Save Yourself from Career Suicide. 5 Questions Every Teacher Must Address to Avoid Stagnation.
Nov 19, 2023
3 min read
A significant percentage of teachers consists of young adults who see teaching as a temporary job, while an equally large number are middle-aged or older individuals who feel stuck in their profession. Both lost their legitimate rights to teach. Only a decimal number has the legal right to stand in front of students.
If you belong to the first two categories of teachers, which make up the majority of the teaching population, you may be at risk of becoming obsolete. You don't have to, but how can you regain your legitimate right and authority to command respect as a Pro-Teacher? Here are 5 questions you must respond proactively to save yourself from committing career suicide.
1. How long do you want to be a teacher?
While responding to journalists regarding the best piece of advice he has ever received from a coach, Kyle Walker, one of the best Man City defenders had this to say, "Enjoy playing the game because retirement is around the corner." Most teachers don't know how much time they have in school. And as such, they don't value their time or students' time while in the classroom.
Simply because you signed up to be a teacher for a short time doesn't mean you can't have a meaningful, profitable, and enjoyable time with students. If you are going to be a teacher for life, you do not have to waste students' time, you have a lifetime of teaching, and they have one year to be in your class! Let's be fair.
2. How many students do you want to teach or influence in a single lesson?
It's my opinion that teachers who spend hours studying, organizing material, and preparing a good lesson, only to deliver it to 30-40 students in a classroom, are not valuing their time enough. On the other hand, teachers who upload their material online in written or audio-visual format are making the most of their investment. By doing so, many students are able to access the material online and benefit from it for a long period of time. These teachers are true professionals, as they continue to teach even when they're sleeping!
3. How much money do you want to make while teaching?
It is a fact that many teachers are not aware of the financial benefits that come with a teaching career. The realization usually sets in when one reaches the level of Pro-teacher, that is, when they have acquired advanced skills, earned a good reputation, and gained respect in their field. Unfortunately, not every teacher will be able to reach that level, not because it is impossible, but because they are unwilling to invest the time and effort required to become highly skilled. Becoming a renowned teacher can earn you a place in library books, online links, or even in the homes of high-class parents who welcome you to conduct private coaching sessions for their children. Each of these opportunities will help put more money in the teacher's pocket.
4. What will other educators inherit from you upon your retirement?
Undoubtedly, all teachers leave behind a legacy of service to numerous students over the years, many of whom go on to serve the country in various fields. It's a rewarding experience for teachers to see students they helped, go on to help others. However, my question to educators is this: What innovation have you developed to assist those who come after you?
You have done a great job as a program implementer, and we appreciate your hard work. However, I believe that you could achieve even better results by leaving behind new innovations, improving the curriculum, introducing new teaching methods, and sharing techniques that your successors can utilize. Don't all professions build on the knowledge and experience of those who came before them?
I invite you to join other teachers in our Eda spaces to continue this conversation. You want to leave behind a good legacy! Trust me, you do.
5. How do you intend to spend your retirement time?
Planning for retirement starts now. Your answers to the previous questions will shape your retirement years. If you've proactively addressed your commitment, impact, financial goals, and legacy, you'll have a clear vision for a fulfilling retirement. Explore practical answers on our website and connect with fellow educators in our Eda spaces.
Follow Paul Naigo- Educator on LinkedIn for more professional insights and tips to secure your teaching career. Don't let professional stagnation be your story—act now for a fulfilling and impactful journey in education.
Thank you, fellow educators, for assembling a collection of diverse literature and research. However, pondering on the root causes behind the conclusion that 'Both lost their legitimate rights to teach,'that imply that this a tarnished profession. It's disheartening. Nevertheless, defining our profession accurately necessitates revisiting the past, identifying and rectifying mistakes and misconceptions. This reflection can lead to improved outcomes and happier educators. Nonetheless, our gratitude remains as we've now pinpointed the areas needing further investigation."
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Unknown member
Nov 25, 2023
Replying to
Thank you, Alex for you comment.
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Unknown member
Nov 21, 2023
Number 1 and 4 hit hard.
Those that come after me, what foundations will they find because I consciously or unconsciously laid it😞😞
Many educators leave it up to government policy to dictate when they should stop teaching. Others wait until their body gives up to determine when they should quit. It's more like they are playing a lottery. Very unfortunate! Pro-teachers should have a plan which they execute to the dot.
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Unknown member
Nov 20, 2023
In as much as you I want to touch lives of the learners every day, I want the knowledge I have to be borrowed by the adults around me. I feel like a champion every time someone says, "I want to do that like you, Bella." or "I now do this well coz I learnt from you."
Touching lives forever is my goal as a teacher. Even in my retirement, I shall be a consultant of education 😜. I can't wait to see all this
This is definitely an enlightening write. Thank you for pointing out these questions.
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Unknown member
Nov 20, 2023
I believe those are really questions to ask. Most importantly who and how many are you influencing in a lesson, but not only in a lesson but also in your time of teaching, while while in class or outside class, while at school or outside school. Children desire to do what adults do. But it should be a positive influence!
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Unknown member
Nov 20, 2023
Replying to
True, these are the questions, thing is, we need to think together to answer these questions. Individual effort is good but it doesn't beat team effort.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
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Unknown member
Nov 19, 2023
The truth is that as teachers, we all work for money and a few do it voluntarily. This is to awaken us that if we want to good money out of it, we need to better ourselves first.
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Unknown member
Nov 20, 2023
Replying to
@damaliebig, you seem to suggest that the level of self investment is directly proportional to level of success. I completely agree with you.
Thank you, fellow educators, for assembling a collection of diverse literature and research. However, pondering on the root causes behind the conclusion that 'Both lost their legitimate rights to teach,'that imply that this a tarnished profession. It's disheartening. Nevertheless, defining our profession accurately necessitates revisiting the past, identifying and rectifying mistakes and misconceptions. This reflection can lead to improved outcomes and happier educators. Nonetheless, our gratitude remains as we've now pinpointed the areas needing further investigation."
Number 1 and 4 hit hard.
Those that come after me, what foundations will they find because I consciously or unconsciously laid it😞😞
In as much as you I want to touch lives of the learners every day, I want the knowledge I have to be borrowed by the adults around me. I feel like a champion every time someone says, "I want to do that like you, Bella." or "I now do this well coz I learnt from you."
Touching lives forever is my goal as a teacher. Even in my retirement, I shall be a consultant of education 😜. I can't wait to see all this
This is definitely an enlightening write. Thank you for pointing out these questions.
I believe those are really questions to ask. Most importantly who and how many are you influencing in a lesson, but not only in a lesson but also in your time of teaching, while while in class or outside class, while at school or outside school. Children desire to do what adults do. But it should be a positive influence!
The truth is that as teachers, we all work for money and a few do it voluntarily. This is to awaken us that if we want to good money out of it, we need to better ourselves first.