In the latest episode of the Teacher Career Coach podcast, host Elizabeth chats with Kate, a former teacher who successfully transitioned from a decade-long teaching career to a role in communications and community outreach at a nonprofit organization. This episode is packed with insights and actionable advice for teachers contemplating a career change. Here, we break down the key themes and tips from Kate’s journey, offering a comprehensive guide for teachers looking for a career change.
Kate’s Teaching Background
Early Influences and Passion for Teaching
Kate’s journey into teaching was influenced by her family, with both her mother and grandmother being educators. Despite her passion for teaching, she was aware of the profession’s challenges, particularly in special education, as shared by her mother. After college, Kate’s stint in outdoor education reignited her love for teaching, leading her to pursue a formal teaching license.
“I’m definitely one of those people that was pretty sure I would always be a teacher. My mom is a teacher. My grandma was a teacher and I used to like, you know, set up my dolls and teach to them, you know, so, um, but because I grew up with a mom who taught special ed at the secondary level, like I also was hyper aware of all the qualms with teaching.” – Kate
Classroom Experience
Over the next eight years, Kate taught middle and high school English and Social Studies, including a rewarding period teaching internationally in Mexico and Korea. She cherished the classroom discussions around social issues and the development of her students. However, the post-pandemic landscape brought significant challenges, making student engagement increasingly difficult due to mental health issues and social media influences.
The Decision to Transition
Recognizing the Need for Change
Feeling disheartened by the changes in her classroom environment, Kate decided to leave teaching at the end of the 2023 school year. She began listening to the Teacher Career Coach Podcast, which provided solidarity and inspiration from other educators who had successfully transitioned to new careers. This motivated her to explore her options and ultimately led her to enroll in the Teacher Career Coach course.
“I’m really down about this job. I’m stressed. students are facing these immense challenges that I can’t support them with. I would listen to the TCC podcast for solidarity. I’m not alone at all in this. It’s not just my district either, or my school.” – Kate
Networking and Skill Articulation
One of the key takeaways from the course was the importance of networking and articulating transferable skills. Kate focused on building connections rather than applying for jobs while still teaching. This approach allowed her to gather insights and prepare for her next steps without overwhelming herself.
Current Role and ESL Teaching
Communications and Outreach Manager
Kate now works as a communications and outreach manager for a nonprofit organization. Her role involves writing and editing content to promote the organization’s services, as well as engaging in community outreach. This dynamic position allows her to interact with various demographics and share valuable resources.
Part-Time ESL Instructor
In addition to her full-time position, Kate teaches ESL classes at night for adults. She wanted to maintain her connection to teaching and found that adult learners are motivated and eager to participate, which contrasts with some of the challenges she faced in the high school classroom.
Differences in Teaching Adults vs. High School Students
Motivation Levels
One major difference Kate highlights is the motivation level of adult learners. Adults often face significant challenges to attend class, such as childcare and transportation, making their commitment to learning even more admirable.
Classroom Dynamics
The classroom dynamics are also different. Adult learners are generally more focused and engaged, creating a positive learning environment. This has been a refreshing change for Kate, who finds teaching adults to be a rewarding experience.
Advice for Educators Considering a Career Change
Explore Different Teaching Environments
Before making a definitive decision to leave the profession, Kate encourages educators to explore different teaching environments or roles. This can provide clarity and help determine if a change is necessary.
Gain Clarity and Network
If your a teacher looking for a career change, gaining clarity about potential career paths and networking with professionals in those fields is crucial. Informational interviews can help understand various roles and build confidence in the decision-making process.
“When I like made the decision, I’m going to leave at the end of the school year, I then enrolled in the [TCC] course and started doing the concrete steps of okay, LinkedIn, that’s a thing that I need to make and network. I found all of the suggestions around networking super useful in the course and I actually enjoyed the networking aspect a lot more than I thought I would. Turns out people want to help you.” – Kate
Manage Time During the Job Search
Kate shares her experience managing her time while applying for jobs. She applied to 96 positions during her search, balancing her job applications with her teaching responsibilities. Treating the job search as a structured process, like a hobby, helped her avoid burnout and stay motivated.
Work-Life Balance
Four-Day Workweek
Kate recently switched to a four-day workweek, working ten-hour days. While she appreciates having Fridays off, maintaining focus for such long hours can be challenging. However, she finds her current schedule to be less exhausting compared to her previous role in the classroom.
Self-Care and Energy Levels
Kate enjoys the ability to take breaks, go for walks with her dog, and engage in self-care, contributing to a healthier work-life balance. Despite the increased workload during peak outreach seasons, she feels her energy levels are higher compared to when she was teaching high school.
Self-Discovery and Fulfillment
Identity Beyond Teaching
Kate reflects on her identity as a teacher, realizing that while teaching was a significant part of her life, it was not her only identity. She expresses a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in her new role, recognizing that she can still make a difference outside of the traditional K-12 system.
Transferable Skills
Kate emphasizes that teaching skills—such as managing projects, providing feedback, and distilling complex information—are highly valuable in any workplace. This realization has given her confidence that she can continue to fulfill her passion for teaching and learning in different contexts.
Conclusion
Kate Leaf’s journey from the classroom to a fulfilling role in nonprofit communications illustrates the potential for educators to leverage their skills in new and impactful ways. Her experiences highlight the importance of seeking support, exploring different opportunities, and maintaining a connection to teaching, even in a new context. For teachers considering a career change, Kate’s story serves as a reminder that it is possible to find a path that aligns with one’s passions and values while still making a difference in the lives of others.
This episode of the Teacher Career Coach Podcast is an inspiring reminder that the journey of a teacher can evolve in many directions. With the right mindset and support, new paths can lead to personal and professional growth.
