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.

I’ve never loved answering that question as I have focused on the “pre-but” portion of teacher’s outreach:

• “I love my kids and would want to stay, but I’m so burnt out by being short-staffed and having more students, preps, and hats to wear 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 watching friends with 6x my salary work remote and have life balance.”

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 in the process.

I’ve dodged the question because I too have wanted teachers to keep sacrificing for kids because I know the truly life-changing roles they play.

But teachers are human too — superhumans really — and it’s time to encourage them to prioritize themselves.

Educators, here are my 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 showed up strongly for my kids and expressed a desire to impact students far beyond my school right as she got approval to hire a STEM outreach lead… and she tapped me.

2. Show up where industry professionals are. As a teacher, I became very involved in the community. There were several Milwaukee initiatives I found connecting industry to education: Tech hub working groups, Learn Deep meetups, etc. Honestly, I showed up to build connections to open doors for my students [subtly trying to get companies to say yes to hosting high school interns…]. The network and community organizing passion ultimately fostered my corporate career. Seek out local industry conferences, meetups, and networking events in your area.

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 LinkedIn as we typically don’t use these much in education. Find a corporate friend — preferably in HR or a team leader — to review your resume. Showcase your teaching and non-teaching skills: The innovative projects, big budgets, and many student teachers you’ve managed. And please update your LinkedIn! Get active on there, posting about Diversity & Inclusion, STEM talent, or hot topics you’re knowledgeable and interested 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 thrive in fast-paced, experimental environments that require multiple hats. Both could be long-term careers or stepping-stones to new skills, networks, and opportunities.

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 if you seek to continue serving students or the community, stay true to yourself. Most organizations now have roles in areas such as education or STEM outreach, school partnerships, diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, strategic philanthropy, etc. Flag key terms on job boards for notifications.

Once you get the interview, be sure to prepare. Know about the company and know about how your skills will seamlessly transfer. If you need a confidence boost check out my take on all that teachers can do.

Society is in for a rude awakening because teachers 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 of you who keep teaching: This doesn’t cut it, but thank you for giving yourself for your students.