|
I'm a bit late with this week's letter, but for a fantastic reason—it's summertime, and my kids turned our backyard into the ultimate pool party zone.
So, as I write this, I'm surrounded by the chaos of a teenage bash that's turning into one for the books.
Ah, the energy of youth!
But I digress.
Based on your feedback from last week's newsletter, I've compiled an in-depth look at the opportunities available to former educators.
This isn't just a surface-level overview; we're going to dig deep into what these roles entail, how your skills align, and practical steps to make the transition smooth.
It's More Than Just a Job Change
Leaving the teaching profession is more than a career shift; it's a transformation of your professional identity.
Many of you have expressed concerns about losing the passion and purpose you found in teaching.
The good news?
The skills and experiences you've gained as teacher are incredibly valuable and can be channeled into meaningful roles across various industries.
Where Do You Fit In?
Curriculum Development and Publishing
Many former teachers find their niche in curriculum development and publishing.
Companies like Amplify and Curriculum Associates are eager to hire educators who can create comprehensive, standards-aligned educational materials.
Whether it's as a curriculum writer, instructional designer, or project manager, these roles leverage your deep understanding of pedagogical principles and student needs.
Real-World Results:
A former high school English teacher client of Educated Exit now works at Great Minds, developing literature curricula that balance classic texts with diverse, contemporary voices.
She uses her classroom experience to create resources that are engaging and accessible for all students.
Educational Technology (EdTech)
The EdTech sector is booming, and former teachers are at the forefront of this innovation.
Companies like Discovery Education, Khan Academy, and Edpuzzle are looking for instructional designers, content creators, and educational consultants.
These roles often involve developing interactive lessons, creating educational videos, and designing user-friendly learning platforms.
Key Skills Required:
Familiarity with digital tools, user experience design, and data analytics.
These skills enable you to create products that not only educate but also engage.
Training and Consulting
Transitioning into training and consulting allows you to utilize your communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts.
Companies we work closely with in this space include CDW and eSpark Learning.
These companies hire former educators as trainers and customer success managers.
These roles often require developing and delivering training programs for corporate clients, creating instructional materials, and providing ongoing support.
Real-World Results:
A former middle school science teacher client of ours now leads professional development workshops for educators transitioning to remote learning platforms.
Her experience with diverse learners helps her connect with and support teachers from various backgrounds.
Tutoring: Personalized and Flexible
If you're looking for a more personalized teaching experience, tutoring could be your next step.
Companies like Epic and Flocabulary by Nearpod offer platforms for online tutoring, allowing you to tailor your approach to individual students.
This role offers the flexibility of remote work and the satisfaction of making a direct impact on students' learning experiences.
Getting Started:
To break into tutoring, consider specializing in high-demand areas like test prep or STEM subjects.
Building a network through tutoring platforms or offering your services independently can help you establish a steady client base.
Diverse Career Paths
Your skills as a teacher—communication, organization, and leadership—are highly transferable.
Many of our clients - teachers and admins - find success in corporate training, human resources, project management, and even marketing.
Real-World Results:
One of our "former" school principal clients recently transitioned to a communications manager role at a nonprofit, where he uses his storytelling skills to craft compelling messages for campaigns. His ability to engage and educate audiences has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds.
Quick Refresh:
Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should highlight transferable skills like curriculum development, project management, and team leadership.
Tailor your cover letter to showcase how your teaching experience aligns with the requirements of the new role you're targeting.
Networking
Building relationships is key.
Connections mean nothing if you don't nurture them.
Aim to collect conversations, not followers.
Attend industry events (virtual and in-person), join professional organizations, and leverage the best platform for network building and job search - LinkedIn - to connect with the people in your target companies.
For those of you who have been subscribers for a while, you know how consistent and intentional networking can open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised publicly.
Interview Preparation
Prepare by researching the company and practicing answers to common interview questions.
Be ready to discuss how your skills as an educator are applicable to the role you're applying for.
Highlight your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and experience in handling diverse challenges.
Success Requires Strategy:
Adjusting to a New Work Culture
Moving from education to a corporate or nonprofit environment can be an adjustment.
Understatement much? :)
Understanding the norms and expectations of your new workplace is crucial.
Take the time to observe, ask questions, and adapt.
Continuous Learning
Whether it's through online courses, certifications, or workshops, continuous learning is vital.
This not only helps you stay current with industry trends but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth.
The more you know, the more you grow.
Mentorship and Support
Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support.
A good mentor can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you navigate your career path.
You're following Kelsie Marks and yours truly on LinkedIn, right?
Embrace Your New Journey
Transitioning from teaching to a new career is a significant change, that we know.
But it's also an opportunity for growth and reinvention.
The skills you've developed as an educator are valuable assets in (sooooo) many industries.
Whether you're drawn to curriculum development, EdTech, training, consulting, or another field, there's a path that can offer both professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
Remember, your journey is unique.
Embrace the challenges and celebrate the successes along the way.
Your background as an educator has prepared you well for this transition, and with the right strategies and support team, you can thrive in your new career.
Until next week...
Onward!
Chris
---
Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:
1. Self-Paced Exit via "The Exit Plan" Digital Course:
Join 1600+ teachers who decided to take control of their careers this summer. Click here to start now.
2. Classroom To Corporate Career Kit: A multi-step system that former teachers like Maggie "Costco" Perkins used to learn simple sales strategies and structures to identify, target, and land not only a job at Costco, but multiple promotions and a full 78% salary increase! Get started here.
3. Resume Rewrite + Cover Letter: If you already have clarity and know exactly who benefits from the work that you love doing - start here. If you cannot yet articulate who you help, how you do it, and why that’s beneficial to your employer of choice, consider Option 1 or 2 above. Julie C. did, and you can, too.
________________________________________________________
If you're not getting value from these tips, please consider unsubscribing.
I'll only take it personally for a few minutes, then I'll get over it.
If you are finding value and know a transitioning teacher who is struggling to find their way out of the classroom, consider sharing this newsletter. You'll feel good about it and so will they.
|
