Hello! I hope you had a wonderful week with your students!
This week was a very exciting week for me both personally and professionally. On Monday evening, I attended an American Chemical Society dinner where I was awarded the Edward J. Merrill award for excellence in chemistry teaching.
I am so incredibly grateful to have received the award, and as I read my acceptance speech that evening, it really got me thinking about all the moments that have led me to this point in my career. I would argue that the best thing I ever did for my career was changing schools. Although I have spoken about this in the past, since it was such a pivotal part of my journey, I thought it was only fitting to share my path once again.
Last year around this time I posted a video on how you know if you might need a new teaching job. I think the messages in this video are important to reiterate.
You know you might need a new teaching job if…
Your mental and/or physical health is suffering.
Your friends and family continually ask if you are alright.
You ask for support from your supervisor but do not receive it.
You are rethinking your plans for a family because you lack a work/life balance.
You are feeling stagnant; you are not growing and improving your teaching practice.
Professional development opportunities are scarce or non-existent.
You feel unappreciated, undervalued, and disrespected.
In my 16+ years of teaching, I have experienced all of the above roadblocks. Although thinking about changing jobs can be daunting, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of opportunities at other schools. You never know when just the right job will open up.
As I share in this video, the path isn’t always a straight one, and there may be some bumps in the road along the way as you travel toward finding your best teaching position. I assure you that, though the path isn’t always easy, it is worth it!
Thank you so much for watching!
Want to collaborate with other chemistry teachers? Share best practices in my FB group.
Razz Fan Mail:
Karen Randazzo | PO Box 203 | Belle Mead, NJ 08502
Congratulations Karen!
Well deserved….🌺🎉