Teacher Career Change

When I first transitioned from the classroom the question I received most was “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫?" Every role is different, but as a learning designer over the years in K-12 #EdTech and educational publishing, here are a few things that I've done and other Learning Designers do in #EdTech or K-12 education. 📖 Educational Research: Read current research on evidence-based practices in instruction and curriculum to better inform the development of learning experiences and products. ✍🏽 Assessment Authoring: Authoring assessments and CFUs (Check for Understanding) questions to provide data and feedback for those involved in the learning and development of these experiences. 🎮 Game-based Learning Design: Create learning games and interactive activities that engage the learner and provide an immersive experience through a gamified experience. 👀 Visual Design: Visually design interactive activities, games, and videos keeping the user experience at the front of mind. ✅ Standards Alignment: Conducts research and creates crosswalks to better understand how the curriculum aligns with learning objectives and state standards. 📚 Curriculum Planning: Create a scope and sequence for learners to progress through curriculum and/or content. 🎯 Project Management: Manages ongoing and new projects and timelines for teams and vendors. 🤝 Collaborate with Cross-functional Teams (Marketing, Sales, Engineering, CX): Collaborate to bring new products to market or add new product features to existing learning products. 📝 Editing: Edit and Revise manuscripts, assessments, texts, video scripts, and other content. 🗣 Feedback and Iteration: Consult with team members and stakeholders to provide feedback and ideas for iteration throughout the process of development. 😍 These are some of the things that have filled up my day as a Learning Designer working in K-12 education. I truly love what I do, and I'm so blessed to be in this field. I love sharing the magic that happens behind the scenes! 🪄✨ If you’re a #transitioningteacher or career pivoter looking to move into L&D, what makes you most excited about moving into the field of L&D? 👀 OR... if you have a #QTNA or Question that needs answers...Don't be shy, drop it in the comments! 👇🏽 Let's chat! #TransitioningTeachers #Education #EdTech #LearningDesign ▪ ➖ ▪➖▪ ➖ ▪ ➖ ▪➖▪ ➖ ▪ 👋🏽 I'm Nadia, a Learning Designer who went from Classroom to Curriculum Connoisseur 📚 ⬆️🍎 Elevate your Education with content about #learningdesign, #education, #EdTech, and #curriculumdevelopment

Can #teachers really cut it outside the classroom? Do #educators really have skills that extend beyond working with kids? The worst part about questions like these is that they most often come from the teacher's own mind. It is hard for you to see yourself as anything else because teaching and school are what you know. Maybe this will help you: Here are 3 anecdotes from teachers I have worked with who now have other jobs, and they are crushing it BTW. "Planning graduation felt like climbing a mountain...late deliveries, last-minute changes, the usual chaos. But guess what? That's project management with a side of high-stakes problem-solving!" "Remember that time the entire baseball tournament nearly got rained out? We scrambled, found a new field, and adjusted the whole schedule. Turns out, that's called crisis adaptability!" "As a principal, I remember that year we revamped our whole PD program. Stakeholder feedback, needs assessments, scheduling nightmares... it was like strategic planning on steroids!" You see, these quotes came from teachers who, at first, didn't see how they had anything to really offer. They didn't even list Planning Graduation, Organizing a Baseball Tournament, or Building a PD Program on their resume. You have skills. You have experiences that prove them. Teachers (and principals!), imposter syndrome wants you to forget these moments of brilliance. Don't let it! Your skills are in demand. Dig for those wins: Translate your experiences into the language of your target industry. Remember your impact: The moments you're proud of reflect skills that go far beyond the classroom. Find your cheerleaders: Connect with educators (or leaders!) who've transitioned – they'll believe in you! Oh, and connect with me. I want to know your story. I transitioned out of the classroom in January 2020. I now help educators on the path to career transformation, and I help coaches who are trying to find their audience. Wondering what to do next: 1. Leave a comment with your "transferable skill" and example of putting it to work. 2. DM me for a free career chat. #teachertransition #principalleadership #careerdevelopment #educators #transferableskills

