Five Tips for Changing Careers into Teaching
KEY POINTS
- Career Change Realization: Many people don’t realize that switching careers is an option, despite societal norms suggesting we stick to one path for life. Recognizing this flexibility can open new opportunities.
- Preparation and Certification: Thorough research and obtaining necessary certifications are crucial steps in transitioning to a teaching career. Checking local requirements and updating your resume with transferable skills can facilitate this shift.
- Starting from the Bottom and Confidence: Beginning as a teacher’s aide or assistant, even in unpaid positions, can provide valuable experience and connections. Embrace the change with confidence, as it can lead to a fulfilling new career in teaching.
Are you done with your current career? The career that you chose years ago may have been a great idea back then, but if you’re growing out of the career you’re in or you’ve hit the proverbial ceiling, then you need to think about whether you switch to another one.
The funny thing is that most people don’t know that that’s an option! We’ve been taught from a young age that whatever career we pick from a young age is the career we’re to stay in our whole lives, but that’s not the way it has to be.
There are plenty of teaching jobs out there that come with progression, great salaries, and give you a fresh new start. Whatever your motivations for a career change, it can help you to understand the transition that you can make.
Examining your options is a good place to begin because once you do that, you can plan strategically. Let’s take a look at five of the top career change tips into teaching.
Do as much research as possible
You can understand what it takes for someone in your current career to make a positive change. Going online or heading to your local library will be a great place to begin. You can start digging around for the specific requirements in your area, too, to see the transition options.
Get your certification
If you currently hold a degree, you can likely do a transitional certification in an accelerated time and get the qualification that you need to be a certified teacher in your state. It would be best if you always had a bachelor but you don’t necessarily have to have one in teaching or education. Check with your local colleges to find out!
Update your resume
Even while you study or retrain, you can bet that you have some transferable skills. Your new teaching career will benefit from it, and you need to be able to call on any relevant training or experience to support you in seeking a new job.
Think about starting from the bottom
You can start working as a teacher’s aide or assistant, and while these are often unpaid positions, they can give you some experience and a leg-up into a potential school.
Once you’re qualified, you could then get a job in the school you’ve been volunteering in. It’s a great way to transition into a new career and make contacts, too.
Changing Careers Into Teaching: Feel confident about your change
Changing careers at any stage is always going to be a big deal. It can be pretty overwhelming and difficult to do, but once you do and you find your feet, you’re going to be so happy you made that change. Teachers make a huge difference in the lives of children, and you should absolutely have faith in your choice and go forward with total confidence.
Now you know the right tips for change, you can feel good about taking this big step!
