Ideas and actionable steps for a teacher to leave the classroom

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re public, consider looking into private schools. Many of us have made the switch already, and we often tell each other how grateful we are.

The problem is id have to bring my kids with me, so Id make no money with the tuition and pay crossing each other out.

My husband travels a lot and we don’t have childcare, so it’ll be driving and dropping off and I can’t do 2 drop offs.

Part time or remote work is best. I just don’t know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was me-
I tutor and teach children's art classes.
I have also taught children's STEM classes, create seasonal craft kits, and organize playspaces.

Awesome!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A BA in education is worth very little. One way you could lean into it though is tutoring. You could also consider entry-level admin jobs with the gov that require nothing more than a BA, but they are hard to get if you don't have veteran status. Think about returning to school to get an advanced degree or learn new skills for a career change.

Gee thanks

I hope I am valued more than my degree. I am smart and adaptable and hard working. I know I can do more than be harassed by 6 year olds (I got punched already this year) and be overworked and underpaid.

I come home and I’m a zombie. It’s not fair to my own children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re public, consider looking into private schools. Many of us have made the switch already, and we often tell each other how grateful we are.

The problem is id have to bring my kids with me, so Id make no money with the tuition and pay crossing each other out.

My husband travels a lot and we don’t have childcare, so it’ll be driving and dropping off and I can’t do 2 drop offs.

Part time or remote work is best. I just don’t know.

Many give greatly reduced tuition to the teachers’ children. I teach at the same school my children attend. Don’t let the childcare issue keep you from exploring private options. Many private school teachers are in a similar situation as you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A BA in education is worth very little. One way you could lean into it though is tutoring. You could also consider entry-level admin jobs with the gov that require nothing more than a BA, but they are hard to get if you don't have veteran status. Think about returning to school to get an advanced degree or learn new skills for a career change.

Gee thanks

I hope I am valued more than my degree. I am smart and adaptable and hard working. I know I can do more than be harassed by 6 year olds (I got punched already this year) and be overworked and underpaid.

I come home and I’m a zombie. It’s not fair to my own children.

DP.

Don’t let the post above discourage you. I think people who haven’t taught are ignorant of a teacher’s skill set. Teachers have to be strong managers, presenters, data analysts, problem solvers. They have stellar time management, organization skills, strong work ethics, etc.

Our work experience makes us very marketable in other professions. I was offered a job recently and was told “if you can manage a classroom, you can manage anything.”

You’ve got this.

[Anonymous]

Check out Program Manager jobs at nonprofits. These rely on similar skill sets to what you’re already using.

[Anonymous]

I work for a local Fortune 500. We have a Learning department that is part of HR. They develop corporate training courses and materials for our employees.

Search indeed or LinkedIn for corporate learning or training jobs.

[Anonymous]

Here’s an example of an entry level role.

Check out this job at KPMG
https://www.kpmguscareers.com/jobdetail/?jobId=119120

[Anonymous]

OP, I am a teacher. I too have a degree a BA in education. I have been teaching for 6 years as of this year, applying to other jobs. No one bites. Honestly, why would they? My entire resume is education. Bull sh!T stuff that no one cares about. Certifications and trainings that does not matter anywhere else but education. My only advice is to leave the classroom but not education as a whole. For example, reading specialist, data coach, mentor teacher, etc. It takes you out of the classroom but still allows you to work with kids. You are dealing with less of the parents and more with the teachers. Most do require a Masters though so see if that is worth it. Teaching be it public or private is draining.

[Anonymous]

I'll echo the suggestion of obtaining training/education in a field you'd like to target. Identify the non-experience qualifications you'd need to be able to apply successfully for new roles and go from there. You'd be applying for entry-level positions, but given your current compensation would probably not see any real decrease in income and would likely have more long-term income potential.

But, your comments about wanting remote or part-time work mean your realistic options are very limited. You'll have to think creatively about what new jobs fit your preferences, and maybe consider whether you should try instead for better compensated full-time external employment which would pay well enough for you to outsource childcare until your kids no longer need it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I second the notion of at least applying to, talking with, and exploring private schools. Each private will be different. Some might well be worse than your current position, but also possible you will find something much better than current position. Cast a wide net.

