Before Leaving Teaching

Are you thinking of quitting teaching? It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one many classroom teachers like yourself are considering. I’ve coached teachers for many years. More recently, my conversations with teachers have focused on helping teachers decide if they should leave teaching for a new career.   Based on my experience, here are 5 things you should do before quitting teaching.

Backwards Plan Your Career

This is some of the best advice I was given when I started job searching. Use job descriptions to build your skills. Here’s what I mean. If you want to be a Data Analyst, search for Data Analyst jobs on Linkedin and Indeed. Study the job descriptions. Pull out key words. Notice the skills they require. Put your backwards planning skills to work and begin backwards planning your career. Use the skills and job requirements as your goal and find ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed. 

Do Your Research

Last week I talked to an Assistant Principal  friend who wanted to prepare for an interview as a Grant Manager. While we were talking about this new opportunity it became clear to me he had no idea what a Grant Manager did. Unfortunately, the job advertisement didn’t give him a description either and he didn’t know how to prepare for his interview. I knew he was qualified, but he wasn’t prepared to answer the right questions for his interview. 

We took the time and found a few Grant Manager job descriptions on Linkedin and Indeed. He got a better understanding of what the role entailed which allowed him to craft responses focused on his project management experience, organization, and attention to detail all of which were important to the job.

Find an Expert to Write Your Resume

Teachers have spent years honing skills in project management, facilitation, process thinking, and so much more. When it comes time to translate these skills on a resume teachers fall short in attracting the jobs they want. Why? The words teachers use and the way they describe their skills on a teacher resume DO NOT translate to the corporate world.  In my opinion, you need an expert that can take what you do and translate it into corporate language. When I was rewriting my resume I phoned several corporate friends and asked for their input, feedback, and direction. It was the most helpful advice I got. I’ve also used and referred a few clients to SilverKeySolutions for expert resume advice. 

My last two pieces of advice are for those willing to stick out teaching for a bit longer. These suggestions are focused on personal development which are also important if you’re considering quitting teaching. 

Look for Opportunities

Take on new leadership roles and search out opportunities both in and outside the school. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and ask leadership for opportunities to develop new skills. 

A few years back I took a chance & reached out to a Senior Administrator and asked her to consider me for any new opportunities that might become available. A few months later she contacted me with an offer to start a new school with her. This small initial step turned into a huge trajectory shift in my skill development. It eventually led to a career as an education consultant.

Make Connections

Connect with people outside of education and build professional relationships.  Put yourself out there. When you take field trips, meet new neighbors, network, get your hair done…. look for ways to connect with people. You never know where a connection might lead. 

Quitting teaching is a huge step of faith. Before you make the leap, be sure it’s the right step for you. Take the time to build your skills and do your research. Being prepared builds the confidence you need to make the right decision for you. 

The Next Step

If you want to explore more before talking to a teacher career coach like myself, but don’t know where to get started, here’s a FREE guide that gives you 5 questions to consider before leaving teaching.