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<\/p>\nHowever, I knew I wanted to understand the education landscape from various perspectives. I decided to become an instructional coach, which led me to starting my side hustle in career coaching and then to my full time job as a talent development specialist. There are many things I learned along the way and this article contains a framework for transitioning to non-classroom positions!<\/p>\n
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Nail down what is prompting you to transition out of the classroom. Is it the schedule, the workload, the school location, your current family dynamics, your interests in other skills and fields, any previous negative experiences as a teacher? All are valid. Pinpoint it, be honest about it and be realistic about what\u2019s next for you.<\/p>\n
Decide how big of a shift you want to make. Maybe you\u2019ll realize you still want to teach in the classroom. You can switch the subject, grade or school at which you teach. You could even teach abroad! Perhaps you want to explore opportunities while you continue to teach. You could become a school leader, start a side hustle, become an organizer or an elected official, complete a summer fellowship, or\u00a0 present at education conferences.<\/p>\n
If you are <\/i>ready to leave the classroom, you have many options. It\u2019s normal to switch jobs and careers now more than ever. In fact, millennials have been nicknamed the \u201cjob-hopping generation,\u201d and\u2013 as a result of the \u201cGreat Resignation<\/a>\u201d\u2013 more American workers across generations and fields are seeking new employment. Many employers are happy to hire current or former teachers. Some examples of such industries are government agencies, publishing companies, education services, nonprofit organizations, marketing, the legal field and human resources.<\/p>\n Ikigai <\/i>is the Japanese concept that refers to what gives a person a sense of purpose \u2014 a reason for living. What\u2019s your ikigai<\/a>? Take time to identify your passions and interests. Then, highlight your transferable technical and people skills. Several of the most popular transferable skills teachers possess are:<\/p>\n Also consider the education and experiences you have. What qualifications do you possess? Think about your undergraduate and graduate degrees, and any certifications you earned.<\/p>\n Once you’ve decided it\u2019s time to leave the classroom and you\u2019ve taken stock of your current skills and experiences, it\u2019s time to begin the job search!<\/p>\n As you do, consider what I call the Career Five Ws: Why, Who, Where, When and What.<\/b><\/p>\n Conduct research about your fields of interest. Schedule informational interviews with people and companies you are interested in; this helps you to learn more about them as potential employers and for them to learn more about you as a potential employee!<\/p>\n Through intentional networking, you can make meaningful connections to people in your\u00a0 fields of interest. You can start with warm connections (people in your circle or network) and then reach out to cold contacts (people you don\u2019t already have a relationship with but with whom you\u2019d like to build one).<\/p>\n Be sure to brand yourself for the types of positions you want (demonstrate this in your personal website, your LinkedIn profile, your resume or CV, and your cover letters). Remember: branding at its core is a matching game. Therefore, you need to match your skills, experiences, and strengths to the skills, experiences, and strengths that your future employers are looking for! To gain a competitive advantage, know what the industry or organization is looking for, speak their language, and show them why you\u2019re the right fit!<\/p>\n Finding a position outside of the classroom can be overwhelming \u2014 especially if it\u2019s been years since you\u2019ve been on the job hunt. If you need further support, seek out a career coach. You could hire one who has great reviews and results from past clients. You can also contact your alma mater\u2019s career center. Colleges and universities typically offer career coaching for alums. Furthermore, associations, organizations and memberships of which you are a part may offer free or low cost career coaching as well!<\/p>\n Buddha is thought to have said, \u201cThere are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.\u201d Whether he said that is up for debate \u2014 but the sentiment is tried and true! No matter what you decide to do, do it fully and do it to the best of your abilities. Remember you can also go back to the classroom. Great teachers will always be needed!<\/p>\n How to transition out of teaching and into your next career<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nStep Two: Determine What\u2019s Next<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nStep Three: Start the Job Search<\/h2>\n
Why<\/b> are you invested in certain fields and positions?<\/h3>\n
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Who<\/b> are you now and want to continue to be?\u00a0 Who <\/b>do you want to be next?<\/h3>\n
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Where and when <\/b>will you work?<\/h3>\n
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What<\/b> do you want to do? What<\/b> do you not<\/i> want to do?<\/h3>\n
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Step Four: Get Out There<\/h2>\n
Suggestion: Get Coached<\/h2>\n
Embrace Nonlinear Paths<\/h2>\n