Full Description
Share your wisdom, passion, and experience as you plan your next chapter
For educators, teaching is more than just a job; it's a part of who they are. But when the time comes to start thinking about leaving the classroom, many are left asking, What's next? Retirement doesn't have to mean stepping away from the impact you've made or the wisdom you've gained. Be a Legacy Teacher provides a roadmap to help retiring teachers—and those thinking about retirement—transition into a fulfilling new phase of life while continuing to contribute to the betterment of education.
This inspiring and beautifully designed guide walks educators through five meaningful pathways to remain connected to their passion and community. Whether through mentorship, teaching in unconventional settings, writing, consulting, or influencing through community engagement, retiring educators will discover ways to create their own lasting legacy.
Designed to help retiring or late-career teachers explore practical ways in which they can move their love of teaching beyond the classroom, this book includes:
Creative and actionable strategies to help retired teachers channel their knowledge and skills into impactful opportunities
Journal prompts for reflection on personal goals, values, and next steps as you transition into retirement
Stories and advice from experienced Legacy Teachers, offering ideas and inspiration from their real-life journeys
A customizable Legacy Teacher Action Plan to transform your retirement goals into a meaningful reality
Whether you're planning your next chapter or already retired, Be a Legacy Teacher empowers you to honor your career and build upon your legacy of great teaching. Rediscover your purpose, support the next generation of educators, and continue to make a difference in your community.
Contents
About the Author
Welcome Letter to the Readers
Introduction ‾ Prepare For Your Legacy Teacher Journey
My Journey
Who Is a Legacy Teacher?
Why Become a Legacy Teacher?
How This Book Is Organized
Embrace Art, Poetry, and Voice
PART I ‾ TRANSITIONING FROM YOUR FULL-TIME CAREER
What's Your Why?
Expanding the Continuum
The Profession Needs You Now
Poem ‾ "If Not You, Who?" by William Martin
Chapter 1 ‾ Begin Your Journey in Your Heart: Listen to your heart and follow its guidance.
Poem ‾ from Self-Love Poetry: For Thinkers & Feelers by Melody Godfred
How Do You Listen?
Acknowledge Your Journey into Teaching
Find Your Inner Guide Through Your Heart
Be Curious and Creative
Chapter 2 ‾ Look Back ‾ Look Forward: Embrace every ending as a new beginning.
Poem ‾ "Existence of You" by Katje Wagner
How Will You Honor Your Legacy?
Celebrate Your Education Journey
Draw Your Education Journey Map
Embrace Your Strengths as a Legacy Teacher
Chapter 3 ‾ Maintain Your Balance: Stay inspired.
Poem ‾ "When I Am Among the Trees" by Mary Oliver
How Do You Stay Inspired?
Age Gracefully
Use the Arts and Inspirational Tools to Guide You
Communicate with Respect from the Heart
Pause and Reflect: What Have You Learned in Part I?
PART II ‾ CONTINUING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
What's Next?
Take Your Time
Be Discerning
Part II Organization
Chapter 4 ‾ MENTOR: Be ready to start something new.
Poem ‾ "Don't Make Lists" by Dorothy Walters
What Are Some Mentoring Options?
Opportunities to Consider
One-on-One Mentoring
Group Mentoring Related to Teaching Practices
Mentoring for Educator Well-Being
Podcast PD Mentoring to Share Wisdom
Mentor Preparation Workshops
Mentoring Teaching Assistants and Substitute Teachers
Mentoring Student Teachers and Interns
Creating Your Own Mentoring Opportunity
Chapter 5 ‾ TEACH: Remember who you are.
Poem ‾ "The Teacher" by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
Is Teaching Your Goal?
Opportunities to Consider
Teaching Students
Teaching at a University or Local College
Teaching at Local Community Centers
Teaching Online Courses and Curriculum
Supporting Alternative Certification Pathways
Exploring Department of Defense and International Schools
Applying for Fulbright Scholarships
Creating Your Own Teaching Opportunity
Chapter 6 ‾ WRITE: Choose trust over doubt.
Poem ‾ "Passion Makes the Old Medicine New" by Rumi
What Do You Have to Say?
Opportunities to Consider
Creating a School Newsletter
Taking Notes
Writing Blogs and Articles
Reviewing Manuscripts for Book Publishers
Writing Grants
Participating on Evaluation Review Teams
Writing a Nonfiction Education Book
Creating Your Own Writing Opportunity
Chapter 7 ‾ CONSULT: Remember why you started.
Poem ‾ "You Reading This, Be Ready" by William Stafford
Is Sharing with Others for You?
Opportunities to Consider
Delivering Workshops and Curriculum Presentations
Supporting Special Area Teachers
Sharing Wellness Strategies for All Educators
Coaching in the Content Areas
Advising in Teacher Preparation Programs
Joining National and International Professional Organizations
Being an Entrepreneur
Creating Your Own Consulting Opportunity
Chapter 8 ‾ INFLUENCE: Accept change and all of its possibilities.
Poem ‾ "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
Where is Your Sphere of Influence?
Opportunities to Consider
Being a Guest on a Podcast, Radio Show, or Webinar
Participating on an Education Foundation Board of Directors
Joining Alumni Network Committees
Volunteering at Local Organization
Running for the Local School Board
Joining a Department of Education State Review Team
Taking on a Teacher Union Role
Creating Your Own Influencer Opportunity
Pause and Reflect: What have you learned from Part II?
PART III ‾ MOVING FORWARD: TAKE ACTION!
How Will You Know What to Do?
Who Will Support You?
Chapter 9 ‾ Branch Out: What's Your Action Plan? Be open to new adventures.
Poem ‾ "For Belonging" by John O'Donohue
How Do You Feel About Not Knowing?
Time, Commitment, and Engagement
Creating Your Action Plan
Take Action
Chapter 10 ‾ Share Your Passion, Wisdom, and Experience: You are on the right path.
Poem ‾ "You Are a Poem" by Heidi Rose Robbins
What Are You Yearning for?
Creating a Legacy Teacher Network
Honor Legacy Cycles
My Poem
Caring for Ourselves and Others
Appendices
Appendix A: Reading and Networking Plans
Organize a Legacy Teacher Book Club
Honor Legacy Teachers in Your District
Design a Legacy Teacher Network
Appendix B: Companion Website Resources
Legacy Teacher Journal
Reading and Networking Plans
Voices of Legacy Teachers
Poem Readings
Mentoring in Action Resources
Teacher to Teacher Podcasts
Teaching with Light Resources
References
Recommended Resources
Thank Yous
Index
