I'm one of those retired teachers who still wakes up with teacher dreams good and bad now and then. My 34-year career had a big impact on my life and the lives of those around me. As I look back over my career, I offer this advice to educators.
Consider counseling
As an educator you are working with countless individuals every moment of every day. This substantial interpersonal contact will challenge who you are, what you know, and how you develop over time. I think it's important for every educator to access counseling and/or mentoring outside of the system where they work in some way in order to develop in the best possible ways. Colleagues who came from teaching families tended to have readily available support from the educators in their families, but those of us who are first generation educators don't have that kid of support. That's why I think it's important for first generation educators to find a steady source of knowledgeable support outside of their place of work.
As an educator, I often sought advice from family members, but in hindsight, I realize that it's difficult for family members unfamiliar with the teaching profession to offer good advice. That's another reason why securing a counselor and/or mentor outside of the system where you teach is a good idea.
Develop your craft
My dad always said, "A little for today and a little for tomorrow," which means that you need to do your daily work and also invest in developing your craft at the same time. Taking courses, getting involved in professional circles, reading, trying out new ideas, and learning help to keep you fresh, excited, and successful in the classroom. Always develop your craft.
Don't trust too quickly
School environments are complex places with lots of different issues at play at all times. Don't be too quick to share who you are, what you believe, where you're headed, or what your challenges are in the school environment. Instead take the time you need to listen and observe the environment around you, and as you begin to understand your colleagues and the culture, choose a small group of colleagues to work closely with. Also, with regard to administrators, remember that they are always your bosses--only share what you want them to know and always share with caution and professionalism.
Be honest
Honesty is a key professional trait. Always tell the truth and work with honesty. Dishonesty quickly catches up with you and ruins your professional path.
Speak up in writing and in person when problems arise
Though I was often scolded by administrators for putting questions, worries, and conflict in writing, it's the right thing to do. When problems arise, communicate those troubles in writing and by words--it's good to have a record of issues, good and bad. When you write, however, write as if it will be front page news because the reality is that anything you put in writing can become public at anytime.
Prioritize and Collaborate
One problem I had as an educator is that I tried to make change in too many areas at once. This diluted what I was able to do. I recommend putting your energy into one or two changes at a time, and it's best to collaborate with others to make change and develop programs. It's difficult to make the kinds of change and growth possible on your own.
Become a leader
I didn't think I had met the level of skill I wanted to achieve before becoming an educational leader, but what I didn't realize is that you can't foster as much growth and change from the role of teacher as you can as an administrator. Teachers are simply too busy with the minute-to-minute efforts to foster the kind of change possible in education. If you see yourself as a change agent who wants to improve schools, I suggest teaching for five or so years and then moving up to an administrative level.
Stay professional
In most cases, keep your private life private and focus on the professional skills and opportunities while at school. When you cross that professional line, you open yourself up for all kinds of challenge whereas if you stay professional at the workplace, you can use the time on task at school to do your good work and then save your personal share and interests for time outside of school.
Know the expectations
Be clear about the expectations for your position and do all you can to fulfill those expectations with care. If you feel the expectations are not appropriate, work with your union and colleagues to change those expectations.
Keep records
Keep a daily record of the work you do. Include the successes, challenges, needs, and desires for the future. This record will come in handy as you relay and develop your practice.
Good character
Always work to develop and display good character. If your good character is challenged in any way, figure out why and make the needed changes.
Avoid problematic people and situations
Surround yourself with people of good character and invest yourself in positive work. Stay clear of people or events that do not exemplify the good work or character possible.
Help your colleagues
Don't let colleagues dig themselves into holes of bad conduct or poor performance, instead help colleagues with kind, clear, honest advice. Too often educators let other educators fail and this is harmful to individuals, students, and the educational environment.
Ignore the ridiculous
There will be a fair number of ridiculous initiatives, declarations, and commands. Most of those disappear quickly, so don't take them too seriously. I had a colleague that successfully did this and it saved her a lot of wasted time and grief.
Teaching is a great career if you can manage it well. To manage it well means that you focus your time thoughtfully on a few arenas of learning that you can relay well. You are always nice and supportive of the students and you work with a small group of trusted colleagues to get the job done. As a successful teacher, you know you are not a super hero, but instead a reasonable, caring, professional individual who promotes a positive program that teaches children well. You can do that. Onward.