One caution, private schools often pay less than local public schools, and benefits will vary widely from school to school.

Worth a look see at least.

+1

I went to a Christian school and while I make less I feel valued, respected and parents are kind. I actually feel like I have the ability to breathe and teach again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I am a teacher. I too have a degree a BA in education. I have been teaching for 6 years as of this year, applying to other jobs. No one bites. Honestly, why would they? My entire resume is education. Bull sh!T stuff that no one cares about. Certifications and trainings that does not matter anywhere else but education. My only advice is to leave the classroom but not education as a whole. For example, reading specialist, data coach, mentor teacher, etc. It takes you out of the classroom but still allows you to work with kids. You are dealing with less of the parents and more with the teachers. Most do require a Masters though so see if that is worth it. Teaching be it public or private is draining.

The problem is many teachers are scrambling for non-teaching positions (mentor teachers, data coaches, etc.). Those positions can be very hard to get simply because you’re competing with all of your colleagues who are also desperate to get out of the classroom.

OP, I still recommend searching for a position at a supportive private school, one that will give you a great tuition break for your own children. This doesn’t get you out of the classroom, but you may find the job is more sustainable.

[Anonymous]

OP are you in DC or close to DC? Consider teaching preschool. There is a shortage of qualified preschool teachers and with the Pay Equity Fund (a government subsidy given to providers), teachers with a BA earn a minimum salary of $75K for a 12-month position. With your degree in elementary education, you would qualify and most programs would be happy to have you. PreK 3 or PreK 4 is also a free, subsidized program in the District and is offered by private providers as well. You will still have some children with challenging behavior but a strong program will have services to support you in the classroom.

Admittedly, the Pay Equity Fund was in danger of being cut out of the District budget this fiscal year, but the Council saved it after huge advocacy from the field, so it is safe for the next several years. The free PreK (PKEEP) has been in place sine 2009 and is well-funded. Teachers in that program also have to be paid on the same pay scale as DCPS teachers so a ten-month position pays a minimum of $63K.

So be sure to look for a program that participates in the Pay Equity Fund and/or participates in PKEEP.

Good luck - I transitioned from teaching high school to early childhood education and now run a program of my own. In ECE you have some crazy, intense parents but nothing like the public schools K-12 - and the children are mostly lovely and so eager to learn at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here’s an example of an entry level role.

Check out this job at KPMG
https://www.kpmguscareers.com/jobdetail/?jobId=119120

KPMG is no joke. My sister worked there not as an accountant and worked insane hours, it was expected of everyone.

My sister is single with no kids and left after a few years because of work life balance issues. If the OP is looking for less hours I would not work at KPMG

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re public, consider looking into private schools. Many of us have made the switch already, and we often tell each other how grateful we are.

The problem is id have to bring my kids with me, so Id make no money with the tuition and pay crossing each other out.

My husband travels a lot and we don’t have childcare, so it’ll be driving and dropping off and I can’t do 2 drop offs.

Part time or remote work is best. I just don’t know.

Why can’t your kid take a bus or you drop them early? Many schools have early morning programs or let kids get dropped off before the start of school.

You realize as a remote worker you’re most likely required to have child care when you’re working right?

I just had to deal with this with someone who thought once her kids were done with school at 2:30 and 3 she could coast/ sign off/ pretend to be online and wasn’t. She had a talking to and might loose WFH days because it hasn’t changed (we are hybrid). It’s required to have care and many schools offer after school or club programs to cover this. Occasional sick day, sure, work from home, but it can’t be an everyday occurrence.

As others said look at a public pre school teacher. My child’s made 6 figures and the kids take naps!

Look at EdTech, non profits, higher education, tutoring. Could you look into subbing? Some districts the substitute teachers are unionized and get good pay and health benefits. You could do this if you don’t find something you like by next year.

Director of a fancy pre school or maybe look into Director of Development or fundraising at a private as they may let you work hybrid.

Everyone wants the remote jobs and more and more companies are RTO. You might have a better shot applying for in office jobs or jobs that are hybrid and then after working there for a few years apply to remote positions since your skill set will be larger.