Transitioning Professions: Lucrative Tech Roles for Educators Seeking a Career Shift
In the ever-evolving world of technology, former teachers are finding new opportunities to leverage their valuable educational skills and make a significant impact in the tech field. Here are some top tech-related job options that cater to teachers' expertise while opening doors in technology and educational technology (edtech).
One such avenue is **Educational Technology Roles**. These jobs, such as Instructional Systems Designer, Learning & Development Operations Associate, or Education Content Manager, focus on the design, development, and deployment of digital learning products and programs. Teachers' expertise is utilised to create effective learning experiences, and these roles may involve working remotely with competitive salaries.
Another path is **Technology Support Specialist / IT Roles**. Positions like Technology Support Specialist or Information Systems Technician provide a bridge for teachers with some technical knowledge to assist with hardware/software support and infrastructure management. Although these roles often require computer science or IT-related qualifications, they are accessible for those willing to upskill.
**Sales and Account Management in Edtech** is another ideal option for teachers with strong communication skills interested in tech products related to education and learning tools. Roles like Sales Representative or Key Account Manager in advanced educational solution companies offer a rewarding career change.
**Edtech Company Opportunities** also abound. Companies such as Outschool offer opportunities to teach online or develop content, while others like Panorama Education (education data analytics), Paper (online tutoring), and PowerSchool (digital school administration) offer roles focused on tech solutions for schools.
In addition to these roles, **Graduate and Academic Coaching (Remote)** offers flexible opportunities for teachers to guide students through college applications or tutor using technology platforms. Although not strictly tech jobs, they leverage teaching skills remotely.
For those considering a career transition from teaching, it's crucial to assess your skill set and interests, reach out for informational interviews, make a reskilling and transition plan, and apply for jobs. The summer breaks, for instance, can be utilised for reskilling and networking for when it's time to job hunt.
The tech industry, with its flexibility, high compensation, and job growth, is a great field for former teachers. Whether you're seeking jobs with more flexibility or the ability to travel while working remotely, the tech sector offers a myriad of opportunities.
Sources: [1] EdSurge, "The State of the EdTech Workforce," 2021 [2] Outschool, "Careers at Outschool," [Online] [3] Paper, "Careers at Paper," [Online] [4] Panorama Education, "Careers at Panorama Education," [Online] [5] PowerSchool, "Careers at PowerSchool," [Online]
- Teachers with an interest in personal-finance and career-development may find the field of educational technology (edtech) rewarding, as it offers a variety of tech-related job options that cater to their expertise and provide competitive salaries, such as Educational Technology Roles, Technology Support Specialist, and Sales and Account Management in Edtech.
- For those seeking a career change, there are opportunities in the edtech industry to utilize teaching skills in a remote setting, such as Graduate and Academic Coaching, which involves guiding students through college applications or tutoring using technology platforms.
- Those aspiring to transition into the technology sector can explore diverse roles beyond edtech, including opportunities with companies specializing in finance and personal-finance, which often require strong communication and educational skills, like working in a sales or account management position in financial technology (fintech).
