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Be a Legacy Teacher
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Be a Legacy Teacher
Five Purpose-Filled Pathways to Inspire Late-Career and Retiring Educators


Other Titles in:
Mentoring

October 2025 | 216 pages | Corwin

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.

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

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781071990216
£25.99

EC Rep

International Associates Auditing & Certification Limited
The Black Church, St Mary's Place,
Dublin 7, D07 P4AX Ireland
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