MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Professional Pathways for Educators

This week on Monday Matters, Will and Jen talk about professional pathways for educators and getting through the end of the school year. They discuss strategies for powering through what Will and Jen call the “slog” at the end of the school year, and share how they have each adjusted their mindset to have a more positive outlook towards the “slog”.

Next, Will shares some insights from his new book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educators Guide to Doing What You Love. He addresses some factors that make the education career path unique and different from others. For example, according to a study done by the Economic Policy Institute (2023), teachers on average earn 73.6 cents for every dollar made by other professionals with their educational achievements. He also speaks about the different career options that are available within the field of education. Two of the questions he asks individuals exploring their career options within the field of education are: 

  • Is what’s in front of you something you want to do?
  • Are you limiting yourself by only sticking to the traditional options you think are available, rather than thinking outside the box?

Jen chimes in and explains that as students, we saw a lot of teachers, whereas we rarely saw a person in an administrative role in action. She then shares a mistake that people often make (including herself) is trying to overly plan their careers. Her advice to listeners is, “Be ready for the job you might want.”

Listen in to hear the entire conversation and to hear some great takeaways on professional pathways for educators. Thank you for doing what matters!

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William D. Parker
William D. Parker