ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three educators whose career pathways illustrate the powerful role that social relationships and networks play in shaping the actions. This social dimension of careers in education and the decision-making process that helps shape these careers is well studied and has deep historical roots. The chapter provides a brief overview of the history, structures, and culture that define the social networks of educators and their work lives. Teachers also all suggest that movement out of the classroom is as much the product of one's social networks as it is the function of any autonomous career decision. Emma was also a core member of the school's instructional leadership team for six years and worked closely with the principal for the past few summers analyzing data from district and state assessments and staff surveys, and planning schoolwide professional development. Grace echoes research findings about teachers' need for opportunities to engage with a regular community of like-minded peers.
