Ever ask yourself, "am I really going to explain the Pythagorean Theorem or the meaning of the green light in The Great Gatsby for 30 years straight?

For some of you out there, the answer will be yes, please, and thank you—and with a dash of honey. For others, it might be worth considering additional education to move up the ranks. Or you might consider striking out on your own as an educational consultant. To cut right to the chase, here are some of the more commons roles you can take on to stay in education and still move to different levels within school districts:

 

Don't fall.

Department Head

These positions sometimes come with stipends…and sometimes don't. But we're not in this for the money, right? (Lolz.) This role helps you develop your leadership skills and learn to navigate the politics that always nudge their way in when groups of people work together. Department Heads are the go-betweens for departmental teachers and administrators, and their duties are often fulfilled even in the midst of full time teaching.

Vice or Assistant Principal

This role requires more schooling (a master's degree in administration is usually required) and usually a few internships along the way. In some spots, you may also be required to hold an administrative certificate. And as you might guess, you should definitely have classroom experience.

Principal

Everyone knows the head honcho. If you crave a place in the spotlight and the weight of the world (well, school) on your shoulders, this is the spot for you. The requirements for principals are pretty much just like assistants, only the addition of having worked as an assistant or vice principal before and the benefit of having everyone in the building quake when you walk down the hall.

Director

Some school systems have directors who oversee certain parts of public school functions, like technology instruction or school food services. These positions are often filled by former teachers or ones who've held administrative positions before. Generally, folks have to work their way up through the system to get one of these roles. Yeah, directing school food services is way coveted.

Assistant Superintendent

This top spot as executive officer of the district often requires teaching experience, a master's degree in administration, and certification in administration. In some school systems, Assistant Super positions are specifically targeted for overseeing Human Resources, Instruction, Technology, or other specialized areas.

Superintendent

Oh yeah. The big kahuna of the school system. Don't hold your breath: getting there is going to take a good chunk of years. If you aspire to this level, you need a doctoral degree. You'll get a handsome paycheck, but you'll also be expected to show up at school board meetings, deal with stakeholders who don't like your decisions, and bear the lifelong headache of balancing budgets that are hacked seven ways to Sunday. Sure, you have enormous influence, too, so you get to make your mark on your region's education system. Which can make you feel good about yourself for advocating for your teachers and students. Or all-powerful when giving someone a cold, hard no. It's a pretty good place to be.

Private Contractor

This one's a break in genre from the other guys—it's for teachers who decide they want to keep teaching but shift their focus to improving instruction through teacher development and addressing education through consulting work. Consulting has its own challenges (ain't nobody handing you an annual salary—you have to go out and get yours), but it also allows you to have flexibility in your schedule if you just really hate working mornings. Which means that you have ultimate control over how much money you make. As long as the demand's there, that is. It's not a bad shake overall.

Noticing a trend? Yeah, each new level requires continued learning and education (well, minus the last one, but we're not saying it would hurt). These are, of course, just the general guidelines, and if you're really interested in climbing the ladder and making your mark, check the specific requirements in your state, city, and county.

In general, each career step has its own requirements, ins and outs, and ups and downs, and it's up to you to decide whether that's the path for you. And hey, maybe you'll decide to stick with the classroom. Some of our favorite people on the planet have done just that.