Teaching is a noble profession that empowers and shapes the future generation. However, it's not uncommon for educators to face moments of exhaustion and doubt, contemplating a shift away from the classroom. In this blog, we aim to empower teachers by helping them recognise the vast array of transferable skills they possess and how these skills can open doors to exciting career opportunities beyond teaching. Rather than encouraging teachers to leave the profession, we seek to highlight the immense value of their skills and how they can make a significant impact in various industries.
You Are a Teacher → Embracing Your Worth
First and foremost, it's essential for teachers to acknowledge their true worth. Instead of saying, "I am only a teacher," let's shift the perspective to proudly proclaim, "I am a teacher!" This change in mindset lays the foundation for realising the potential of transferable skills and how they can be applied outside the classroom.
Student Focused → Focused on Company and/or Customers
Teachers possess an unparalleled ability to understand and cater to the needs of their students. This valuable skill translates seamlessly into customer-centric roles in various industries. Whether it's understanding client requirements or ensuring customer satisfaction, teachers have the expertise to excel.
Time Management in the Classroom → Deadline Driven
Managing a classroom efficiently requires excellent time management skills. These skills can be easily transferred to deadline-driven professions, where meeting project milestones and targets is critical.
Co-teaching → Collaboration with a Team
Collaboration is a key component of effective teaching. Teachers are well-versed in working with colleagues to achieve common objectives. This collaborative spirit can be a tremendous asset in team-oriented work environments.
Differentiated Instruction → Tailoring Presentations and Trainings for Individuals
Adapting lessons to suit students' learning styles showcases a teacher's ability to tailor content for individual needs. This skill is highly relevant in crafting personalised presentations and training programs for diverse audiences in the corporate world.
Creating Long-term Instructional Plans and Goals → Reaching Long-term Goals in Short Sprints
Developing instructional plans for an entire academic year demonstrates strategic thinking and goal-setting abilities. Translating these skills to the business world allows professionals to set long-term objectives and break them down into achievable milestones.
Analysing Data and Designing Data-driven Instruction → Making Informed Decisions
Data analysis is a fundamental aspect of teaching, guiding instructional decisions based on student performance. These analytical skills are transferable to various industries, where data-driven insights steer informed decision-making.
Communication with Parents, Admin, Colleagues → Strong Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is at the heart of successful teaching. Teachers' strong interpersonal skills allow them to build meaningful relationships with parents and colleagues, making them invaluable assets in any organisation.
Adjusting Lessons and Instructional Strategies → Flexibility, Adaptability, and Problem-solving
Teachers thrive on adaptability and creative problem-solving, adjusting their approaches to meet students' evolving needs. These qualities are highly sought-after in fast-paced and dynamic work environments.
The purpose of this blog is not to encourage teachers to leave the classroom, but rather to empower them with the knowledge of their incredible value and the abundance of transferable skills they possess. Teaching equips educators with a diverse skill set that extends far beyond the bounds of the education system. By recognising their worth and the potential of their skills, teachers can embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring new career paths and making a profound impact in various industries. So, let's celebrate being teachers and embrace the myriad opportunities that await us beyond the classroom!
If you’re considering a career change, exploring your options or need effective job search support, Eteach recommends Personal Career Management, who offer Eteach subscribers free career review to find out how career coaching can help you. Click here to book.
About the author
Chantal Dos Santos
Chantal was a teacher for the past 17 years. Starting off in Primary education in the beginning of her career, then moving on to teaching maths and science. She has taught in South Africa, America and the UK. She was then Head of Science for a few years before becoming the Head of the Upper School at an independent boy’s prep school. Chantal heads up the ECT side of Eteach; looking at how we can attract graduates and then how we can work on supporting them throughout their 2-year induction period and ultimately supporting and guiding ECTs to retain them in the education sector.