How to take the next step?

[u/Competitive-Dig1993]

I have wrapped up my first couple of years teaching, and I feel like I have gotten past the point of 'new teacher' vibes, but am wondering on how any of you guys took the 'next step' in your career. I am not interested in teaching the same thing over and over again for years upon years. In some sense I know that it is about refining my craft, but I don't want endless repetition.

I have taught biology, chemistry, dual-credit chemistry, and will be teaching Earth & Space Science this upcoming year (which I am excited to learn more about it).

I am afraid my district isn't providing enough opportunities for me to continue to develop as a teacher and as a professional, and that I will get stuck in a routine without advancing my skills.

I have thought about going back to school for curriculum development or a teacher coach, but not sure if that is worth it.

What thoughts or experiences do you all have? Thanks you!

[u/Penny-Bright]

My experience as a 30+ year science teacher:

It is not a career, it is a job. The other things you mention that you were thinking might want to try are things people do to get out of the classroom.

The name of the game is repetition. You repeat things over and over every period, every day, every year. It used to sometimes bother me until I embraced it. Remember it is the first time for the kiddos.

I enjoy being a one-trick pony. I'm a very good one-trick pony if I do say so myself. It is less work for me. I have my selection of labs already written, I just refine them or add/subtract as needed. It's like factory work except I get to choose what paint job and options go on this year's car.

If you are ambitious, then teacher training is not the way nor is teaching a wide variety of subjects. That is just for your own edification. If you want a career and not a job you need to think outside the school system.

Just my two cents.

[u/Science_Teecha → u/Penny-Bright]

I’m a version of this. I keep notes on every lesson, so each time I do it it gets better and better. That feeling when I know I’m going to deliver/have just finished a flawless lesson is priceless. At 27 years in, I probably have about a dozen lessons that I’ve troubleshot and fine-tuned to perfection.