resume writer for transitioning teachers

5 Transitioning Teacher Resume Examples for 2024

Looking to transition your teaching skills to a new career? This article offers resume examples and tips to revamp your teaching resume. Learn how to highlight your classroom experience, educational background, and transferable skills to fit roles in various industries. Training, communication, and leadership are assets—find out how to best showcase them to attract employers.

• 22 Aug 2024 - 1 new section (Quantify teaching impact) added
• 12 Aug 2024 - 1 new section (Match your skills to the job) added
• 30 Jul 2024 - 1 new section (Beat the resume screener) added

  Next update scheduled for 30 Aug 2024

Here's what we see in the best transitioning teacher resumes:

Show Impact By Using Numbers : Good resumes use metrics. Show how you increased student engagement by 20% , cut lesson planning time by 30% , reduced disciplinary issues by 15% , or improved test scores by 10% .

Highlight Relevant Skills From Job Descriptions : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones are curriculum development , classroom management , data analysis , online teaching tools , special education techniques . But don’t include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Show Adaptability With Sample Roles : Identify how you adapted. For example, shifted to online or integrated new tech . This shows your flexibility.

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Transitioning Teacher Resume Sample

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Get feedback on your resume

Want to know how your resume measures up for teaching roles outside the classroom? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of your resume's strengths and areas for improvement. It evaluates your document based on key criteria that hiring managers in various industries look for when considering former teachers.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll receive a score and specific feedback to help you make your transition from teaching more effective. This straightforward evaluation will show you how to improve your resume and increase your chances of landing interviews in your new field.

Where to put your education

When changing careers from teaching, place your education section based on your recent activities. If you recently completed significant further education, list it first. This tells employers why you may have gaps in work history.

For those new to the workforce or recently graduated, place your education at the top. This helps to show your academic background right away. If you have been working for a while, list your experience first and education after that.

Transitioning Teacher with STEM Specialization Resume Sample

Highlight transferable skills.

In your resume, emphasize transferable skills like communication, project management, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable in many fields, not just teaching.

Use specific examples to show how you used these skills in a teaching environment. This helps hiring managers see your potential in other industries.

Junior Transitioning Teacher Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

When you are transitioning from teaching, your resume should be concise. Aim for a one-page document if you have less than 10 years of teaching experience. This length is enough to show your skills and background without overwhelming the reader. Make your teaching skills relevant to the new industry by focusing on transferable skills like leadership, project management, and communication.

If you have a longer career in teaching, you might go up to two pages. Ensure the first page highlights your most recent and relevant roles and skills. Use the space effectively to showcase your experience in education and how it can apply to your new field. Remember, hiring managers may only briefly review each resume, so put the strongest and most relevant information upfront.

Senior Transitioning Teacher Resume Sample

Use keywords from job postings.

Read job postings in your target field and note common keywords. Include these in your resume to match the language employers use.

This practice increases your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter resumes. Highlight these keywords naturally in your experience and skills sections.

•   Experienced Teacher Resume Examples
•   High School Teacher Resume Examples
•   Music Teacher Resume Examples
•   Physical Education Teacher Resume Examples
•   Student Teacher Resume Examples
•   Preschool Teacher Assistant Resume Examples
•   ESL Teacher Resume Examples
•   Teacher Resume Examples

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5 Teacher Career Change Resume Examples For 2024

Teacher Career Change Resume

• Teacher Career Change 2
• Teacher Career Change 3
• Teacher Career Change 4
• Teacher Career Change 5
• Teacher Career Change Resume Writing 101

Hardly a day passed without Demetri thinking of his favorite programming projects, and his ability to work with a diverse group boosted his confidence: After teaching math for several years, he was ready to switch gears—but was his teacher career change resume equally prepared?

Demetri knew he’d need a standout resume layout to reflect his organized and analytical mindset to get a position at the Academy of Art University. He also planned to take advantage of a free cover letter builder to enhance a career-switch resume, too. So, after researching the academy, he began outlining his most relevant accomplishments.

Are you in a similar position, looking to shift your career path in a fresh direction? If so you might want to look through our selection of resume examples and tips like the ones that helped Demetri switch careers successfully!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• For example, look at Demetri’s resume and how they add Python and SQL to show the employer they know the nitty-gritty of software engineering. Add more finesse by treading the fine line and add a skill that’s important in both teaching and your desired role: problem-solving is a befitting example here.

Teacher Career Change 2 Resume

Teacher Career Change 3 Resume

Teacher Career Change 4 Resume

Teacher Career Change 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Rn Career Change
• Operations Manager
• Business Analyst
• Career Change

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Professional Experience

Your skills section might seem a bit confusing at first if you’re switching careers—do you list skills related to your old job, or the new one? Well, it’s a bit of both! You want to prove that you’ve mastered the general essentials of teaching as they apply to the career you’re switching to.

Recruiters want to see skills that relate directly to the role you’re applying for, so avoid including subject-specific points from your previous role unless they overlap with the new job’s description. If you’re aiming to work in software development, don’t emphasize English teaching skills!

And ensure that you’re as specific as possible, especially with your soft skills and software tools. Name your favorite programs, and spell out exactly how you’re good at interacting with others.

Check out these examples:

9 most popular teacher career change skills

• Problem-solving
• Project Planning
• Data Presentation
• MS Excel/PowerPoint

Sample teacher career change work experience bullet points

Now that you’ve told recruiters how you’ve taught and helped students, it’s time to cite examples of the times you’ve fostered a successful group environment in the past! Think of ways your past teaching accomplishments can suggest future achievements in different settings.

If you use to teach history and are pursuing a career change to become a real estate agent, think of experience examples that feature things like lesson adjustments (which are parallel to customizing lease agreements). Or think of things more technically and share stories about how you helped others overcome obstacles.

No matter what you’ve taught or helped your students achieve, you’ll need to give recruiters some solid metrics for your success! You can make any AI resume unique by using quantifiable data to back your claims—especially if you have satisfaction or engagement rates that would transfer well to other jobs.

Here are some good examples:

• Created and taught a refresher course for standardized testing to 28 students, 92% of which passed
• Established an after-school club with honors students to develop apps using Python to enhance students’ learning experience and provide tutoring that resulted in an 11% increase in engagement
• Worked with physics instructor to develop lesson plans, curriculum, and assignments for a first-year program for 31 students, resulting in a grade average of B+
• Created tests, quizzes, homework packets, and in-class activities to teach objectives, re-teaching lessons to ensure that a student passing rate of 94% or more

Top 5 Tips for Your Teacher Career Change Resume

• Remember: Just because your focus should be on the career you’re aiming for doesn’t mean you can’t include great points from previous class experiences! Things that carry over well across fields include test score increases, student engagement percentages, and feedback ratings. These show your ability to foster individual and group success.
• Any of our templates will help you make your qualifying teaching experiences look good, but pick whichever one makes the big picture look downright great! Make sure each section is clear, with a good hierarchy in your resume layout so that recruiters have an easy time skimming over what qualifies you for your new role.
• A career switch is a great time to utilize a handy resume objective! Just make sure your objective statement is concise and packed with new, valuable information about your personal selling points. Focus on stepping into your new job, and avoid listing teaching-related points that you’re planning to address later.
• Even if many of your experience points naturally relate to your previous area of expertise in the classroom, your skills section can include software and interpersonal abilities that speak more to your qualification for the new role. Showcase any instances when you utilized objective, technical skills behind-the-scenes in your previous job, too!
• Switch up your metrics to keep things interesting and show how well-rounded your abilities are. Whenever possible, tie them in with the new job role you’re applying for through context or relevant backstory, like tutoring classes you led or group projects that involved specific programs.

Letters of recommendation would absolutely be helpful in your situation! A few professional reference letters can help bridge the gap between your history as a teacher and where you hope to work next by testifying to your transferable abilities.

Stick with one page and one page only! Anything on page two is unlikely to get through anyway—recruiters really prefer short resumes that are quick to read through. And concision shows your ability to adapt smoothly during your transition to a totally new career.

You want your resume to look modern, clean, and professional. If you want to use a little bit of color as a highlight here and there, go for it, but avoid anything that distracts from what makes you perfect for the new job. Use sleek fonts for readability, too!

Resume Support for Your Teacher Transition

If you’re a teacher looking to transition your career, you have a lot to offer. But how do you navigate a job search and take your career to the next level?

The expert team at Upword Resume (formerly RedRocketResume) understands the unique skills–and challenges–of teachers looking for a new career path.

Get a new resume tailored to your goals, or personalized, individual career coaching from a former classroom teacher with extensive expertise in career development, coaching, and job search.

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Whether it’s building your resume for your new career path or coaching as you launch your job search, we have the support you need to transition your career.

