thick curly afro hair

hi
well since you are teaching you would need a suitable hair style for teaching
something that is casual but that doest look like you are trying to hard.

the easiest way is just to shaved the sides and back off and leave it short on top.
or you could grow it medium length and use suitable products for curly hair
curly hair tends to be dry so you need moisturizing hair products, so your hair will become softer. Ask for a hair treatment in a salon. It does wonders.
Use mousse to style your curly hair, it leaves you hair manageble but soft.
or do what most men that is obsesed about hair
would do.
have it relaxed/straighten
if you have no idea what is it go to a salon.
I go DIY
it is really nice to have straight easy to comb hair
If you have the cash, go rebonding.
It makes your hair even softer and straighter than just regular relaxers.

You may want to try having it straightened...check some salons and see if they have the CHI system. Once you get it straightened you can get it cut short on top and use product to give it a spikey look for the weekends and leave it more professional looking for work.