Lifelong teachers are not necessarily static; they may live many teacher lives and teach a diversity of levels. The question is, how do you know when a change is right for you?

The question came upward on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE! this calendar week when Randy wrote in: "Opinions wanted! I'thou currently education quaternary course, and moving to teach middle or high school is a very tempting option. I always thought I might eventually get into high school only didn't think I'd want to this early in my career. I feel like I might exist a better fit with older students, but I'one thousand scared about switching out of the grade I'one thousand already comfortable with. What should I practise?"

Randy, you're non alone! Many teachers have faced this very question. Hither are some things they suggest keeping in mind as you contemplate a potential movement.

1. Sympathise the differences between the levels. "I jumped from 4th course to sixth grade math, and even though it was only a difference of two years, the job completely changed. I went from being a generalist to specialist." —Jeanine K.

2. Retrieve about what kind of schedule works best for y'all. "I realized it's easier for me to bargain with my students ii.5 hours a twenty-four hour period versus 5 hours, and so moving out of elementary education was definitely the correct movement for me." —Jessica B.

iii. Consider a compromise for a smaller jump between grades. "Middle schoolhouse is something to think about also. In most middle schools, you would be education i subject." —Susan C. "What about moving to an elementary school that is departmentalized? I'm currently educational activity all subjects for fifth course, and I would much rather have more focused lessons on a specific subject field surface area or two." —Katherine P. Be aware of the potential for shifts that tin follow change, though: "Working in a departmentalized school might mean that any one program could change or be cut. Exist sure that you empathize the worst-instance-scenarios before committing to something new." —Grace T.

four. If y'all want to make the change after careful consideration, have the leap. "Last year, I moved from third form special education to loftier school special education, and I'm very happy. My focus is in English language, and I've found my teaching style and personality fit in with the older students much better." —Kris W.

5. Make the change on a trial basis earlier jumping into a full-fledged commitment. "If you experience you might similar a new form, meet if you tin endeavor it for a year before deciding whether to do a permanent motion. I had the take chances to try that and information technology fabricated my ultimate conclusion to switch levels and so much easier." —Stefanie B.

6. Recall that, no matter what, the grass will always be greener. "Pedagogy is hard no matter what level you're at. You merchandise on set up of pros and cons for another set up." —Sarah H. "I switched from centre school special education to unproblematic education, and I love information technology. All the same, I take more initial referrals and lots of kids who need re-evaluations because they're aging out of developmental delays. And so, the work is different, simply it's even so the same amount of piece of work equally before." —Brenda S.

seven. Think about the best fit for your personality. "It's all about your preference. I have high expectations and am very firm, and I wasn't a nifty fit when I worked with elementary kids. High school is a manner ameliorate place for my style." —Heather Due south.

viii. Finally, don't be afraid to try something new! "I am then much happier since I moved to high school from unproblematic, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I thought I'd hate it, merely I was so wrong!" —Helaina Westward.


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