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• • Taught 5 classes of 20 students each
• • Increased student performance by 34%
• • Мaintaining the school website, updating news and essential information
• • Created and graded bi-weekly assignments
• • Participating in the design of teaching materials
• • Holding classes on MS Office and coding basics
• • Created teaching materials for students aged 15-19
• • Developed lessons that helped students understand complex mathematical concepts in an interactive way
• • Adopted a 'blended learning' approach that boosted students' creativity and problem-solving skills
• • Came up with assignments that tested students' abilities
• • Delivered math lessons in English
• • Increased pass rate by 30% on standardized tests
• • Provided moral support to students
• • Held out-of-class groups for students who wanted to improve their math skills
• • Supervised children aged 15-18 and encouraged social interaction

5 Teacher Career Change Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your teacher for career change resume must highlight your transferable skills. Show how your classroom management translates to team leadership. Demonstrate expertise in curriculum development as a foundation for instructional design or corporate training. Your ability to adapt to various learning styles showcases your versatility in new environments.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Teacher Career Change Resume

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certification & Education

Resume Summary & Objective

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Teacher burnout is no joke.

You’ve probably considered changing your career for a while now.

Yet, how do you overcome the stereotypes that go with being “just” a teacher? How do you prove that you can thrive in a different industry?

Continue reading to find out how to:

• Adapt your teacher career change resume for various other roles;
• Use our teacher career change resume example to craft your own;
• Draw inspiration from side projects and hobbies to build your experience section.

Once you figure out the writing process, come back to check out our job-specific guides:

• Career change resume summary
• Career change resume guide
• Transitioning teacher resume

Teacher career change  resume example

• Effectively Showcasing Relevant Skills: By bringing the “Attention to Detail” and “Basic coding” skills to the forefront, the applicant bridges the gap between teaching and QA roles.
• Emphasizing a Drive for Continuous Learning: Including recent role-related training you’ve completed (be it from Udemy or IT Sligo) demonstrates your commitment to transitioning to the QA field.
• Highlighting Quantifiable Achievements in Teaching: The candidate successfully proves they know how to measure the impact of their work. Numbers and data speak louder than any buzzwords.
• Affirm Your Experience with Technology in Education: Having a solid foundational knowledge of coding basics makes the applicant the perfect candidate for a QA Analyst.

How to format a teacher career change  resume

Even if your academic specialization isn’t Literature, you have an appreciation for good organization.

Such as a neat and concise mathematical solution. Or a well-structured code.

Resume writing is no different. You have to make the most of each section by emphasizing your key achievements and skills.

To do that, consider the following writing tips:

• Stick  to the reverse-chronological resume format , it’s a recruiters’ favorite.  Make sure to draw role-relevant experiences from each of your past teaching positions.
• Take advantage of the extra space in your resume header.  Link to other professional profiles you have or a portfolio pertinent to the position. For instance, share your GitHub, if you’re aiming for an IT-related job.
• Build a strong resume objective.  If you have no practical experience in your target industry, appeal to companies by strategically pointing to relevant transferable skills.
• Don’t underestimate the education and talent sections.  While some positions require a specific degree, other jobs, such as a QA Analyst, have a low-entry threshold. Describe any relevant training you’ve undergone.
• Limit your resume to a maximum of 2 pages.  Grab recruiters' attention from the get-go. Regardless of your new career path, hiring managers spend no more than 7 seconds on any given resume.
• Save your information as a PDF document , unless otherwise instructed .  This file type is best at preserving the formatting of your resume. And it’s Applicant Tracking System-friendly (ATS).
• Ensure you use a readable font, such as Lato or Raleway.  But any other serif and sans-serif font works just as well.

Keep in mind these are general formatting recommendations. Always check for any extra requirements present within the business niche and the job ad.

Some industry leaders have additional company-specific rules of their own.

For example, Google recruiters request applicants to bolden the names of tools  and programming languages within the resume .

So, be vigilant.

It’s best to prepare a different resume for each of the roles you’ve targeted.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a teacher career change resume:

• Summary:  Showcasing how your accomplishments and transferable skills align with your potential employer’s goals is crucial. It highlights your aspirations for a career change. And the work you’ve put into doing so.
• Skills : Separate yourself from the stereotype of the “all theory, no practice” teacher. As a professional transitioning to another industry, you must emphasize your role-relevant transferable talents.
• Experience:  Demonstrate how your teaching experience can be beneficial in your new career path by mentioning pertinent achievements.
• Education:  List relevant degrees and certifications to prove you’re no stranger to the business niche and you’re aware of current industry trends.
• Training/Courses:  Direct recruiters’ attention to your strive for learning by displaying all the new abilities you acquired in preparation for your career change.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Transferable Skills:  Hiring managers want to know how much of your skill set applies to the new role.
• Adaptability:  Convince recruiters that your transition from the education sector to your industry of choice is going to be smooth.
• Continuous Learning:  Showcase your determination to do well on your new career path by providing evidence of ongoing training.
• Relevant Experience:  Include any pertinent non-teaching side projects, volunteer work, or practical experiences to show the full scope of your abilities.
• Achievement Metrics:  Explain how your teaching work made an impact on your students by quantifying your achievements.

How to write your teacher career change resume experience

As its name suggests, the resume experience section  is where you detail your professional expertise.

It’s tempting not to describe your work history in full if you fear teaching will lower your chances of getting the job.

But you’re robbing yourself of the great opportunity to align your accomplishments and talents with the available position.

That’s why, when building your experience entries, refrain from listing teaching duties and responsibilities.

Instead, shift the focus toward how your career has progressed so far. Share pertinent and measurable achievements that demonstrate the impact of your work.

Describe how your actions have affected your students, their parents, and even other teachers.

But more importantly, relate your work experience to the role you desire.

The best way to do this is to think of professional challenges you’ve overcome and explain how you did it.

For example, imagine you’re a physical education (PE) teacher who’s set their sights on becoming a fitness instructor.

You can emphasize how your combined theoretical knowledge and practical experience have helped you raise the fitness level of your students.

Let’s make it a little more difficult with another example.

You’re still a physical education teacher looking for a career change. But now you’re aiming to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). How do you translate your teaching experience?

Well, in this case, you’ll have to highlight your physical endurance. Couple that with relevant volunteer work and all the essential certificates qualifying you for the role, and you’re good to go!

Having these tips in mind, take a look at the experience entry example below. Do you think Ava managed to make the most out of the section?

• • Experimented with various tools and managed to preserve the class participation rate.
• • Adjusted the use of unfamiliar tools during class.
• • Looked after students with various learning disabilities.

Not really because her entry reads very matter-of-factly.

Yes, it’s a resume, after all.

But even though this is essentially a corporate document, you must appeal to hiring managers to secure an interview.

What Ava failed to do is:

• Detail key information about the institution and its focus
• Mention her academic specialization to let recruiters know her area of expertise
• Add enough context or quantifiable data to make her achievements stand out

Hence, the candidate doesn’t showcase any of the transferable skills she could apply in her new role, such as:

• Adaptability
• Ability to work in various learning environments
• Ability to learn new skills
• Bettering the lives of students
• Having a proactive attitude

Another unfortunate result of the bland experience entry is there’s no hint of what position Ava is aiming for.

Granted, building a targeted resume  will take you more time. But your efforts will pay off once you receive a call-back interview.

To illustrate, let’s assume Ava’s desired role is QA Analyst. Here is how she can translate her teaching experience to fit the position:

• • Experimented with blended and e-learning environments during the pandemic, managing to preserve a 93% class participation rate and increasing performance by 85%.
• • Adjusted the use of unfamiliar tools during class and provided troubleshooting advice to students, which resulted in a better classroom environment and a rise of 30% in lesson comprehension.
• • Increased accessibility to lesson resources for students with various learning disabilities through research and the introduction of 10 new learning tools.

How to quantify the impact on your resume

The example above proves just how much numbers make a difference when describing your work experience .

Employers use the data to gauge your workplace awareness. It separates those who go to work just to collect a salary and employees who seek professional growth.

And when you’re changing your career, recruiters will pry into why you’re leaving teaching.

So, to make your resume relate to other industries, try to reframe your accomplishments in a way that will hint at other abilities you have.

Depending on your new career of choice, some achievements you can add include:

• Student performance improvements: Demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable results.
• Size of classes or programs managed:  Emphasize your ability to handle complex large-scale projects.
• School events participation increases: Detail situations where your skills have helped students engage better with school life.
• The number of educational projects led: Highlight your classroom management skills, leadership talent, and ability to foster teamwork spirit.
• Types of technology tools used, as well as your proficiency level: Indicate you’re tech-savvy and know your way around most project management platforms.
• Number in efficiency improvements (e.g. time saved): Showcase your talent for process optimization and achieving results.
• Amount of extracurricular activities coordinated: Prove you have the organizational and time management skills for your new role.
• The number of public appearances and conferences held: Illustrate your networking and presentation skills.
• Business niche involvement: Share how you stay up-to-date with industry trends close to your academic area of expertise.
• Additional training acquired:  Draw attention to your knack for learning new abilities.

How do I write a teacher career change resume with no experience

We understand the frustration of getting disappointed with your degree halfway through doing it.

Crafting a resume with no work history  means you must rely on additional coaching you’ve undergone and other side projects you’ve done.

So, if you:

• Are certain of what you want to pursue professionally
• Hold an Education degree, but have no practical experience

…start brainstorming!

