I’ve been teaching middle school science for 15 years, and I love my job. But I’m wondering what other opportunities there might be for sharing and expanding my experiences and knowledge. I don’t think I want to be an administrator, but I’m open to suggestions for a new challenge.
—Brita, Virginia Beach, VA
I’d be interested in seeing any formal research on the topic, but I’ve observed many teachers with 10 to 15 years of experience develop the same feelings. They have a good repertoire of teaching strategies, and they are comfortable with their content knowledge. Although they are very confident in their classroom role, they feel a need to explore additional ways to contribute to the teaching and learning processes.
Moving beyond the comfort zone of the classroom requires risk-taking and a willingness to take on additional challenges. The term “teacher leadership” covers a variety of roles teachers can play in their schools. You might investigate opportunities to serve as a science advocate on school committees and task forces, a department chair, instructional coach, mentor, advisory board member, grantwriter, team leader, or project director.
You could become more active in NSTA or your state affiliate by volunteering for committees or running for a leadership office. Consider sharing your experience, expertise, and enthusiasm by writing articles for NSTA journals or NSTA Reports, or presenting at NSTA’s regional or national conferences. Connect with others through the NSTA email lists and the NSTA Communities. You’ll meet interesting people who share your passion for science and will invigorate your intellect.

Expand your knowledge in different content areas. Take a look at NSTA’s Science Objects, which are free, online modules on a variety of topics. (Being certified in chemistry, I did not have many opportunities to study the earth sciences in college, so I really enjoy these modules). Also consider enrolling in courses at museums or other informal agencies, either on-line or on-site. Experiment with new technologies, including social networking, podcasting, video sharing, wikis, Moodles, and blogs.
Join or start a book discussion group, focusing on science-related themes, using NSTA Recommends for ideas. Offer to do workshops for teachers in your district or others. A district I worked in used teacher leaders to do most of the summer academy sessions. You also could check with a regional service agency or informal science organization to see if they need workshop presenters or advisors. Teaching at the college level can be a great experience, too.
Sabbatical leaves are not as common as they used to be, but your school or district may still grant them for graduate work, travel related to your teaching assignment, or internships at university labs or museums. It may be time to upgrade your credentials through additional graduate study or by working on National Board Certification.
Another exciting opportunity is being a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). Schools or districts release experienced teachers from some or all of their classroom duties and assign them to assist with strategic planning, professional development, coaching, induction, curriculum design, or special projects. These positions, often funded through a grant, usually last only a semester or two. The cost to the district is the salary of a full-time substitute. I worked with a TOSA whose role was to mentor elementary teachers in science. She modeled inquiry-based strategies in classes, acquired materials for lab activities, and provided professional development. Since she was an active teacher, she had a positive rapport with the teachers in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way. Her salary was paid by a professional development grant.
Don’t overlook the option of earning administrative credentials. Your insights and experience would make you a valuable resource for the science faculty. Working with a principal or curriculum director who understands the unique demands of science instruction would be a dream come true for many science teachers. Even if you never become a principal or central office administrator, the coursework, reflective processes, and internship can provide close encounters with another component of the education system. Having administrative credentials can open the door for other opportunities, too.
You’ll never know when an opportunity for presenting, teaching, publishing, or advisory work will present itself. Have an up-to-date resume/vita including your educational background, your credentials or certificates, a description of your teaching responsibilities, a list of workshops or presentations you’ve conducted, your professional recognitions and awards, any publications, and extra-curricular and community service. Also get business cards and have a professional-looking photograph taken.
As a potential teacher leader or administrator, don’t underestimate the value of your contributions. I’m sure you have the skills and knowledge, as well as a passion for science, to become a valuable resource not only to your students but also to the profession. It will be a rejuvenating experience.
Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankieroberto/3617081841/