Be appreciated, out of the classroom

Since 2018, teachers have occasionally asked me how I transitioned from the classroom to a corporation. This year the asks come 2–3 times a week.

Examples of what I hear:

• “I love my kids and would want to stay, but I’m so burnt out from having more and more students, classes, and responsibilities each year.”
• “I still believe in educational equity, but I’m starting to lose hope that I can achieve it in the classroom, so I want to have a more systemic impact.”
• “The only reason I’ve stayed this long is for the kids, but it’s getting harder and harder to justify the lack of financial security and flexibility I have at this stage in my career when I’m trying to start a family.”

Sense a theme? Teachers are in it for the best reasons, but we overuse and undervalue them. We expect them to put kids before themselves, so much so that they're losing themselves and giving up their dreams in the process.

At first when teachers reached out, I dodged their questions. I was so bought into the narrative that teachers are supposed to sacrifice themselves for their kids that I’d encourage them to stay. Hypocritical I know, and likely a reflection of me still navigating the guilt of leaving my kids.

Yes teachers are superhumans — but they are human too — and they should be encouraged to prioritize their needs, even if it means leaving the classroom.

Educators, here are some tips for transitioning out of the classroom

1. Build and tap your external network. My initial transition out of the classroom happened when I wasn’t looking for it. I was a high school science teacher building industry partnerships to provide my students with work-based learning, career mentorship, etc. My first corporate manager, and now dear friend, happen to be one of those partners. I told her I had a desire to impact students far beyond my school right as she was getting approval to hire on her STEM outreach team… so she tapped me.

2. Show up where industry professionals are. As a teacher, I became very involved in Milwaukee-area industry-education collaboration initiatives : Tech hub working groups, Learn Deep meetups, etc. I showed up initially to build connections to open doors for my students [subtly trying to get companies to say yes to hosting high school interns…], but ultimately walked away with new career interests and connections. Seek out conferences, meetups, and networking events aligned to your interests.

3. Make your passion and skills visible. The top quick fixes I recommend when teachers tell me they are getting lots of rejections: Update your resume and find a corporate friend — preferably in HR or a team leader — to review it. Showcase your teaching and non-teaching skills: The innovative projects, significant budgets, and many student teachers you’ve managed. If you need ideas check out my take on all that teachers can do. And please make and/or update your LinkedIn! Get active on there, posting about Diversity & Inclusion, STEM talent, or hot topics you’re an expert in.

4. Lean on your network. The reality is it is who you know. You’re rarely going to get to the interview stage, especially switching from education, if you don’t have an ‘insider’. Most educators’ industry networks are limited, so get creative: Guest speakers you’ve brought in, a community partner, your friend’s aunt… If you have a person, tap them. This includes past educators as companies [and teams] that have hired teachers before have overcome educator hiring biases and now have proof of the value we bring.

5. Consider startups or nonprofits. Though corporations may pay better, nonprofits are purpose-driven and are more likely to consider teachers. Additionally, startups are natural transitions as teachers frequently act as entrepreneurs and thrive in fast-paced, experimental environments.

6. Stick to your purpose. I know math teachers who left the classroom to go into finances and STEM teachers who went into edTech sales, and it drained them. If that work excites you then go for it! But don’t just jump at the first offer, make sure it stays true to your purpose and values. Most organizations now have roles in areas such as STEM outreach, education partnerships, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, strategic philanthropy, etc. Flag key terms on job boards for notifications.

Final Tip: When you get the offer, negotiate. I did (though not enough!) for my first non-teaching offer. I later learned the team was shocked when I pushed back as they’d assumed I’d expect little coming from education. Know your worth.

Our society is in for a rude awakening because teachers across the U.S. are leaving, and the ripple is going to be felt at our country’s core.

But imagine the ripple effect of a workforce of educators bringing their skills, passion, and experience — plus a sense of true appreciation — to each of our workplaces. Now maybe that’s something we’ll get behind.

PS: For those who keep teaching, you know this doesn’t begin to cut it, but thank you. We will continue to be awed by you and will cheer and advocate for you.