All you need to do is:

• Familiarize yourself with the business niche you want to work in. Including industry traditions and jargon.
• Review current job ads for various positions within the industry, even if you don’t plan on applying for the roles.
• Take note of what qualities and skills are considered perfect for the job.
• Make a list of experiences you can share, such as temporary work and internships .
• Relate your professional achievements to the requirements listed in the job description.
• Support your application with details about relevant hobbies, side projects, and portfolios you’ve built.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Regardless of your chosen profession, having a balanced mix of hard and soft skills on your resume will always impress recruiters.

Hard skills  display your proficiency in a variety of technical tools and platforms.

For example, most IT-related jobs demand experts who have a deep understanding of coding basics and Object Oriented Programming (OOP).

When listing your technical skills, make sure you follow the exact phrasing used in the job description.

This will ensure your resume is optimized to pass ATS checks.

By contrast, soft skills  demonstrate how:

• How high your Emotional intelligence (EQ) is
• How well you can work with other members of your team
• If you’ll be a good leader and mentor in the long run

You know your professional impact goes beyond the classroom.

Parents rely on you to inform them of their children’s well-being and educational progress. Principals, on the other hand, expect you to build a bridge between students and potential employers.

So, as a teacher looking for a career change, the best way to create a perfectly varied skills resume section  is to:

• Jot down your top professional talents and transferable abilities.
• Divide them into hard and soft skills.
• Check which of the two groups has fewer entries.
• Don’t worry if you can’t boast as many tech skills as the job ad demands.
• Review the tables below for ideas on what other talents you can add to your skills section.
• Describe your abilities by sharing how each of your talents helped you overcome a professional challenge. Make sure to provide enough context!
• Remember to relate your achievements and skills to the available position.

Best hard skills for your teacher career change resume

• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Public Speaking
• Conflict Resolution
• Budget Management
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Social Media Management
• Event Planning
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
• Basic Coding (e.g., Python, HTML)
• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Educational Technology Tools
• Research and Reporting
• Team Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• E-Learning Platforms
• Bilingual Communication Skills

Best soft skills for your teacher career change resume

• Effective Communication
• Active Listening
• Problem-Solving
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Motivational Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Continuous Learning
• Student Advocacy

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Another conundrum you may have come across while building your resume is how to tackle the education section .

As a teacher, you understand the significance of having the right academic background. Especially for roles in the medical, financial, or legal industry.

Yet, you also know that some roles have a low entry threshold. For instance, Digital Marketing Specialist, QA Analyst, or Event Planner.

This is why a bit of research in advance can help you with sifting through which degrees and certificates to add . And which ones to leave out of your resume.

If you’re a tenured professional, do add your Bachelor's and/or Master’s degree:

• Include the name of your degree and your alma mater
• List the date you graduated
• Cite the names of relevant associations or clubs you’ve been involved with
• Detail role-related side projects or internships you’ve done

But if you’re a recent graduate, you can also mention:

• Your GPA, if it’s above 3.25
• Pertinent majors and minors
• A few of your significant accomplishments, such as an award, a recognition, or a presentation

Have a look at how Ava tailored her education section to fit the role of a QA Analyst:

• • Developed and completed a project for the audit and security strengthening of the university's library network. The project was primarily focused on securing students' files and private information.
• • Minored in Applied Science, Math and Computer Science.

Although her focus is on Early Childhood Education, Ava emphasizes the relevant parts of her training.

If you’re yet to complete your degree, you can disclose your high school diploma. But do so only if you don’t have enough certifications to fill the education section.

Best certifications for your teacher career change resume

• ISTQB Certified Tester  | International Software Testing Qualifications Board
• Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)  | American Society for Quality
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)  | Scrum Alliance
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals  | Microsoft
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner  | Amazon Web Services
• Project Management Professional (PMP)  | Project Management Institute
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)  | National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

How to write your teacher career change resume summary or objective

One of the few spaces on your resume where you can express yourself in a more freeform manner is the personal statement .

This is a short paragraph of no more than 5-6 sentences, where you provide a brief description of your:

• Key career achievements
• Technical and social strengths
• Relevant certificates and professional connections

But before you start writing, you need to know which type of personal statement is best for your case.

If you’ve been teaching for some time now and you have plenty of work experience, craft a resume summary .

Its purpose is to grab recruiters’ attention by creating a highlight reel of your top achievements. Despite your Education background.

As long as you emphasize the relevant parts of your experience. Just like Ava did with her education section.

In contrast, if your work history isn’t that long, build an appealing resume objective . It’s similar to the summary, but the focus lies on how your transferable skills can benefit your future employer.

Check out the following resume objective:

The applicant is hoping to secure a position with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Given that the person is currently a teacher and has experience working with children, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Yet, the candidate’s reliance on listing a ton of resume buzzwords  is a sure way for hiring managers to lose interest.

Adding more:

• Pertinent career success stories
• Information about professional connections
• Details about what motivates the applicant

…is what this objective needs.

Here is the difference a few edits can make:

In our second example, the candidate is a math teacher aiming to transition to the IT sector.

Since the individual is a more experienced teacher, the resume summary is bound to be full of achievements, right?

Take a look:

Again, there are too many self-descriptive adjectives and resume buzzwords.

And while some of the cited skills are what hiring managers are looking for, they are not tied to any specific measurable accomplishments.

Also, the applicant has failed to relate how either the languages or the degree minor is relevant to the available position.

This resume summary doesn’t bode well for the candidate. So, let’s make a few edits to make it even more impressive:

Now the applicant is bound to get noticed for all the right reasons!

Additional sections for a teacher career change resume

There are countless other opportunities to impress recruiters.

You can always add an extra segment on your resume to showcase other aspects of your life. Ones you may not necessarily have had the chance to exhibit while at work.

Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Side gigs and personal projects, related to your desired industry
• Portfolios, scrapbooks, testimonial pages, or anything that displays your work. As well as customer feedback (if applicable).
• Awards, recognitions, prizes, and competition rankings  (if applicable)
• Human and/or programming languages
• White papers, presentations, research materials, resources , etc.
• Knowledge of professional tools, platforms, and project management styles

What you list on your career change resume will depend on:

• What else do you have to offer, but haven’t mentioned yet
• What other talents from your skill set do you want to flaunt and are in demand for the job

How to put side projects section on a resume

Projects are all-encompassing and can take many forms. That’s why, even if you’ve worked on something very small and personal if it’s relevant - add it!

• State the name of your project.
• Describe its purpose and why it’s important.
• Share the results of your project and if there were any developments following its completion.
• Elaborate on specific skills you’ve acquired throughout the process.
• Remember to quantify your achievements.

The side project section doesn’t have to look fancy to make you stand out. Have a look at the example below for reference:

• • The project was implemented as part of the auditing processes at 13+ other educational institutions as a way to protect students from personal information leakages.

Key takeaways

In short, writing a teacher career change resume isn’t difficult. But it requires some soul-searching. Just keep in mind to:

• Brainstorm possible career paths you want to pursue before you begin building your resume.
• Select the reverse-chronological resume format to showcase your current professional development.
• Don’t forget to link to industry-related business profiles and portfolios in your resume header.
• Opt for a resume objective if you’re a fresh graduate or don’t have much work experience in the education sector.
• Concentrate on tailoring your resume to your desired role by including job ad keywords.
• Use data and numbers to quantify your achievements wherever possible.  
• Emphasize the variety of transferable abilities in your skill set. Don’t forget to balance out your social talents with a few tech skills.

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How to Craft an Effective Resume for a Teacher Career Change

Crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want.

A teacher resume for a career change will require emphasis on transferable skills. To write an effective resume for a teacher career change, begin with a summary that outlines your skills and areas of expertise. You can also mention your career objective in relation to the company’s goals and how you can uniquely contribute. In the work experience section, list previous roles, but only describe relevant achievements and tasks. In the education section, add formal qualifications. Lastly, include relevant skills in the skills section—if necessary, categorize them.

A teacher resume for a career change doubles down on transferable skills, not specific teaching subjects (unless relevant to the job description). 

Instead of focusing on lesson plans, highlight any technical and leadership skills that would be valuable in the new role you’re targeting. This could range from classroom management as project leadership to curriculum development as training expertise and student engagement as communication skills.  

As for technical skills, you can mention your proficiency in software tools and data analysis. These skills showcase your ability to lead and communicate, as well as organize information and use technology effectively. All of which are highly sought after qualities in many different fields.

The path you chose in the early years of your career doesn’t have to stick! You could lose interest in your current role or find something more fulfilling along the way.  

If you’re feeling discontented in your teaching career, you don’t have to keep pushing through. There are several career paths you can choose from by leveraging the transferable skills you’ve developed in your career so far. 

Today, we’ll guide you on crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want.

What Are Some Jobs For Former Teachers to Make a Career Change Into?

Here are some common teacher career changes that you could make:

• EdTech professional
• Instructional design
• Writer, author, or editor
• Corporate trainer

These are some new career paths available to former teachers based on desirable skills requirements. We’ll dive into a bit more detail below.

