ABSTRACT
This chapter looks back at the landscape of careers in education, this time focusing on the current research and advocacy work to change the profession-to reinvent teaching careers. The Teacher Leaders Network (TLN) represents another national community dedicated to supporting teachers' growth and development in research and advocacy roles that extend beyond classroom but do not strip teachers of their core identity and work as educators. The dream job is one that allows educators sufficient professional autonomy, embeds them in a variety of supportive social networks, and enables them to make a difference across many dimensions of educational system-all while living a life that is happy and balanced. TLN operates an online forum where teacher leaders engage in discussions of policy and practice, collaborate on action research, share content and pedagogical expertise. The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF) offers more information about these and other initiatives intended to establish teaching as a professionally rewarding career.
