362: Pathways to Leadership – Advancing Your Teaching Career
Mon Feb 02 2026
What does leadership look like beyond the classroom—and how do educators take the next step without leaving teaching behind? In this episode, we explore the many pathways educators can take to grow their influence, expand their impact, and step into leadership roles that align with their strengths and values. From instructional coaching to administration and teacher-leader roles, this conversation unpacks what it really means to advance your teaching career. Whether you’re early in your career, feeling ready for a change, or quietly wondering “what’s next?”, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical next steps.
Quotables
"Leadership isn’t the loudest voice in the room, it’s the clearest one.""Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out from day one.”"Leadership isn’t a single leap. It’s a series of steps.“
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Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College
Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon.
Leave a Rating and Review:
This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.
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Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’
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License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL
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What does leadership look like beyond the classroom—and how do educators take the next step without leaving teaching behind? In this episode, we explore the many pathways educators can take to grow their influence, expand their impact, and step into leadership roles that align with their strengths and values. From instructional coaching to administration and teacher-leader roles, this conversation unpacks what it really means to advance your teaching career. Whether you’re early in your career, feeling ready for a change, or quietly wondering “what’s next?”, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical next steps. Quotables "Leadership isn’t the loudest voice in the room, it’s the clearest one.""Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out from day one.”"Leadership isn’t a single leap. It’s a series of steps.“ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/your-way License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL