Be a Legacy Teacher

Carol Pelletier Radford is the founder of Mentoring in Action, an organization dedicated to the success of novice teachers and their mentors. She received her doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she focused her studies on mentoring and teacher leadership. Carol is an experienced classroom teacher, university education administrator, and certified yoga instructor. She is the author of bestselling Corwin books Mentoring in Action: Guiding, Sharing, and Reflecting With Novice Teachers; The First Years Matter: Becoming an Effective Teacher; Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration; and "When I Started Teaching, I Wish I Had Known..." Weekly Wisdom for Beginning Teachers. Visit https://mentoringinaction.com/ to learn more about her books and access free podcasts, videos, and courses. You can find her near the beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts and Venice, Florida.

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

"'I'm retiring from the classroom. What do I do now?' Many retiring teachers certainly don't feel finished contributing. This book from Carol Pelletier Radford is a wonderful resource for teachers and school leaders who wonder what to do next. It's packed with concrete, doable ideas for educators who still have so much to contribute. Whether you treat this book as a worktext or you just read through, you will discover ideas you might not have thought about." -- Gretchen Bernabei, Author and Retired Teacher "Every once in a while a book is written that you didn't know you needed to read. Carol Radford has written a book that allows you to explore the needs you might have and gives you help in examining them. The reader gets a gift of possibilities with new ideas and new ways to explore them for his/her own growth. I highly recommend this dynamic read." -- Marilyn Frank, President "Carol Pelletier Radford invites teachers, especially those approaching retirement, to enter into a deep conversation, one that is both personal and professional, about the teacher they were and the teacher they can still be to new and experienced teachers. After thirty-five years in the classroom, I recently retired but felt I had more to contribute. This book honored all that I had learned and showed me ways I could offer those lessons to those teachers just entering the profession and those still creating their legacy." -- Jim Burke, Author of Teaching Better Day by Day "Carol has set the standard for quality mentoring in the field and has devoted herself serving novice educators and those who support them. This book invites other seasoned educators to discover ways to share their wisdom, talent, and passion to ensure bright futures for those who follow in their footsteps." -- Tami DuFault-Toomb, New Teacher Mentor Program Coordinator "A treasure trove of splendid ideas of how to utilize one of our most precious resources: the retired teacher. Radford adroitly leads her audience through networking silos, arriving at the final destination of legacy teacher-priceless!" -- Roberta (Bobbie) Margo, Recent Member of the National Education Association (NEA); Retired Executive Council and NEA Retired Life Member; Current Member, Education Minnesota Retired Governing Board "Be a Legacy Teacher: Five Purpose-Filled Pathways to Inspire Late Career and Retiring Educators provides a thoughtful step by step process for one to discern their future involvement in the field of education after retirement. The process leads one to best determine just what their educational legacy will be and how they can share their expertise with others as a means of making a long-lasting impact on newcomers to the profession as well as veteran teachers. The book is a great resource to have at your side as your educational journey continues into retirement." -- Timothy D. Sullivan, Ed.D., Former Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Former President of the Brockton Education Association, Retired Teacher "Having worked closely with Carol Radford Pelletier, I know her deep commitment to uplifting educators. Be a Legacy Teacher is an inspiring call to action-showing how the wisdom of late-career teachers can be repurposed to mentor, lead, and leave a lasting impact. A must-read for sustaining school communities." -- Lisa Marie Dix, Elementary Curriculum Director "Be a Legacy Teacher: Five Purpose-Filled Pathways to Inspire Late-Career and Retiring Educators is a rare gift for all educators. It feels like a heart-to-heart with a wise mentor who gently reminds you: "You still matter. Your voice still counts." Through intentional self-ref lection prompts, wisdom-sharing strategies, and calls to action, the book helps you not just remember your value, but use it. It isn't about going back-it's about redirecting your continued service to the profession-strategically, passionately and with deep intention. For any retired educator still feeling the spark, this is your invitation to leave a second legacy. Education still needs your voice. Thank you, Carol, for your professional generosity and sharing your voice in support of our amazing profession!" -- Meg Roa, Consultant and Specialist, Recruitment & Retention Office "Retired teachers and administrators often have limited options to continue in education. Be a Legacy Teacher offers educational ideas for retirees: mentoring, teaching, writing, and, advising and/or consulting, with examples for each section. With its myriad of ideas, this book should be part of every school professional library." -- Peggy Williams, Retired English Teacher "Carol's inspiring words remind us that retirement isn't the end of impact, it is a new chapter to share wisdom, nurture passion, and continue shaping lives. Be A Legacy Teacher honors the lasting influence of educators who are ready to turn the page, but not end the story." -- Kathryn E. Shupe, Retired New Teacher Support Coordinator "As a lifelong learner, educator and leader in mentorship, this book is a lovely reminder that "once a teacher, always a teacher". Legacy Teachers are the core of our education system-Legacy Teachers often fill the gaps between the experienced and novice educators with their insight, bird's eye perspective, and wisdom only gained through experience and observation. In the North Dakota statewide mentoring program (ND RISE), our Legacy Mentors are the key to ensuring our beginning teachers are prepared, purposeful, and engaged. Carol does a beautiful job laying out strategies that speak to the whole adult." -- Marijke Leibel, Assistant Coordinator "With the increasing loss of "collective wisdom" in the teaching profession when the experienced and accomplished cadre of educators retire, significant efforts must be made to preserve their legacy for the next generations of teachers. Mentoring as a legacy undertaking should be at the heart of this effort. This book provides an invaluable resource toolkit to those teachers who are passionate about imparting their knowledge, helping others grow, and leaving an important mark in education by paying purposeful attention to their own and others' wellbeing." -- Dr. Benjamin Kutsyuruba, Professor