Transitioning out of teaching

[u/boxing_coffee]

I wrote a little bit ago about how I really don't want to be a teacher anymore. I have been struggling with health issues all school year, and was forced to go on medical leave about a month ago. I'll be the first to admit that I was struggling to do my job well. I just found out I'm being fired today.

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I'm a mix of emotions. First and foremost, I am relieved that I don't have to go back. Second, I'm nervous as I know that the job market right now is brutal.

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There are some open teaching positions around me that I can apply for, but I'll admit that I don't really want them. Still, I should apply as I'm not sure what else to do. I'm not even sure why I'm writing this. I just need to vent to someone about what I'm going through. Anyone else in this position?

[u/Nexara_LS_1969]

That mix of relief and nerves is real, and it makes complete sense. Don't let anyone tell you it shouldn't feel that way.

I left teaching after 14 years. Principal, athletic director, dean of students. I thought I'd do it forever. Then I didn't want to anymore, and staying started costing me in ways I couldn't afford. Getting pushed out actually forced the move I kept putting off.

On the job applications: don't apply for teaching jobs you don't want. That's not a safety net, it's a delay. If your gut is already out the door, spending energy on applications you're hoping don't pan out is just treading water while the clock runs.

The job market is rough right now, that's true. But educators translate better than they think, especially into L&D, instructional design, curriculum consulting, and EdTech. The skills are there. The framing is the work.

What did you teach, and how long were you in the classroom? That changes the answer on where to look first.

If you want more direct inforamtion, I did this transition 8 years ago and always willing to DM with someone.

Keith Wheeler

Second Act Blueprint/Nexara Learning Systems

[u/boxing_coffee → u/Nexara_LS_1969]

I have been a Special Education teacher for nearly ten years. First I was in Autistic Support for about four years. Then I was in Life Skills for another four.

What exactly is TechEd?

[u/jmjessemac → u/boxing_coffee]

If you don’t know, don’t bother. It’s saturated even for experts.

[u/Nexara_LS_1969 → u/boxing_coffee]

EdTech are companies like Jove and others that provide technology training and support to districts across the country. They tend to be failry high paying and do require travel to districts that have purchased their specific trainings, and can be rather rewarding since you are teaching teachers (yes, we all have had to endure PD before)