Why I’m Leaving Teaching & Why It’s Ok to Want More
Tell me why you want to leave teaching. This question is a part of every interview, informational chat, or discussion I’ve had since starting my career transition.
I know the question is coming, yet every time I struggle to convey my reason. All the emotions that went into my decision, all the time and reflection that was part of the thought process. It’s a challenge to condense my answer into the short response format the interviewer desires when they pose that question.
How to NOT Interact With Recruiters
When interacting with recruiters, it’s not about just reaching out - it’s about being polite, not expecting free help, and not overstepping boundaries.
A good recruiter is well connected in the industry. If they know everyone, they’re talking to everyone. They’re happy to share names and connections, but not if you’re making a bad impression.
I get some surprising messages on LinkedIn from those expecting my support.
Former Teacher turned #1 Sales Rep in EdTech
Like most who enter the profession, Stephanie Johnson loved teaching. She worked in education for over 18 years, spending most of her time working with special needs students from birth to age 22.
Then in May 2022, Stephanie decided it was time for a career change. “I loved being in the classroom, but I knew deep down I was meant for more. This realization, coupled with a desire for financial stability and flexibility to spend quality time with my family, propelled me towards the decision to transition,” Stephanie said.
I Quit Teaching, Here’s What Happened 10 Years Later
It was a tough decision when I knew that it was time for me to leave teaching.
It probably took me a little longer than it should have. I wanted a career. One that would allow me to make a difference in the world and within education, but I also wanted growth. I wanted to make more money. I wanted to have goals and aspirations.
And I knew I didn't just want to be a principal one day. That just wasn't what I wanted to do.
It wasn't easy. That's the truth. But it did open doors to crazy, exciting opportunities that I never imagined. I got to travel to places I never imagined. And I got to work at education companies like eSpark Learning and Discovery Education, and now I’m seven years in as a business owner and entrepreneur.
I Quit Teaching After 10 Years: My Journey as a Former Teacher
I quit teaching after ten years in the classroom, and today, I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly from my journey as a transitioning teacher and former teacher life.
Leaving teaching is a roller coaster ride; not only have I left myself, but I’ve coached hundreds of teachers on how to make the transition. At this point, I’ve seen just about everything.
What Are Product Roles at EdTech Companies?
Education companies offer a wide range of products and services to their customers, including online courses, tutoring services, educational software, and more. To develop, launch, and improve these products, education companies rely on a team of professionals that work in various roles.
Teachers are perfect fits for many product roles because you have the exact skills and insider knowledge these positions require.
5 Reasons Teachers are the Perfect Fit for Corporate Jobs in Education Companies
Teachers are the perfect fit for many roles at education companies. There are so many EdTech companies eager to hire former teachers, you just need to put yourself out there (the right way).
The reasons below transfer to pretty much any EdTech company looking to hire former teachers - they’re completely universal, and for good reason. Once you understand these reasons and take time to reflect on your unique experiences and skill set, you can better understand how you need to present yourself on your resume, in your interviews, and even on the job.
4 Ways You Can Support Your Teacher Transition This Winter Break - Prep Now!
While I want you all to be resting this winter break - I also need to be real. You need to kickstart your teacher transition now so you’re ready to leave teaching by summer. And there are 5 things you can do over winter break to support your transition.
Don’t push yourself too hard, don’t set unattainable expectations, and don’t miss out on being present with loved ones. You do need and deserve this break period so you’re refreshed for your students and your transition.
6 Questions Educators Should Ask About a Career Coach
Teacher career coaches are popping up all over the place these days, which I think is a wonderful thing because there are tons of teachers looking to leave the field of teaching, and they deserve the guidance of those that have made the transition themselves.
5 Things To Do When You Are Ready To Leave Teaching
According to Forbes, almost half of all teachers have considered leaving their jobs in the last 30 days. Are you one of them? Then you are in good company.
Whether the pandemic has left you feeling burned out or you are simply ready to serve in education on a bigger scale, making the transition out of the classroom could be a smart and fulfilling career move.
4 EdTech Companies That Actually Hire Transitioning Teachers
Many teachers think about leaving the classroom in order to pursue a career in EdTech, but are there companies out there that are willing to hire former educators? The answer is YES. Many EdTech companies not only hire teachers who have left the classroom but value the unique contributions they can offer.
From Classroom to Boardroom: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment
In the world of education, there are those who inspire within the four walls of a classroom, and then there are those who transcend those boundaries to make a profound impact on a larger scale.
My journey from a middle school math teacher to the Vice President of Implementation and Enablement at Reading Horizons has been nothing short of transformative. Today, I’m thrilled to share my story, my beliefs, and the driving force behind my passion for education and literacy.
Your Career Path Options When Leaving Teaching
As your guide on this journey, I want to inspire you to dream big while being realistic. And realistically, there are five paths available to you when leaving teaching.
Understanding the financial needs of your lifestyle will greatly dictate what path is most accessible to you. If you are single, childless, in good health, and have decent savings, your options may be severely different from someone who has dependent children, who has a serious or costly health condition, or who doesn’t have much money saved up to cushion them.
7 Stages of Leaving Teaching
Are you an educator considering a move out of the classroom? You aren’t alone! Over the past two years, I’ve helped hundreds of teachers and administrators leave the classroom. As I’ve helped mentor and coach educators through this transition, I’ve had the honor of observing the various stages of the transition process.
Workplace Tools Every Transitioning Teacher Needs to Know
As a corporate employee, it is essential to stay updated with the latest online tools that can help you work more efficiently. And these are tools you’re probably not using in your school or district, so many of these might be completely new to you. Well, that’s ok!
An employer knows that you’re an educator, they won’t expect you to know these tools or how to use them with a team. However, understanding them can give you the boost of confidence you need for your job search and your first day - it might even set you apart if it’s discussed in your interview or if you become certified in any of these tools.
Back to School When You Didn’t Land a Job Outside of Teaching
What To Expect From Your First Interview
Being asked to interview for an EdTech position can be an exciting step toward your goal of transitioning out of the classroom, but it can also be a source of stress. Many of my Classroom to Boardroom students spend a great deal of time worrying about how that first round of interviews will go.
The good news is that this first interview has one pretty straightforward goal: To determine whether the hiring team likes your personality and feels like they can work with you long term.
Success Story: Dana Blumberg, Student Counseling to Sales
In this episode of the Classroom to Boardroom podcast, host Carrie Conover speaks with former teacher Dana Blumberg on her journey to working in sales for Amplify Learning.
We discuss Dana’s career transition from teaching to sales, and how her skills as a teacher have translated to her current role. Dana shares her experience of leaving teaching, including the toxic work situation that led to her transition. We also dive into the hard and soft skills that were crucial to Dana landing her first role outside of the classroom and seeing success on the job.
How to Use Your Network to Make a Career Change
Changing careers can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be done alone. It actually shouldn’t be done alone! Your personal and professional networks can be incredibly valuable resources as you navigate your way through a career transition. You might even discover roles you never knew existed.
Here are some tips for using your new and existing network to make a successful career change.
Transitioning Educators: Think Before You Write Online
We often have conversations with children and teens about how they behave online. We remind them to be good digital citizens, protect their online reputation, and be careful what they post because anything can be screenshotted and shared. Well, these lessons apply to you, too. You probably know better than to post certain pictures and say unsavory things, but there’s more to how you present yourself.
The EdTech space is a tiny world. And let me tell you, people in the industry talk. It is a tight circle.