Three times over my 22-year career as a teacher, I have transitioned from the classroom, only to return soon after.
The first time I left education was due to my growing family. The second time; a difficult school with an even more difficult Principal. PTSD in EDU is real.
Finally, last October, a slipped disc in my back left me unable to stand or walk without a cane or walker and I was forced to re-evaluate if I could physically do the job I loved. Surgery was scheduled for January, and thankfully it was successful. But a week after my return, I knew it was time to resign my position.
Taking the Leap: Resigning and Searching for New Opportunities
Once I’d made the decision to resign I began to seek my options. Hiring a coach to help me exit the classroom was step number one. Revamping my resume and jazzing up my LinkedIn profile, I began to apply and apply and apply. Curriculum design had always had my heart, so I put myself out there in the hope that someone would take a chance on this transitioning teacher.
A few interviews happened, but overall, it was crickets.
Thousands of teachers are leaving the profession, and finding themselves in this conundrum; lots of skills, yet essentially un-hirable. Navigating LinkedIn is all about networking, and though I grew my connections, my search was getting me no where, Filled with fear and doubt, recovering from what was essentially a broken back, I needed to find a different path.
Creating a New Path
A deeper self-assessment was step number two. What else am I good at and what do I enjoy?
- I can teach, and I love kids. Deciding to apply to the county as a substitute was a no brainer, as I’d already done it before when my kids were small. It was one of the happiest times of my life, and although the money wasn’t great, it was something and it freed up some time to find other sources of income. Back then, I worked at a clothing store, made new friends, and created space for new opportunities. Substituting felt like a good safety net, so that’s where I began.
- 2. Art and design have always been a personal passion. For fun, I started to play in Canva, and my desire to create curriculum for others turned into an opportunity to do it myself. Teachers Pay Teachers had always been a great resource, and after creating a store, a business was born. This book, “Don’t Call It That” by Eli Altman, helped me choose the name. Zen Business helped me set up the legal side of things.
- During the pandemic I started to watch TikTok, and learned about a new way to create products called Print on Demand. The challenge was intriguing, and this little book helped me get started with the e-commerce side of things.
Continue to Seek Opportunities
As all of this was happening, I happened to see a job posting for a 50% position at the school where my children attended K-3. I sent an email to the principal, introducing myself and expressing interest.
An email came back almost immediately saying the position had been filled. I thanked her for letting me know and moved on with my day.
The school year ended, and I cried. But I offered myself up as a tutor to my students, and parents began to sign them up.
With many balls in the air, I got a call from that principal about the ESL position previously taken. The county re-assessed the school’s need and decided they could hire another teacher. After a few emails we set up the interview, sent in my references, and got the job.
Advice for Teachers Considering a Career Change
A decision to leave education is emotional. We entered the profession knowing the challenges we might face, but most of us had our hearts in it. Here’s what I’ve learned about moving forward.
- Begin by putting yourself first. Take care of your physical and emotional well-being, and move forward without fear.
- Put one foot in front of the other and be proactive.
- Analyze your strengths and joys, and move toward them.
- Be creative in your next steps and have a little faith.
- Practice patience.
I’d love to hear about your transitions or attempts to do so. What are you doing now, and where are you going?
Ms.Martha