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Planning Your Career in Education: A Guide for School Staff

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ashleigh Kent-Teach in Career


Are you a teacher, teaching assistant, or school support staff member thinking about your next career move? Whether you're aiming for leadership, looking to specialise, or simply want to grow professionally, career planning in education is essential. At Kent-Teach, we want to support every individual to achieve their goals.

Use our Career Development Planner to support you in taking ownership of your career and map out where you want to go.

1) Reflect on Your Strengths and Interests

Ask yourself:

  • What do I enjoy most about my role?
  • What are my professional strengths?
  • Are there areas I want to improve?

This reflection is key to identifying your ideal career path in education.

2) Set Clear Career Goals

Think about where you want to be in 1, 3, or 5 years. Your goals might include:

  • Moving into a leadership role
  • Specialising in SEND, pastoral care, or curriculum development
  • Transitioning into a different phase (e.g., primary to secondary)
  • Gaining qualifications or accreditations

Write your goals down and revisit them regularly to track your progress.

Top tip: Use the SMART model when goal setting to keep you focused: 

Specific (e.g., become a SENCO)

Measurable (e.g., complete a Level 3 qualification)

Achievable

Relevant

Time-bound

3) Explore CPD Opportunities

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is vital for career growth. Look for:
  • Online CPD courses for teachers
  • In-school training
  • Accredited qualifications
  • Leadership development programmes
Use the Kent-Teach Career Support Toolkit to help you identify some areas you could develop skills in.

4. Build Your Network

Connecting with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Consider:
  • Joining subject-specific or leadership networks
  • Attending local education events or webinars
  • Engaging with professional communities on platforms like LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter)

Join local education forums, attend webinars, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).

5. Seek Mentorship and Feedback

Mentors can guide your career journey, offering advice and support. Regular feedback from colleagues and leaders helps you grow and prepare for future roles.

6. Stay Informed About Job Opportunities

Use Kent-Teach to:

  • Set up job alerts
  • Explore teaching vacancies in Kent
  • Discover internal promotion opportunities

Visit our Jobs page to find your next role.

7. Be Open to New Experiences

Career progression isn’t always linear. Consider:

  • Secondments
  • Temporary leadership roles
  • Cross-phase teaching experience

These can broaden your skillset and open unexpected doors.

Our Career Development Planner can help you record and track these goals and help you plan in solutions for any obstacles. 

Whether you're looking for your next teaching job, CPD opportunities, or career advice, we’ve got the tools and resources to help you succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Explore current vacancies and resources at www.kent-teach.com.

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