career paths for ourselves, we don't want to be too rigid, because the way that you'll get clarity most of the time is by doing the thing. So try things out, see if you like it, allow action to give you clarity.

But really, as you think about what positions or opportunities are exciting to you, think about what feels the most appealing, like maybe you would love to be a curriculum developer or maybe there's an ed tech company that you would love to work with? Or maybe you just keep thinking about starting in education, business. All of this gives you clues. What do you keep thinking about? What do you get kind of jealous about when you see other people doing it, and you're like, Oh, if only I could do that? You could? Let's think about how. So really tune into what you want, which also can be hard as a teacher because we often are not told that what we want is a priority. So let's make it a priority. And then really, the next step is to embrace your expertise, and have a growth mindset. Again, not an easy fix, but you are an education expert, recognize and reflect on the valuable and marketable skills and expertise that you have. As a teacher, you've developed so many transferable skills and strengths and experiences that you'll bring into your next chapter. This can include so many things, but including communication, adaptability, organization, data driven decision making, relationship building, problem solving, on and on, and on.

I could go on but really think about your skills and how you're going to communicate them. And then really throughout the way, having a growth mindset that we're gonna learn as we go. And as a lifelong learner, you can really learn anything you don't know, especially as a teacher. So really think about that challenges or opportunities for growth and learning. And setbacks are a natural part of the journey. With a growth mindset, you can navigate these obstacles on the road to redefining your teacher identity with greater resilience, perseverance and competence. This growth mindset is key. And it's honestly key to your confidence. When you give yourself permission that things are not gonna go perfectly, but that you will be resilient along the way. That is how you build true confidence. So allow yourself to embrace all the ups and downs of the journey. And then the third step is really to seek out support and then network to empower you. You're more likely to thrive in anything with a strong support system. And while friends and family are helpful having support from like minded educators and people have shifted their own identities as teachers is key

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Lily Jones