Choosing a Career Pathway

Tai Twyman

I have been asked numerous times by family, friends, and colleagues if I intend on becoming an assistant principal or principal. My answer is always no. I even find that I have invented a script of sorts to answer whenever someone asks. I always say I do not want to be that far removed from the classroom. I am passionate about curriculum, instruction, and pedagogy. I am equally zealous about sharing this enthusiasm with others, and when I leave the classroom I want to make certain I can support teachers and even assist students when needed. I would be in heaven supporting pre-service teachers, mentoring novice and veteran teachers, or serving as an instructional coach, but there is also a part of me, thanks to this program, that is embracing policy and operations.

Before now, I do not think I was completely aware of the contributions made by principals, assistant principals, and those at the district level that fit together to complete a puzzle necessary for effective instruction and learning to take place. From the classroom, it appeared principals and even some assistant principals have become so inundated with managerial and operational tasks that instruction has been pushed to the back burner or delegated to coaches and team leaders. I would sometimes wonder why instruction and student achievement was not our focus. However, I have realized that everyone plays an integral part in ensuring our schools are filled with the most highly-qualified staff, so that students can receive the best instruction. There are a multitude of factors that must be taken into consideration when operating a school. These factors ultimately affect what I hold so dear to my heart and many even make my job possible.

Unfortunately, it is evident that I had developed a fear of missing out, which caused me to eliminate an entire career path. I am now struggling with which path to take. Is it possible that I can directly support instruction as a principal or assistant principal and still be able to effectively balance the operational duties that come along with the position? Will I be afforded the opportunity to be a hands-on instructional leader? Or, should I continue to seek a path that is geared specifically toward instructional support?