EdTech Professional

Turning to EdTech is the easiest career transition one could think of, as it allows you to continue impacting education but on a larger scale! Start from an entry-level role and fill the skill gaps by developing other relevant skills such as coding, design, product management, and data analysis. Course designing and content creation are some EdTech domains you could easily tap into as a former teacher.

5 key skills requirements:

• Strong communication 
• Problem-solving
• Web development 
• Knowledge of programming languages
• Data Analytics

See this example job listing for a Learning Experience Designer at Columbus State University. It’s a perfect opportunity for experienced university teachers with a passion for course creation.

Instructional Design

Instructional design is a division of EdTech that mainly focuses on creating effective learning experiences, including courses, manuals, learning simulations, and more. Your lesson planning and curriculum development skills will come in handy for this role. 

• Understanding of learning models
• Project management 
• Presentation technology knowledge
• Visual design and storyboarding
• Assessment development

See this example job listing for an Instructional Designer to direct adult learning in a workplace. If you’re looking to work in a corporate setting and have deep knowledge about workplace practices, this role could be perfect for you!

The love for reading and learning is second nature to most teachers, which is why a career as a librarian is a good next step for former teachers. They are skilled in creating and delivering course curriculums, which translates well to a librarian’s responsibility of curating collections and resources to meet the needs of diverse readers. 

• Organizational skills
• Community engagement
• Basic computer literacy
• Research skills
• Customer service

This example job listing for a Reference Librarian is ideal for someone who is great at research and has a knack for handling software related to library database management.

Writer/Author/Editor 

One of the most important skills a teacher possesses is the ability to articulate their thoughts and words effectively. If you’re great at this, you might want to consider writing or editing as your next career. You could try magazines, newspapers, websites, books, and any other publishing mediums that pay to write.

Additionally, you can tap into copywriting or advertising if consumer psychology and marketing excite you.

• Excellent writing ability
• Critical thinking
• Storytelling

See this example job listing for a copywriter, which is perfect for someone who excels at storytelling and editorial writing.

Assessing and evaluating a person’s skills are a daily part of teaching, and you can translate these skills into recruiting candidates for a company. All you need is an eye for good talent, and you’re gold.

• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales and persuasion

This example job listing is for Recruiters in the financial services space, perfect for former teachers with a commerce background.  

Corporate Trainer

How about teaching, but in a different setting and to a different audience? Offering training in a corporate environment allows you to experience a whole new world and expand your horizons. This role also allows for flexibility to set your own schedule—something that is a welcome reprieve from the rigid schedule of most educators.

• Presentation skills
• Technical literacy
• Analytical skills
• Cultural sensitivity

This example job listing for a Corporate Trainer is ideal for you if you love helping individuals perform better in their roles.

Teacher Career Change Resume Example

Your resume plays a critical role when switching from teaching to a more corporate role—it’s all about how you present your experiences and skills in a manner to make them attractive to any potential employer.  

Here’s one resume example that has the potential to get attention:

Why does this resume work?

• Using numbers and percentages to talk about results and transformations. This shows that the candidate is data-driven (which is perfect in the corporate realm) and the ability to drive results and productivity with their work. 
• Employers love resume keywords such as “goal-setting,” “planning,” “strategy,” and “feedback.” These show the applicant knows the industry skills required and helps form a positive first impression.
• The work history tells how the applicant has been more than just a teacher and has been involved in the development of their previous institution . This involves other relevant responsibilities such as leading a team of instructors, building partnerships with local schools, collaborating with faculties, designing training programs, and more.

How to Write a Resume When Transitioning from Teaching

Write a teacher resume for career change by highlighting transferable skills in the following sections: 

• Summary section. Mention your strengths and outline an objective that’s relevant to the job description and company’s goals. 
• Work experience section. Describe achievements and responsibilities using concrete action verbs. Specify the results using numbers. However, only prioritize details that are related to the job requirements. 
• Certifications section. List any relevant qualifications that prove your depth of knowledge in the field you’re applying for.
• Projects section. Showcase your success on a project you worked on that’s relevant to the job requirements. Anything where you have relevant experience can help you improve your chances of getting noticed. 
• Education section. Include formal academic achievements. 
• Skills section. List core competencies that are required and desirable for your target job position. When listing lots of different types of skills, categorize them for easier readability. 

Below, we’ll also go through a few tips when writing teacher resumes for a career change. 

1. Make the Most of Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are the experiences and qualities you develop in your teaching career that can also be applied to your new career. 

These skills not only include your hard skills (i.e., your expertise) but also include all soft skills (problem-solving, analytical skills, team-leading abilities, etc) you pick up along the journey. 

How to identify your transferable skills:

• Reflect on your teaching journey and note all your achievements, milestones, and the skills you demonstrated in those times.
• Review job descriptions of the roles you’re interested in and translate your skills per the specific job requirements. 
• Network with people from the industry you wish to join outside of teaching to learn about the potential roles you can apply to with your skills. 
• Consider all the training and courses you’ve done in your teaching career and use them to create a portfolio. You can create a mock project to showcase your skills in a real-world scenario. 

Suggested reading: Resume templates for various industries

2. Customize Your Resume for a New Field

One resume will not fit every job role. You must adapt the jargon, formats, and language specific to each field. Align your experiences and achievements with the requirements of your new field.

Here’s an example:

“Prepared and curated lesson plans for students.”

This line from a teacher’s resume becomes….

“Oversaw curriculum development to maximize learning for students while collaborating with team members and leadership.”

The updated version shows you’re a team player who likes taking end-to-end initiatives. 

3. Address Career Change Concerns

Transitioning from a teacher to a corporate role may raise objections and concerns from employers. 

Some of these concerns could be:

• Lack of experience in a corporate setting
• Being overqualified for entry-level roles
• Your ability to transfer and translate skills

You can address these concerns using the following strategies:

• Share instances from your teaching journey where you applied your transferable skills. For example,  instances where you led a team and contributed to the development of your past organization. Or where you navigated a change that increased students’ performance by a significant percentage. 
• Talk about the technical tools you’ve used in your past role and how they’ve helped you in the job.
• Prepare a solid answer to the question, “Why should we hire you.” Use your skills like adaptability, team player, problem-solving, critical thinking, etc, to lead the argument.
• Mention any courses, certifications, workshops, or additional education you have pursued or are pursuing to enhance your skills for the corporate role.

4. Showcase Accomplishments and Impact

Numbers speak louder than words, and quantifying your achievements emphasizes their impact. For starters, it shows the employer you really care about achieving results rather than just getting the work done. Secondly, it makes you look more credible and encourages the employer to trust you.

Here’s how to write a resume that highlights quantitative achievements:

• Avoid vague statements and be highly specific—always specify who you helped, how you helped, and the results you produced. 
• Highlight metrics relevant to the job you’re applying for, not just your old job.
• It doesn’t always have to be a percentage—you can include the number of people impacted or a range of data in case you don’t have the precise figures. 

Here are two examples of showcasing impact: 

• Led and managed a student mentorship program for senior students and helped 15+ students achieve scholarships to attend prestigious universities in Germany in 2022.
• Aligned with key stakeholders to manage additional events in the organization to drive student engagement and learning. Raised $20,000 from trustees for this cause. 

5. Include Professional Development and Upskilling

It’s good practice to focus on training and upskilling when transitioning to a different career. It helps you close the skill gaps between your old and new role and make you more qualified for corporate. 

Here are some places you can search for courses and certifications:

• Udemy: You get a huge library of courses for every field imaginable, at affordable prices.
• LinkedIn Learning: This comes with your LinkedIn premium subscription. Showcase the course certification as you finish; it’ll act as a huge employer magnet on your profile!
• Look for courses and certifications available in your local area. 

Don’t forget to highlight ongoing learning and upskilling on the resume. It shows the recruiter how invested you are in adapting to a new career path and the effort you put into making it happen.

Here’s an example of how to highlight it on your resume:

Currently pursuing a certification course, “Email Marketing Fundamentals”, on Udemy after finishing “Digital Marketing 101”, and “Basics of Branding” successfully. 

Let’s recap on how to write a teacher resume for a career change: 

• Provide an overview of your professional background and strengths. Include an objective statement that clarifies how you intend to uniquely contribute to the company you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs when writing bullet points to describe previous roles. Prioritize relevant achievements and responsibilities. Use numbers to emphasize your impact. 
• Consider including an additional section, such as certifications and projects. These should be relevant to the job responsibilities and help position you as a strong match for the position. 
• Tailor your skills section by including core competencies that show you’re capable of carrying out the main job duties. If necessary, categorize the skills listed. 

Transitioning from teaching into a new role can be a smooth ride if you know where to look and how to apply and position yourself. Your resume is your entry ticket into another role—make sure you create an excellent first impression!

Tailor your resume for the field you’re applying to and show off your transferable skills. Remain calm during the job hunting process and continue upskilling for new roles to complement your existing skills and experience.  

And if you want to fast-track the resume writing process and increase your chances of landing your dream job, consider giving the Rezi resume builder a try!

How do I write a resume for a career change from teaching?

