How to Grow in Your Teaching Career

When I first began working towards my bachelor’s degree, it seemed that everyone I spoke to asked about my major. I would always respond with “elementary education,” which was, surprisingly and quite frequently, met with, “You’re going to teach for the rest of your life, good luck.” As a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 18-year-old, I was confused. I had wanted to be a teacher since I was little, but I began questioning whether teaching would be a good career choice. In the four years I spent at Niagara University I learned that most of my fellow education majors would remain teachers for their entire careers with little to no change in their title. I was still content with my choice, but deep down I wondered if I could do the same thing for 40 years.

I quickly learned that teaching is what you make and that just because you started in the classroom does not mean you need to stay there for your entire career. It is crucial to view the career of teaching with a growth mindset. This is done by setting yourself up for success by making yourself a versatile asset to your school. 

At Detroit Prep, you are provided with a variety of tools and resources to help hone your skills while strengthening yourself as a professional which allows you to seek opportunities within education outside of the classroom. 

Some of these resources include professional development, 2 by 2 reviews, and observations/feedback.

Professional Development: At Detroit Prep, professional development is a key component in how we grow as educators and professionals. Professional development is done once a week in both whole groups and small. We spend time building community but work together to problem-solve issues we are seeing in our school community whether it be classroom-based or whole school. Detroit Prep also utilizes professional development to allow teachers to learn new skills that they can use both in and out of the classroom. 

2 by 2 Reviews: Reflection is your most important tool as a professional. By being reflective it allows you to truly look at what is going well and not while giving you space to make a change. At Detroit Prep, reflection is key which is what happens in our 2 by 2 reviews. These reviews happen 3 times a year and allow all staff to truly reflect on what is going well and not going well. This allows you to stop, think and evaluate yourself before moving forward in the year, which is a critical step in any profession. 

Observations/Feedback: Feedback is another key piece to any profession. By giving and receiving feedback it allows you to once again reflect and then take immediate action. At Detroit Prep, observations and feedback happen regularly. This is a tool used in every aspect of our school that allows you to grow in your craft while learning critical skills; the art of gracefully receiving feedback. 

While being in the classroom may not be forever, I have learned that working at a school that prioritizes the growth of its teachers professionally allows you to strengthen your skills. This then helps you prepare for whatever adventure outside the classroom awaits.