Staying the Course: Career Progression and Leadership in Teaching

With teacher shortages and shifting school demands, many early-career teachers are stepping into leadership roles within their first few years in the profession. However, with limited preparation and support, some find themselves burning out - or leaving teaching altogether. 

In this episode, teacher James Desmond reflects on his own fast-tracked journey into leadership, how it affected his relationship with his work - and what helped him rediscover the joy of teaching again. Dr Fiona Longmuir brings a research perspective, sharing insights on why so many teachers are leaving mid-career, the systemic changes schools need to consider, and how we can better support meaningful, lasting progression in education. 

This is an honest and practical conversation for any teaching navigating their next step - without losing yourself along the way. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it’s really like to move into leadership early in your teaching career.
• The signs it may be time to pause, recalibrate or step back to protect your wellbeing.
• How school systems and structures shape the experience of career growth.
• What meaningful support looks like - from colleagues, leaders and school culture.
• How to approach your next career step with clarity, confidence and long-term perspective.

Topics we explore:

(00:00) Introduction to Career Progression and Leadership
(02:13) James' First Year in Leadership 
(04:08) Dr Fiona Longmuir - Fast Tracking Careers
(05:11) The First Five Years
(08:24) Skills for Early Leadership
(09:07) Instability and Workforce Challenges
(11:57) Mid-Career Attrition and Burnout
(14:35) Building Belonging for Teachers
(16:10) Time, Money and Respect 
(19:49) Taking Charge of Career Progression
(22:14) Finding Mentors and Networks
(24:49) Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching
(25:41) The Future of the Teaching Workforce

Resources: 

• Monash Education - Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Short Courses  
  Explore flexible short courses and programs to support your leadership journey at every stage of your teaching career.
• Monash Education - Education Workforce for the Future
  A Monash-led research initiative focused on improving teacher retention, leadership and system-wide reform.

Special Guests: 
Dr Fiona Longmuir
Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Culture & Society
Faculty of Education, Monash University
Co-Leader of the Education Workforce, Future Impact Lab
Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn or Bluesky

James Desmond
History and Politics Secondary School Teacher
Government School, Melbourne
Connect with James on LinkedIn

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If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit our website.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.