Identify your transferable skills that fit the requirements for the role you’re applying to and follow these resume tips .

What do you put on a resume when leaving teaching?

Mention all your relevant experiences from your teaching background in your resume and tailor these experiences to the new role. 

How do I switch to a career in teaching?

Get clarity about who you want to teach and what should be your subject, and apply for all the necessary certifications to complete the process. 

Kels Styles

Kels is a career writer and editor with a background in entertainment, advertising, and startups. Kels aims to provide, reinforce, and organize authentic, digestible content that helps you take the next step in your career. 

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Transitioning Teacher Resume Example

Shuffling classrooms, but your resume feels stuck at the chalkboard? Step into this Transitioning Teacher resume example, crafted with Wozber free resume builder. Discover how to pivot your pedagogical prowess to resonate with job specifics, positioning your teaching journey for a successful career evolution!

Transitioning Teacher Resume Templates

How to write a Transitioning Teacher resume?

Hello, aspiring Transitioning Teacher! If you're stepping into the journey of guiding students through their educational transitions, you know that crafting a resume that speaks volumes is as crucial as your role. With the guidance of Wozber's free resume builder , we'll take you through a step-by-step process to create a resume that not only meets the job description but also passes through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with flying colors.

Ready to demonstrate your unmatched abilities in supporting educational journeys? Let's turn the page to this new chapter in your career!

Personal Details

The Personal Details section is your first opportunity to connect on a personal level. Let's fine-tune this section for the Transitioning Teacher position to ensure it reflects the professionalism and precision you bring to educational transitions.

1. Spell Your Name With Opportunity

Consider your name the headline of your professional story. Ensure it's easily identifiable to keep your brand memorable. Opt for a clean, visible font to make this statement.

2. Tailor the Title to the Role

Directly under your name, align with the job by stating your title as "Transitioning Teacher." This immediate match signals to the hiring manager that your expertise dovetails perfectly with their needs.

3. Communicate Your Accessibility

List contact details clearly; a professional email ([email protected]) and a reliable phone number are crucial. Confirm accuracy - even a small typo can become a roadblock in your job search.

4. Location, Location, Location

Considering the job specifies "Must be located in the city of Portland, Oregon," highlight your Portland residence upfront. This simple step proves you're in the perfect spot to start making an impact.

5. Professional Presence

If applicable, add a link to your LinkedIn profile or a personal website that showcases your professional achievements or testimonials from colleagues and parents. Ensure the content mirrors your resume's strength.

Your personal details give life to your application, offering a glimpse into the professional ready to make a difference in the educational landscape. Make them count. Now, with clarity and confidence conveyed, let's delve deeper into making every section of your resume resonate with your Transitioning Teacher aspirations.

The Experience section is where you demonstrate your journey in shaping minds and educational policies. Let's uniquely mold this section to underscore your readiness for a Transitioning Teacher role.

• Supported and facilitated the transition process for over 500 students annually, ensuring a smooth progression between grades and school programs.
• Developed and successfully implemented 100+ individualized transition plans in collaboration with students, parents, and school staff.
• Provided professional development sessions to a staff of 50 educators, enhancing their understanding of effective transition practices.
• Analyzed and utilized transitional data to recommend and implement program improvements that boosted student retention by 15%.
• Maintained accurate and timely documentation, resulting in a consistent compliance rate of 98% with school and district policies and standards.
• Designed and delivered engaging lessons that improved student performance by 20% in statewide assessments.
• Mentored a team of 10 junior teachers, enhancing their instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches.
• Collaborated with the school administration to develop curriculum frameworks that aligned with state standards.
• Organized and executed 5 community outreach programs, promoting school‑community partnerships and increasing enrollment by 10%.
• Championed the use of innovative educational technologies, leading to a 30% increase in student engagement during lessons.

1. Dissect the Job Description

First up, dissect every requirement of the job post. For example, 'Support and facilitate the transition process for students' tells you that your experience in student support services is paramount.

2. Align Roles and Schools

List your experience in reverse-chronological order. For each position, include the title, place of employment, and your tenure there. This structure helps the hiring manager trace your professional growth smoothly.

3. Showcase Relevant Successes

Each bullet point is a chance to echo the job requirements. Translate your responsibilities into achievements. If you've 'Developed 100+ individualized transition plans,' it directly reflects your capability and dedication.

4. Bring in the Numbers

Quantify your impact wherever possible. Did you increase student retention? Improve program success rates? Numbers turn your accomplishmennts into tangible successes that employers can understand at a glance.

5. Prioritize Pertinence

Stick to experiences that resonate with a Transitioning Teacher's role. This isn't the place for unrelated accolades. Keep your narrative focused on your direct contributions to educational transitions.

Your Experience section is a testament to your ability to guide, support, and lift students during pivotal transitions. By crafting this section with care and precision, you appeal directly to the needs of hiring managers looking for someone with your specialized approach. Let's take this meticulous attention to detailing to your educational background next.

In the Education section, the spotlight is on your academic qualifications that laid the groundwork for your Transitioning Teacher career. Let's make sure this section shines with clarity and relevance.

1. Identify the Degree

The job specifies a 'Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.' Make sure your education section begins with this key qualification, aligning with what the employer seeks.

2. Organization is Key

Present your educational background in a clear format: Degree, Field of Study, University Name, and Graduation Year. This simplicity ensures the hiring manager absorbs the vital information at a glance.

3. Match the Job's Educational Demands

If you have exactly what they're looking for, in this case, a Bachelor of Science in Education, highlight it prominently. It's a direct match to the job description and boosts your application's relevance.

4. Showcase Relevant Extras

While the primary focus is your degree, if there are relevant courses, seminars, or projects that further attest to your expertise in transitioning education, don't hesitate to include them. It adds depth to your profile.

5. Highlight Your Certifications

Especially for a Transitioning Teacher, certifications like a 'State-Issued Teaching Certification' or 'Educational Transitioning Certification' underline your commitment and specialization. Detail these to portray a continuous pursuit of excellence.

Your education is not just about where you've been; it's a testament to the foundational expertise you bring to the Transitioning Teacher role. Next, let's emphasize the certifications that make you stand out in the educational sector.

Certificates

Beyond your degree, certificates highlight your ongoing commitment to professional development – an indispensable trait for a Transitioning Teacher. Let's carefully select certifications that bolster your application.

1. Key Requirements Reflection

Revisit the job post. Noting certifications like the 'State-issued Teaching Certification' directly aligns with the 'State-issued Teaching or Educational Transitioning certification preferred' line in the job description.

2. Relevance is Supreme

Select certifications directly tied to the role's responsibilities and skills. This is not about quantity, but the depth of your specialization and dedication to the field of educational transitioning.

3. Date Details Matter

If your certifications have a validity period or were recently acquired, adding the dates shows your current knowledge and initiative in keeping your qualifications fresh and relevant.

4. Keep the Momentum

In a field as dynamic as education, ongoing learning is key. Highlighting current or recent certifications demonstrates your commitment to staying at the forefront of educational trends and methodologies.

Certificates are badges of honor that showcase your proactive approach to professional growth. With your education and certifications in place, let's pivot to the skills that illustrate why you're the ideal Transitioning Teacher.

The Skills section offers a concise snapshot of your professional toolkit. As a Transitioning Teacher, this is where you reveal the competencies that make you an extraordinary facilitator of student transitions.

1. Decode the Job Speak

Begin by identifying both the explicit and implicit skills mentioned in the job description. For example, 'problem-solving' and 'excellent communication' are explicitly required, aligning with the demands of facilitating student transitions.

2. Match and Highlight

List skills that mirror the need expressed in the job description, such as your expertise in 'Curriculum Design' and 'Instructional Strategies.' This directly tells the hiring team you're equipped with the necessary tools.

3. A Place for Precision

Your skills section shouldn't be an exhaustive list but a curated showcase. Prioritize skills that the hiring manager has identified as critical, presenting you as the solution to their needs.

Each skill you list is a brushstroke in the portrait of your professional identity as a Transitioning Teacher. Before we wrap this up, let's not overlook the importance of languages in your multifaceted role.

In a role that emphasizes clear communication and understanding, the ability to speak additional languages can be a huge asset. Let's tailor the Languages section to highlight your linguistic strengths.

1. Job Requirements Prioritization

English proficiency is a non-negotiable for this role. Put this at the forefront to align perfectly with the job's "English language skills are mandatory" stipulation.

2. Accentuate the Essential

Highlight your English proficiency clearly and any additional languages you speak. This showcases your ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student body and their families.

3. Listing Additional Languages

While the focus is on English, mentioning other languages positions you as a versatile communicator, capable of enriching student understanding and engagement across cultural boundaries.

4. Honesty in Proficiency

Clearly define your level of proficiency for each language. From 'Native' to 'Basic,' this transparency sets realistic expectations for your ability to engage in different linguistic environments.

5. Scope of Role Consideration

While languages are an asset, gauge their prominence based on the job's focus. For roles with a strong emphasis on multicultural integration, your multilingual skills become even more pertinent.

Your linguistic skills complement your expertise as a Transitioning Teacher, offering a broader platform for connection and engagement. Let's encapsulate your professional narrative in a compelling summary.

