Notes for the way out · September 25, 2026
“We deserve happiness, joy, and meaningful, purposeful work.”
Elena Aguilarauthor, The Art of Coaching
Instructional coach after teaching · aerisclarity.com
Elena Aguilarauthor, The Art of Coaching
Source: ASCD Empower Q&A, February 26, 2020
Aguilar said this in an interview about resilience. Wanting meaningful work is not selfish, and it’s not ungrateful to your students. It’s allowed.
Instructional coaches leave their own classroom but stay in the district, supporting other teachers in theirs. It’s the least clean break of the fifteen jobs, which is exactly why it fits some people: you keep the teaching and change the job.
Read the full page on instructional coach, with what a Tuesday looks like, how the pay is structured, and the honest downside.
Not sure which of the fifteen fits you? Four questions, free.