Transitioning to a new role? For example: AE/SDR → Sales Engineer Teacher → Tech Sales Healthcare Professional → Customer Success To effectively transition, a core part of your strategy is to find and speak with people in your target role. You need to learn from them and get familiar with their world. And build a relevant network to create opportunities (referrals). The absolute best people to network with are in your target role AND who have the same background as you because: 1. You immediately have a lot in common with them 2. They have an appreciation for the value you bring to the role because they made the same transition themselves For example, if you’re a Teacher seeking a Sales Development role, meet with SDRs who were previously Teachers. It’s easier to find these contacts than you think! 1. On LinkedIn search for your previous role (for example: “Teacher” OR “Educator”) 2. Filter the search for People 3. Go to All Filters and filter the search for Title = Target Role (for example: Sales Development) Here are screenshots and a message template you can use to reach out: https://lnkd.in/gBXbngXy P.S. I'm rooting for you to make a successful transition! It's not easy, but always worth it. 🙏

Alright dream job lifers, let's chat about smoothly sailing into your new gig. You did it! Signed the offer and now you're transitioning out of your current role. I know shifting jobs can feel daunting, but I've got your back! Here are some pro tips for resigning gracefully, strategically aligning timelines, and entering your new company ready to crush it on day one. When resigning, be a class act. Provide proper notice, professionally wrap up your work, and make yourself available to assist with the transition. This maintains positive relationships that matter. Get ahead of the curve by working with your new manager to align start dates and prevent gaps. Ask for details about training schedules and priorities for your first weeks. Being informed eases anxiety. See if you can overlap with the previous role holder even briefly to get crucial handoff knowledge. Those few days of coaching can make a huge difference. Get networking early! Introduce yourself to new colleagues and set up 1:1 coffees or lunches. Getting to know your team and leadership ahead of time enables you to dive right in. Polish up your personal brand while waiting out your notice period. Update profiles, websites, voicemail and email signatures with your exciting news! Make that strong first impression. During onboarding, be eager, attentive and proactive. Ask questions, seek feedback and complete pre-work diligently. The more immersed you are in the culture from day one, the better. Stick the landing into your new adventure by prepping proactively! Feel free to reach out if any advice would help smooth the transition - I'm here to strategize. You got this! Now go embrace that next chapter with grace and enthusiasm. I'll be cheering you on!

Had chat with a VP of Customer Success at an EdTech company recently Here are 3 tips she said she wish she could give transitioning teachers: 1. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐁𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 Many teachers will say, "I'm willing to do any kind of role you have open." In saying that, you're signaling that you really haven't thought about your skills or focused your search in a thoughtful way. Choose a focus. Build your value proposition around that focus role. 2. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 Many teachers will say "I'm currently making $55k, but I'd be willing to take less to make the move". Google the average wage of the role you're going after; do some research. That is the wage you should be targeting. If you're moving to Customer Success (as an example), $65-80k is a norm for most parts of the country. When you say you'll take a super low amount like $45k, it shows you haven't done your homework. 3. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 I've personally seen this on SO many resumes and my VP friend said the same thing: Why are teachers calling themselves "Learning Project Managers" or their students "clients" -- when they clearly work at a school? When you change language like this, it is confusing to your reader and can come across as misleading or inauthentic. There's nothing 'wrong' with being a teacher...own it. Instead of playing word games, spend your time explaining how your classroom experience uses the same skills needed in the job you want (e.g., managing your students' IEPs is a lot like working with multiple stakeholders to manage a project plan and reach a goal) If you've made the transition from classroom to corporate OR you work in the EdTech industry.... what other tips would help teachers project their confidence and value in the transition process? P.S. A career transition is hard work (I know, I've done it twice🙋♀️). Be kind to yourself in the process. Think about what you're doing. Trust your gut. Make smart adjustments. Don't quit. As long as you don't quit...your transition is inevitable. 🧡