The Summary is your elevator pitch, the coherent, engaging introduction that encapsulates your professional strengths and alignment with the Transitioning Teacher role. Let's make it unforgettable.

1. Grasp the Job's Core

Understanding the essence of the Transitioning Teacher role is crucial. It's about facilitating smooth educational transitions for students, which your summary should reflect with clarity and confidence.

2. Start with a Strong Introduction

Begin with who you are professionally, focusing on your experience and the value you bring to transitions. This hooks the reader and sets the stage for the specifics that follow.

3. Spotlight on Relevant Skills and Achievements

Highlight your key skills and major achievements that resonate with the job description. Showing measurable impacts, like 'enhancing educational standards through data analysis,' positions you as a capable candidate.

4. Concise and Compelling

Keep it succinct. Your summary is just that - a summary. It's the appetizer, not the main course. Craft it to entice hiring managers to delve deeper into the feast that is your resume.

Your summary sets the tone for your resume, inviting the hiring manager into your professional story with intrigue and promise. With your resume now tailored to the Transitioning Teacher role, it's time to prepare for the next steps in your career journey.

Launching Your Transitioning Teacher Journey

Congratulations on revolutionizing your resume! Armed with these insights and Wozber's free resume builder , including ATS-friendly resume templates and an ATS resume scanner , you're now ready to craft a resume that doesn't just pass the ATS test but captivates the human behind the screen. Your Transitioning Teacher resume is your passport to new opportunities. Embrace your unique experiences and skills, tailor each application, and step confidently into your next educational adventure.

The future is bright, and it begins with your next application. Go forth and inspire!

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.
• State-issued Teaching or Educational Transitioning certification preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a K-12 setting.
• Proficiency in curriculum design and instructional strategies for diverse learners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• English language skills are mandatory for this position.
• Must be located in the city of Portland, Oregon.
• Support and facilitate the transition process for students moving between grades, schools, or educational programs.
• Collaborate with students, parents, and school staff to develop individualized transition plans.
• Provide professional development to school staff on effective transition practices.
• Analyze transitional data and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Maintain documentation and reports per school and district policies.

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Leaving Teaching? How To Make Your Resume Stand Out in the Corporate World

Make the most out of your job search!

If you’re a teacher leaving the profession in search of a career that can give you more flexibility, creativity, and autonomy, you’ll need some teacher resume tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Don’t think of yourself as “just a teacher.” Your experiences and skill set align with many jobs outside of teaching. It’s just a matter of how you present it in your resume. For example, teachers have a level of work ethic and determination that can translate to many different roles.

Here are three resume tips to make teachers more desirable to potential employers:

Resume Tip for Teachers #1: Relate the job description to your experience.

When you apply to teaching positions, you typically think about your experience and outline it on your resume. Usually, it looks something like this:

• Taught third and fifth grade while serving as a member of the Leadership Team
• Served as an Instructional Coach
• Guided district teachers in effective instructional practices
• Mentored student teachers through the credential process

Unfortunately, this experience might not be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Honestly, recruiting and hiring managers may have no idea what these experiences mean. Instead, identify elements in the job description that relate to your experience and list them out to explain the connection.

Let’s look at this job description for an ed-tech job:

• Develop new material including courses, lesson plans, challenging problems, and other educational resources for in-person courses
• Work with Curriculum Team Leads, Senior Curriculum Developers, and other Curriculum Developers to plan new material
• Review and provide feedback on material created by other team members and incorporate feedback from others into your materials

How can your experience and skills fit the job description? Think about it in terms of your professional planning and lesson plan experience.

Change your wording:

• Developed lesson plans and other educational resources for in-person and hybrid courses
• Worked with team members, as part of a Professional Learning Community , to plan and develop new course material, lesson plans, and assessments
• Reviewed and provided feedback on lessons and assessments created by other team members and received feedback on my materials in order to improve learning for students

This description embeds the key words that are listed in the job description. It also relates to the work you did as a teacher. Change your experiences in your resume for every job you apply for in your job search . It’s important to relate your experiences to the specific requirements listed in the job description. This will help the hiring manager see the connection between your skills and the job they’re hiring for.

Resume Tip for Teachers #2: Be specific with numbers.

Your resume is an opportunity to showcase your skills through data and numbers. Be specific about the work you’ve done, and write it in a way that will show hiring managers you can increase productivity.

Your resume might look like this right now:

• Led and supported school staff through the process of PBIS implementation
• Supported teachers in integrating 21st-century skills into their lessons
• Created and organized an intervention program in grades 3 through 5

Although these experiences are noteworthy, they don’t really paint a picture for hiring managers. So use data and numbers to make your experience more compelling.

Try something like this:

• Led and supported school staff through the first-ever implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and decreased student referrals from 37% to 12%
• Through leadership with PBIS, student attendance across grades 1 and 2 increased from 67% to 89% within three months of structured interventions
• Supported teachers in integrating 21st-century skills into their lessons and helped 42% of teachers increase their evaluation scores from 3 to 4
• Created and organized an intervention program in grades 3 through 5 and increased student academic achievement in math from 43% proficiency to 78% proficiency

Including this type of data will show hiring managers that your hard work and skills increased productivity within your organization. ADVERTISEMENT

Resume Tip for Teachers #3: Be specific in your cover letter.

Make your application stand out with a cover letter. It’s your chance to be specific about your experience. You can drive home the relevance of your skills and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Instead of starting off with the typical …

Please accept this letter as an application for the position of _ for _. I am passionate about instructional design and have a strong foundation in instructional coaching and assessment design and trends. I have a deep understanding of K-12 education, as well as connecting assessment to instruction through data interpretation.

… be honest with the hiring manager. Start off with something that lets them know you’re changing roles. Your experiences can translate to the new role even though your only experience is teaching.

It can sound something like this:

I am writing to express interest in the position of _ for _. As an experienced educator, I have the skills and disposition to excel in this role.

I am making the change from classroom teacher to a role in _ and feel my abilities and experiences would be an asset to your team.

These are some of the skills I can bring to your company:

• List out skills that relate to the job description and your skills.
• Make connections, add data, and be specific.
• Limit it to three points and use the keywords from the job description.

The most important thing to keep in mind is don’t give up.

Transitioning out of teaching is hard and there is a lot of competition out there, but companies are hiring ( labor shortage , anyone?). Create a LinkedIn profile and use these same tips to showcase your experience. Start connecting with recruiters, hiring managers, and employees at the companies you want to work for.

When it’s interview time, check out some ways AI can help you nail your next interview .

Plus, if you need help with your resignation letter, check out these resignation letter examples .

For more articles like this, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters .

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• Teacher Career Change Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Teacher Career Change Resumes:

• Develop and implement career change strategies
• Research and analyze career options
• Identify and assess skills and qualifications
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and recruiters
• Develop and maintain a professional network
• Create and update resumes and cover letters
• Prepare for job interviews
• Provide career counseling and guidance
• Develop and implement job search strategies
• Provide career transition support
• Conduct research on job markets and industries

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Teacher Career Change Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented career change strategies that resulted in a 30% increase in successful job placements for clients.
• Conducted extensive research and analysis of career options, providing personalized recommendations that led to a 25% increase in client satisfaction.
• Established and maintained relationships with employers and recruiters, resulting in a 20% increase in job opportunities for clients.
• Provided career counseling and guidance to individuals, resulting in a 40% increase in career clarity and direction for clients.
• Developed and implemented job search strategies that led to a 35% increase in client interviews and a 25% increase in job offers.
• Conducted research on job markets and industries, providing valuable insights and recommendations that led to a 30% increase in client success in targeted industries.
• Prepared and updated resumes and cover letters for clients, resulting in a 50% increase in interview callbacks and a 20% increase in job offers.
• Provided career transition support to individuals, assisting them in successfully navigating career changes and achieving their desired outcomes.
• Identified and assessed skills and qualifications of clients, resulting in a 40% increase in client confidence and marketability in their new career paths.
• Career counseling and guidance
• Development and implementation of career change strategies
• Research and analysis of career options
• Relationship building with employers and recruiters
• Job search strategy development
• Knowledge of job markets and industries
• Resume and cover letter preparation
• Career transition support
• Skills and qualifications assessment
• Client satisfaction and success tracking
• Personalized career recommendations
• Understanding of job placement strategies
• Ability to increase client confidence and marketability
• Knowledge of targeted industries
• Ability to increase interview callbacks and job offers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work with diverse client populations
• Proficiency in career-related software and online platforms
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Top Skills & Keywords for Teacher Career Change Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Management
• Lesson Planning
• Differentiated Instruction
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Technology Integration
• Special Education
• Classroom Technology
• Behavior Management
• Parent Communication
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Professional Development

Soft Skills

• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Organization
• Empathy and Compassion
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Patience and Understanding
• Creativity and Innovation
• Leadership and Mentorship
• Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation
• Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

Resume Action Verbs for Teacher Career Changes:

• Facilitated
• Collaborated
• Implemented
• Demonstrated

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Resume FAQs for Teacher Career Changes:

How long should i make my teacher career change resume, what is the best way to format a teacher career change resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a teacher career change resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a teacher career change, compare your teacher career change resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Teacher Career Change job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Teacher Career Changes:

Career coach, elementary school teacher, high school teacher, special education teacher, teacher aide, teacher assistant, transitioning teacher.

