Good Morning Amazing Educators,

How can we advance our education career?

Most of us didn’t get into education for the money (if you did… you’re probably regetting that particular life choice right about now). We got in because we care. We wanted to make a difference. We believed in the mission. But somewhere along the way, we start asking a very real question:

Now what?

We hit a wall. Not because we’ve stopped loving teaching… but because we know deep down we were made for more. More growth. More impact. More challenge.

AND LET ME BE CRYSTAL CLEAR…
Wanting to grow does NOT mean you’re ungrateful.
It doesn’t mean you’re done with teaching.
It means you refuse to stay stagnant.

And that, my friend, is the mark of a professional.

As alwyas, if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

You’re Not a Robot… You’re a Leader

Teaching is not a dead-end job. It’s not something you “settle” for and ride out until retirement. It’s a profession. And like any profession, there are multiple ways to grow, lead, and stretch your skills beyond the classroom.

If you’re someone who wants to develop into the best version of yourself, not just for your students, but for your family, your future, and your legacy. then it’s time to think bigger.

Let’s talk about some very real, very practical growth opportunities that teachers like you can step into right now.

1. Instructional Coaching or Curriculum Design

If you’re the kind of teacher who’s always finding better ways to teach, support students, and help your teammates, you’re already coaching without the title.

Instructional coaches and curriculum designers are teachers who stepped into a bigger role. They train other educators, model lessons, create campus-wide strategies, and improve learning outcomes across the board.

Action Step: Start mentoring a new teacher. Volunteer to lead a PD. Take a curriculum or instructional leadership course. Let your admin know you’re interested in expanding your reach.

2. Campus or District Leadership

Not everyone wants to be a principal (Bless those of you who do), but if leadership is your thing, lean into it. Great school leaders don’t “escape” the classroom; they expand it. They carry the heart of a teacher into every meeting, decision, and district-wide initiative.

Action Step: Join your campus leadership team. Ask your administrators what certifications are required for assistant principal roles. Look into a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Learn from those already doing it.

3. Certifications That Open Doors

Sometimes the next step is just a certification away. Whether it’s Dyslexia, ESL, Gifted & Talented, or Special Education, you can become the go-to expert on your campus or even district-wide.

Action Step: Ask your district which certifications are high-need. Explore online programs that fit your schedule. Take it one module at a time and stack your value without burning out.

4. Speak, Write, and Share Your Voice

This one is personal. If you’ve got ideas that can help teachers, say them out loud. Write them down. Record them. Teach them. The education world is desperate for voices that are real, practical, and in the trenches.

Action Step: Start a blog. Write on LinkedIn. Submit to education conferences. Launch a podcast. You don’t need permission to start… you just need to start.

5. Teacher Entrepreneurship

You’d be surprised how many teachers have turned their skills into side businesses, or even full-time businesses. Selling lesson plans, launching online courses, building digital products, starting design-based businesses like Courtney and I did with Homeroom Swag… the sky’s the limit.

Action Step: Identify what you're good at that solves a problem. Pick one platform- Teachers Pay Teachers, Etsy, YouTube, Substack, whatever, and build something small. Just take that first step.

6. Higher Ed and Adjunct Teaching

If you love education and love learning, this is a solid route. Colleges need current practitioners, people who know what’s really happening in classrooms. If you’ve got a Master’s (or plan to), you could teach the next generation of teachers.

Action Step: Reach out to local universities. Apply to teach adjunct classes. Pursue a doctorate if God’s put that on your heart. But don’t sit on your talent—put it to work.

7. Education Technology & Innovation

If you're the “techy” teacher who already helps everyone troubleshoot, integrate new tools, or learn AI, there’s a spot for you in the EdTech space. And it’s growing fast.

Action Step: Join educator ambassador/consultant programs for your favorite tools. Start reviewing EdTech tools on social. Share AI tips with your district. These small steps build credibility… and open doors.

Bottom Line, Y’all...

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next right step.

Stop waiting for someone to give you permission. Start stewarding your gifts. Start exploring what growth looks like for you.

You’re a leader. Whether you stay in the classroom, coach teachers, launch a business, or write books, you were made for more than status quo.

And don’t let fear or comfort keep you stuck.

The honest to goodness truth is…
When you grow, everyone around you wins.
Your students. Your family. Your community. And most of all, you.

Stay bold. Stay faithful. Stay teachable.

~Mitch

🎵 Teacher Tunes For March 🎶 

Crank up the nostalgia and rewind to the golden age of power chords and epic vocals! This playlist is your ultimate Gen-X time machine, packed with the legendary sounds of Night Ranger, Van Halen, Kenny Loggins, Journey, Skid Row, Heart, and so much more. Whether you're grading papers, cruising with the windows down, or just decompressing from a long day, these iconic anthems will take you back to a time when mixtapes were made with love (and maybe a little duct tape).

So, grab your Walkman (or, you know, your phone), hit play, and let the big hair, screaming guitars, and sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs choruses do the rest. 🤘🔥 #GenXForever

Share TCN, Earn Some Swag!

Would you like to unlock a fun and fancy membership to Homeroom Swag—our ever-growing inventory of 150+ fun, entertaining, and educational bulletin board letter and number sets?

Here’s how: share your personal subscription link (“Click To Share” button below) with your teacher tribe. When three of your teacher besties subscribe to The Classroom Newsletter, you’ll gain free access to Homeroom Swag’s treasure trove of designs! It’s our way of saying thank you for spreading the love—and for being part of this amazing community of educators. These resources are designed to make your classroom pop with creativity while encouraging student participation and interaction.

NOTE: The rewards offer is for subscribers only. The link is in this issue’s email that was sent directly to subscribers. WANNA JOIN? Simply click on the “Subscribe” button at the top of the page, and BOOM…You’re In!