Teaching is an often thankless job. While many focus on supposed “perks” like summers off, teachers know that the summer will likely be filled with professional development and planning for next year, and those few precious weeks of rest don’t make up for the extra hours spent working after school and on weekends during the school year. It’s no wonder that some teachers are ready to try something new and shift out of academia.
However, many are faced with the dilemma of how to make their resume functional outside of teaching. How can teaching students translate into a job in the corporate world? There are actually a plethora of transferable skills that educators often overlook. They include things such as:
- Communication: Teachers are always updating parents, colleagues, and administrators. They must address their messaging for different audiences and mediums be it via phone, email, print, website, social media, or other platforms.
- Training/Development: This is what teachers do all day long with students. They are constantly demonstrating new skills and concepts while reinforcing and building on previous ones. Differentiated instruction means tailoring strategies to the needs of different learners and finding innovative ways to teach concepts. These same skills can be applied when working with adults in a business setting.
- Problem Solving: Teachers must constantly think on their feet. They make countless decisions every day and figure out the best way to solve problems. This spans everything from solving problems in the context of a specific subject to dealing with challenges with students/parents or lack of resources. Teachers evaluate the situation and their options and come up with solutions.
- Strategic Planning: Lesson planning is an art form. Lessons must keep students engaged, provide hands-on learning opportunities, be relevant, and meet the needs of diverse learners. There is also planning involved for field trips, special projects, testing, and more. And don’t forget adhering to deadlines.
- Teamwork: Teachers collaborate with one another when planning curricula and lesson plans, but also work together on committees and grade-level activities. They partner with faculty, staff, administration, and parents to achieve goals and maximize student learning. This can mean working with a multitude of people, some more difficult than others.
These are just a few of the skills that teachers use every day and which can be applicable to a wide range of other jobs. Focus on how these tasks were completed and what results they achieved. Consider the bigger picture and how you can use these skills in different ways. Sometimes it requires a little creativity, but look beyond the confines of the classroom. Teachers are masters at adapting and learning. Let these strengths shine through on your resume and show employers how you can be a positive asset to their organization.
Make your resume bridge the gap between your current experience and what you want to do by emphasizing transferable skills. If you’re stuck on how to make this transition and what to highlight, contact Grammar Chic for assistance. Our team will work with you to create a polished resume that helps you make a career change. Call (803) 831-7444 or email resumewriting@grammarchic.net to get started.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
Very helpful. After 13 years of teaching, I have decided to move in a different direction.
Thanks for reading Shannan! We invite you to reach out to us if you need help! We help so many teachers transition out of education. Best wishes!
I need help
Me too! Let’s see what happens… My resume is filled with educational courses and tasks of the like.
This is year 12 for me, and I’m applying to leave ASAP. While I am thankful for a position, I don’t see finishing this school year.
I am in the same boat and I am working on a resume as we speak. I need help
Thank you for the tips. I’ve been teaching for 23 years and it’s time to change careers. I’m terrified, but it’s time to move on.
I agree. I have taught 22 years. It’s time to move on. I’m totally terrified but I have to move on.
I’ve taught nearly 20 years and I’ve decided I’m transitioning out. It’s a big step as a single parent. I found this site helpful. Thank you.
I am a single parent as well. I have taught 22 years and I have decided it is time to transition. It is very scary, but is needed for my sanity and happiness. I wish you well!
After 25 years of teaching I have decided to change career paths. Thank you for the tips
This website is very helpful; however, the comments presented really, really scares me. I worked in an office in state government for 30 years and I want to transition into teaching. My degrees are in business and public administration, so my chances are slim I will be able to transition successfully.
Ms. Williams,
The need for teachers is so great right now. I don’t think you will have a problem.