Teacher Resumes for Career Changers: How to Make a Successful Transition 

07/16/24 | by Kyle Freelander

Transitioning from a different industry to a teaching career is a significant step that requires a thoughtful approach, particularly when it comes to crafting your resume.  

Teacher resumes for career changers need to highlight transferable skills, relevant experiences, and the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for a teaching position.  

This blog post will guide you through creating an effective teacher resume as a career changer and explain how Moreland University can support you in this journey. 

Understanding the Basics of Teacher Resumes for Career Changers 

When transitioning to a teaching career, it’s crucial to recognize that while your industry experience is valuable, hiring managers are also looking for specific educational qualifications and skills. Here’s how to structure your teacher resume to meet these expectations: 

1. Tailor Your Professional Summary 

A professional summary is your opportunity to make a strong first impression by immediately highlighting your career change and relevant skills.  

Craft a concise statement that emphasizes your passion for teaching and the transferable skills you bring from your previous industry. For example: “Passionate and dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in corporate project management, seeking to transition into a teaching role. Equipped with strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, and currently completing the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program at Moreland University.” 

2. Highlight Relevant Education and Certifications 

Demonstrating your qualifications and commitment to your new career path as a teacher is essential. Start by listing your degrees, focusing on those relevant to education.  

If you are enrolled in or have completed a teacher certification program, such as the certification pathways offered at Moreland University, be sure to highlight this prominently. Moreland’s accredited programs are well-respected and can add significant value to your resume. 

Some examples:  

• Moreland University, TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program (2024) 
• Moreland University, Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Technology (in-progress) 

3. Emphasize Transferable Skills 

Communication, leadership, your content and industry knowledge, and organization skills are critical in both corporate and educational settings — making them great for career changers to highlight on their teacher resume. 

Identify skills from your previous roles relevant to teaching and use bullet points to clearly convey these skills in your experience section.  

Example: 

Project Manager, A Really Great Company (2012-2023)  

• Led cross-functional teams to complete projects on time and within budget, enhancing team collaboration and communication. 
• Designed and delivered training sessions for over 200 employees, demonstrating strong instructional and public speaking skills. 
• Leveraged expert problem-solving knowledge and process skills while creating a collaborative and positive work environment. 

4. Showcase Relevant Experience 

Experience directly related to education — even if not in a classroom — can be invaluable to highlight on your resume. Be sure to showcase any volunteer work, tutoring, coaching, or other roles where you have engaged in teaching or mentoring. This demonstrates your hands-on experience in an educational context. 

For example:  

Volunteer Tutor, Local Community Center (2020-Present)  

• Provided one-on-one tutoring in math and science to middle school students, improving their academic performance and confidence. 
• Developed customized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs. 

For career changers who’ve completed a teacher preparation program like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you can also highlight your clinical learning (student teaching) experience.  

5. Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements 

Action verbs make your resume dynamic, and quantifiable achievements provide concrete evidence of your impact. Where possible, start each bullet point with a strong action verb and include numbers or percentages to illustrate your achievements.  

For career changers with some teaching experience, one of your bullets might be “Increased student test scores by 20% through targeted instructional strategies and personalized support.” 

Career changers just entering the teaching profession can still highlight their impact with education-related responsibilities. For example, a corporate manager transition into a high school teacher role could have impact bullet points like:  

• “Led a team of 15 marketing professionals to execute comprehensive marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in annual sales.” (This demonstrates strong leadership and project management skills, which are crucial for effective classroom management and student engagement.) 
• “Developed and conducted monthly training workshops for over 100 employees, improving overall company efficiency by 25%.” (This experience in designing and delivering training sessions translates directly to creating and implementing engaging lesson plans and instructional strategies for high school students.) 

6. Include a Skills Section 

A skills section can quickly convey your key competencies to hiring managers. It’s important to list both hard and soft skills relevant to teaching. Include skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, educational technology, and any specific subject expertise. 

Additionally, skills with educational technology (edtech) or artificial intelligence (AI) can show that you’re prepared for the modern classroom. 

Moreland University Can Help Career Changers Become Teachers 

Moreland University understands the unique needs of career changers, offering flexible online courses that can be balanced with your current job. Our rigorous certification pathways are designed to be practical and hands-on, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the classroom. To discover how we can help you achieve your teaching dreams, visit moreland.edu or request more information . 

Additional Reading

June 27, 2024

How to Create Your Teacher Resume: FAQs and Best Practices

Navigating the world of teaching can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect resume. As a former teacher and someone who works with educators […]

August 14, 2024

Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Tools and Tips for the 2024-2025 School Year

Each year, technology takes classrooms to new and interesting places — enhancing the school experience for students and alike. As the 2024-2025 academic year begins, integrating technology thoughtfully and effectively […]

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More From Forbes

5 resume tips for teachers moving from the classroom to corporate.

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Teachers in crisis.

If you’re an educator who has been pondering to leave the field in some way, this article can help you learn how to begin to transition. Whether you want to continue to work in education, or if you want to change your career path completely, the tips below can help you get started on a new journey.

According to a Labor Department report  obtained by the Wall Street Journal,  teachers quit the profession in 2018 at the highest rate of any year on record. Roughly one million public education workers walked away from the classroom in 2018, and many career experts claim that number will continue to rise. 

Also, over the past 40 years, most people who became teachers were female. The share of female college students majoring in education has shrunk from 32% to 11%, according to  MarketWatch .

As I've seen throughout my career as a teacher, and a college academic advisor, the number of students choosing to go into teaching has also dropped nationwide. 

In the UK, according to  The Guardian , around one in five teachers (18%) expect to leave the classroom in less than two years. Also, two-fifths of teachers, school leaders, and support staff want to quit in the next five years—blaming out of control workload pressures and excessive accountability.

Reasons teachers typically leave the classroom can include a lack of administration and parental support, budget cuts, concerns about school violence, overwhelming expectations, and even the battle to gain students' attention due to mobile phone distraction.

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Teenagers and their mobile phones can cause great distractions in the classroom when not used ... [+] properly.

And, many educators' salaries are so low that they have to work a second job. 

Also, due to technology, it can be a challenge to separate school and home life, as many educators are dealing with around the clock communication needs, and on-demand time from students and parents.

Many teachers state they are tired of standardized tests that have curbed creativity, the arts, gym, and music.

The expectations have become almost too much to bear.

When Teachers Are Unhappy

One critical concern that always stands out to me regarding teaching: if educators are not happy, our students won't be happy either. The effect of this dramatic loss can not only change a student's love of learning—but can have a dramatic impact on the economy over the years to come.  

What Teachers Can Do

If this sounds like you, and you are not happy in your current role as a classroom educator, it is only fair to both you and your students to consider other career options. 

For this article, I spoke with Lynda Spiegel , who is a specialist in resumes and creating LinkedIn profiles.

Spiegel, once a teacher herself, runs Rising Stars Resumes , where you can find her offerings, a plethora of information, guidance, and sample resumes for almost every industry. 

According to her site, Spiegel has spent the last 14 years as a Global Human Resources executive, and she understands how recruiters and hiring managers view a potential candidate's resume. 

As a recruiter, she has experience posting jobs on LinkedIn, so she knows how to write a LinkedIn profile that will improve the chances of being found by a target employer. 

Teacher Transition Resume Tips

Here are some tips Spiegel shared with me for educators who want to transition from the classroom to corporate. These tips have been edited and condensed for reading purposes.

Understand The Difference Between Academic And Corporate Resumes 

Candidates for jobs in the corporate or non-academic and non-profit organizations need to articulate their value proposition – what, in a nutshell, they can provide in terms of what a company or organization currently needs. 

Leave Out Terms That Don’t Apply For A New Role

When you pivot to a new career, you need to eliminate terminology from your prior role.

Focus On Transferable Skills

First, read the details in each job posting that you're considering applying for with a critical eye. 

You may know that you're perfectly capable of handling the requirements, but if you have no experience with them, you're not likely to be considered. This is the place you need to focus in on for your resume—where you can include things you've done in addition to classroom teaching. 

For example, while all teachers are, in a sense, trainers, companies are mostly interested in peer-to-peer training. If you've done this, that's a plus to highlight. For another example, if you've participated in organizing trips, that may be useful for teachers who want to get into travel or event planning.

Turn Your Specialization Into A Corporate Asset

Every teacher is qualified to get hired as a curriculum consultant or with an edtech businesses—and this is an especially good option for elementary education pedagogues. 

High school teachers can leverage subject matter expertise by looking for work in a related field, and then highlight those projects you’ve developed in your resume. 

Robotics teachers can describe the 3D-printer project they assigned, while literature teachers aspiring to editorial work can reference the school literary magazine they’ve advised.

