When I work with teachers who are re-evaluating their careers, they often start by wanting to focus on what’s wrong (or right) with their immediate day-to-day challenges, then want to move onto their skills, and (lack of) opportunities. They ask questions such as: Do I need a new certification? Should I apply for leadership roles? Would a different age group or subject reignite my spark? These are important questions, but there’s another, often overlooked, piece of the puzzle: identity.
Our teaching careers are more than a series of jobs or titles. Teaching is one of those careers (again either rightly or wrongly) that reflects who you are, how you see yourself, and the impact you want to have. We sometimes forget this because our profession is so demanding that our identity can get buried under piles of planning and marking, dictates from above, and meetings.
Reconnecting with who you are as a teacher and as a person can unlock clarity and direction. It can also build confidence and, yes, even contentment.
Identity shapes the way you approach your work. For example, a teacher who identifies strongly as a mentor may thrive in roles that allow for one-on-one guidance, like instructional coaching. Another who sees themselves as an advocate might find deep fulfilment working in policy or equity-driven initiatives. For me, it was an acknowledgement that I thrived working with underachievers in physocal education (as opposed to the gifted sport-loving pupils). Without recognising these core identities, it is easy to chase opportunities that look good on paper but are not a good fit for you. The mismatch can lead to burnout or the nagging feeling that something is not quite right, even when you seem to be succeeding.
Many teachers wrestle with competing versions of their identity. You may see yourself as a creative, but your current role rewards structure and compliance. Or perhaps you value innovation, but the system you work in prioritises tradition. Another key one, is a first-time parent returning to work after maternity/paternity leave – are you teacher or mummy/daddy? The tension doesn’t mean you are in the wrong profession, it means you haven’t found the space that aligns with your authentic self. Naming the tension is the first step toward resolving it.
Career navigation isn’t just about moving forward it’s about moving forward (or sideways) in the right direction and/or adjusting to the changes in your life circumstances. When you are clear about your identity, choices become easier. You can then evaluate opportunities not only by salary or title but by alignment. It starts with asking the question: Does this role allow me to be more of who I am?
Teachers who integrate identity into their career journey are more likely to flourish. They create careers that feel authentic, sustainable, and deeply satisfying. Perhaps career satisfaction is simply about asking the question Who do I want to become? Rather than ‘What’s next?
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