Thinking about a career change? Here’s how to actually make it happen, step by step. I’ve spoken with hundreds of people stuck between “I don’t want to do this anymore” and “But where do I even start?” Here’s the truth: Changing careers isn’t about starting over. It’s about repackaging what you already know, and proving you can solve a new set of problems. Here’s how to do it (with examples): 1. Start with your story. What’s pulling you away from your current path—and what’s pulling you forward? ✅ Example: “I’ve spent 6 years in education, but what I really loved was designing systems and learning tools. I’m now pivoting into UX design for edtech.” Make the shift clear and intentional. 2. Identify your transferable skills. You’ve built real value, name it. ✅ Example: Sales → Relationship-building, persuasion, handling objections Ops → Process design, cross-functional collaboration, execution List your strongest 4–6 skills and align them with your new target role. 3. Learn the language of the new industry. Every field has its own lingo. Start speaking it. ✅ Tip: Search 10 job listings in your target role. Write down the top 5 repeated words/phrases. Mirror those in your LinkedIn, resume, and pitch. 4. Rewrite your resume to match the direction, not the past. Lead with relevance, not chronology. ✅ Example: Add a “Career Summary” section: “Operations leader transitioning into product management, with 7+ years leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and delivering results.” 5. Build proof fast. Don’t wait to get hired to show your skills. ✅ Options: Freelance Volunteer Build your own project Take a short course and create a case study Demonstrate that you’re not just interested, but also taking action. 6. Apply smart, not just often. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on quality roles in flexible environments. ✅ Pro tip: Use DailyRemote to find legit, remote-friendly roles across industries. It’s especially helpful for career changers who want fresh opportunities and a bit more breathing room. 7. Network with purpose. Start with conversations, not asks. ✅ DM example: “Hi Alex, I saw your post about transitioning into UX. I’m making a similar shift from content strategy. Would love to hear about your journey, no pressure at all.” Career changes take courage. But they’re absolutely possible. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now package it with purpose, and go get what’s next.

#Transitioningteachers, looking for a real outside-the-box move? Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is hiring folks like you! Why would the FBI look for those with teaching backgrounds as recruits for the role of Special Agent? 🔺Diverse Skill Set: Individuals with teaching backgrounds often possess strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. These skills are valuable in roles that involve interaction with diverse communities and require effective communication. 🔺Adaptability: Teachers are often adept at adapting to various situations and handling unexpected challenges. This adaptability is crucial in law enforcement, where agents may face unpredictable scenarios. 🔺Community Engagement: Teachers typically have experience engaging with communities and building relationships. Special agents with teaching backgrounds may be better equipped to connect with and understand the communities they serve, fostering positive relationships. 🔺Training and Education: Educators are skilled in developing and delivering training materials. In law enforcement, ongoing training is essential, and individuals with teaching experience can contribute to effective training programs for fellow agents. 🔺Analytical Skills: Teachers often possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills can be beneficial in investigative work, where attention to detail and critical thinking are crucial. 🔺Cultural Sensitivity: Teachers frequently work with diverse student populations, promoting cultural sensitivity. Special agents with teaching backgrounds may bring a heightened awareness of cultural nuances, aiding in investigations and community relations. 🔺Youth Outreach: Individuals with teaching experience may excel in outreach programs aimed at educating and engaging youth in crime prevention efforts. This proactive approach aligns with community-oriented policing strategies. What specific teacher skill do you think would be a great asset as a Special Agent?

As I prepare for my first freelance client meeting, I'm reminded of yet another valuable skill teachers bring to a business setting. Teachers understand the power of relationship. We cultivate and build positive relationships with our students and their parents because we know this will lead to increased learning and trust. Our ability to foster positive relationships will enhance experiences with customers and internal stakeholders. Teachers are adept at empathizing and patiently communicating with stakeholders of all levels. Whenever I see a job description that indicates working with stakeholders, I know the employer is looking for someone who can build relationships well. When I meet with this client today, one of my first objectives will be to establish positive rapport. I can do this through active listening, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy. How have you used the power of relationships in your current or previous role? 19/30 #dataanalytics #relationshipbuilding #transferrableskill #transitioningteacher #lihm

#TransitioningTeachers: You underestimate just how much your skills are needed in corporate. You don't need a ton. Just a few. Here are 5 Transferable Skills EVERY. TEACHER. HAS. 1/ Communication How To Show It Off: Start documenting instances where your communication made a difference. Use these stories in interviews to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. 2/ Leadership & Team Management How To Show It Off: Reflect on your experiences leading classrooms or projects. Translate these into leadership anecdotes that highlight decision-making and team-building skills. 3/ Adaptability & Problem Solving How To Show It Off: Identify moments when you adapted lesson plans on the fly or solved unexpected problems. These are gold for showing how you can handle the unpredictability of corporate environments. 4/ Organizational Skills How To Show It Off: Create a portfolio showcasing your curriculum planning and event organization. Highlight how these skills can streamline processes and enhance productivity in any role. 5/ Continuous Learning & Development: How To Show It Off: Share your journey of professional development, including any courses or certifications you pursued. This shows a commitment to growth that’s invaluable in the business world. Remember: Your skills are in demand in the corporate world! You can and should showcase the versatility and depth of your capabilities to potential employers. Want to know about how to showcase a transferable skill not listed here? Drop it in the comments. 👇