Don't Forget To List Software Competencies

While most corporate settings don't use edtech software, you should list these skills on your resume, along with every other application in which you're familiar. 

After all, the skill of being conversant in any software is a transferable skill that companies need.

More Information

For more information about transferring into a different profession, or if you want to stay in education while working outside classroom walls, be sure to follow Spiegel's work on LinkedIn , and you can join my teacher support group on Facebook for further support.

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Instructional Design Resume; 8 Tips To Stand-Out

Are you a tech-savvy teacher who loves creating engaging lesson plans and enjoys researching effective learning methods? If so, Instructional Design could be the perfect career transition. In that case, you’ll want to start building your Instructional Design resume ASAP. The best part? You can set yourself up for success in a new career from the comfort of your very own classroom. You can use the year ahead to build your Instructional Design resume for whenever you’re ready to take that leap.

If you need help leaving the classroom, check out the  Teacher Career Coach Course .  This step-by-step guide has helped thousands with a transition from teaching. Save time and get support with every step of picking a new path, rewriting your resume, and answering tricky interview questions.

As a former teacher, I’ve written a lot of content that helps teachers transition into new roles. If you haven’t yet taken my free career quiz or checked out my podcast where I interview former teachers, I highly recommend you do so!

Teachers bring many desirable qualifications to the role, including that passion for and dedication to the learning process. Truthfully, former teachers quickly find that instructional design models and processes in the corporate world have a lot of overlap with those used in the classroom. Instructional Designers work to find gaps in the performance, skills, and knowledge of a specified audience. Then they create or suggesting engaging learning experiences to bridge the gap. They develop everything from courses to training guides that help solve specific problems for companies.

Related: Listen here to learn why teachers make such great Instructional Designers . 

Avoid THIS Teacher to Instructional Designer Resume Mistake. 

Despite the similarities between teaching and Instructional Design, teaching experience doesn’t necessarily directly translate over to this new industry. Yes, teaching experience can provide a strong foundation for Instructional Design knowledge and skills. But there is much more to the transition than changing your title from teacher to instructional designer. 

The truth is, there are quite a few gaps that you will need to fill. That brings me to the biggest mistake I see teachers make on their Instructional Design resumes. You may have similar experiences and useful background knowledge. But being a teacher is not the same as being an Instructional Designer. Therefore, you should never add the “Instructional Designer” title to your resume in the job history section. (Unless it’s a title you have held.)

Hiring managers know that you were a teacher and they’ll appreciate that role for the experience it gave you. However, if you claim to have been an Instructional Designer, you might be shooting yourself in the foot. Imagine being in an interview and being asked about industry-specific language or certain experiences unique to Instructional Design. Additionally, you don’t want them to think you misunderstand the role entails by misrepresenting it on your resume. 

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD.

Your best bet? Be honest about your past experience and let your excitement for this new opportunity speak for itself. Lying is never the best way to start. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to increase your value for a role in Instructional Design. Use this school year to your advantage. Learn and implement new skills and tools you can add to your Instructional Design resume and help it stand out from the rest. 

Fill in the knowledge gap and learn the tools of the trade by following these Instructional Design resume tips.

Tip 1: Learning the Methodologies .

First, you’ll want to use this school year to study the popular methodologies in the Instructional Design field. You already know that learning theories serve as a foundation for successful solutions to desired learning outcomes. You’re likely familiar with learning theories in K-12 education. But it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the adult-focused methodologies in Instructional Design. 

The top three models of Instructional Design I recommend you familiarize yourself with are ADDIE , Bloom’s Taxonomy , and Backward Design . Now, you might already be familiar with Bloom’s Taxonomy for classifying educational learning objectives. Or with Backwards Design for determining desired outcomes first. But again, it’s important to understand how these theories apply to adult learning across various industries. ADDIE is a popular method used in Instructional Design involving analyzing gaps, designing, developing, and implementing solutions, and evaluating results. By familiarizing yourself with these methods and their applications, you can confidently mention them on your resume. Then you know that you could answer any questions asked about them in an interview. (I was asked about the ADDIE model in my Instructional Design interview. Thankfully, I had done my research!)  

Because it’s more than tossing the names of these methodologies in a resume. You have to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk. Knowing these names and having specific references of how you’ve used them with your students (or potentially when you would use them with an adult audience) will give you confidence. It will help the hiring manager envision you in the Instructional Design role too. 

Related: Instructional Design Jobs for Teachers

Tip 2: Learn the Tools (and Skills) of the Trade To Add To Your Instructional Design Resume. 

Knowing the methodologies is the first part. My next piece of advice is learning the popular tools of the trade. This is where I warn you that Instructional Design is a great path for the tech-savvy teacher. If technology isn’t your thing, that’s cool! But just know that there’s a good chance instructional design won’t be your cup of tea either. Having a passion for technology will make any learning curves of the industry less painful. Plus, you might find that you’re more excited to implement these new technologies in your current classroom for practice. (I call that a win-win!)

Now, as you begin exploring the tools of the trade, I have two big pieces of advice. First, don’t spend all of your time learning one tool or skill, like video editing. There’s so much to learn in the world of Instructional Design. So, you don’t want to back yourself into a corner. The more experience you can build, the more versatile and valuable of a candidate you can be.

As for my second piece of advice, there’s no need to rush into these tools. Jump into them once you’re comfortable with the methodology. Take your time exploring and learning these new tools and building these useful skills. Knowing they exist isn’t where your value as an Instructional Designer comes into play. It’s when you have a deep understanding of which tools to use when and how to use them to get others to achieve desired results. 

Tip 3: Practice With Your Students. 

As you learn the tools of the trade, build desirable skills for an Instructional Design resume by practicing on your students!

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN RESUME SKILLS: VIDEO EDITING. 

First stop? I highly recommend learning video editing software. Camtasia is a popular video editing tool in the Instructional Design field. It’s a great choice for creating instructional videos with editing and screen-recording capabilities. You can even sign up for Camtasia using the education license to receive a discounted price. (Heck yes!)

Regardless of which software you learn, practice creating quality videos to enhance the learning experience and achieve learning objectives in your classroom. For example, you could create a blended classroom model by pre-recording the cornerstone lessons of your course. Post those pre-recorded lessons on a class website or learning platform and refer to them throughout the year as needed. 

Once you iron out the kinks in your video editing skills, you can create instructional videos geared toward adults. These would be great additions to your portfolio. They’ll show how your video editing and teaching skills go beyond the K-12 classroom. Then, you add video editing skills to your resume knowing you could explain how you used them in an interview.  

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN RESUME SKILLS: GRAPHIC DESIGN. 

Let me start by saying you don’t have to be a professional graphic designer to be a successful Instructional Designer. However, you should be able to create appealing visuals that add to the learning experience. Yes, creating visuals over just grabbing them from the internet takes more time. But it’s totally worth it to add the skill to your toolbox and Instructional Design resume. (Trust me.)  Graphic design is something you can (and should) practice all year long. These visuals enhance your student’s experience and make for portfolio pieces that will clearly demonstrate your ability.

Real talk. The only way that you will learn this skill is through practice. I highly recommend using Canva. It’s a great tool for creating any form of visual content, from social media graphics to brochures to posters. I’ve used it for materials in the classroom, Instructional Design, and even in my business! The best part? Canva offers a free version that you can play around with before purchasing the Pro version. Even then, you can access the Pro features for a 30-day free trial. 

Trust me. I know you are busy and already have so much on your plate. However, you don’t want to fall into the trap of relying on templates here. Afterall, the goal here is to learn graphic design, right? So, play around a bit with the free version until you get comfortable. Try new things. Look at some templates as models and then branch out into creating your own. (This is one time I encourage you to spend extra time creating fun posters and décor for your classroom.) Canva makes it easy to organize and save your designs. You’ll have a plethora of samples to pull from if you’re ever looking to showcase your new skills. 

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN RESUME SKILLS: DIGITAL CONTENT CREATION. 

I’m willing to bet you are well versed in Google Suite or Microsoft Office. Perhaps you use Google Docs to revise essays with your students or Microsoft PowerPoint to share content in class. In the world of Instructional Design, there are other, more advanced tools for fostering learning experiences. You can use these authoring tools to create eLearning materials across various industries. But again, you can start by implementing them in your very own classroom. 

I would suggest starting with Articulate Storyline 360, a user-friendly platform for creating interactive eLearning experiences. (Bonus: it’s similar to PowerPoints, so there’s less of a learning curve. Plus they offer a 2-month free trial.) Adobe Captivate is another industry standard but I find that Adobe products tend to have a steeper learning curve. However, if you are leaning more towards wanting to pursue graphic design, I would prioritize learning Adobe. It will have more to offer you in the long run. 

Tip 4: Practice With Adults. 

In addition to students, you can look toward adults in your building as you build skills for your Instructional Design resume. Afterall, Instructional Design is all about identifying weak spots and creating the resources needed to strengthen them, right? (Right.) 

So, start to conduct a training needs analysis among the teachers at your school. Remember, one of the most important steps in Instructional Design is identifying, analyzing, and understanding the gaps. Ask yourself, What training needs to be created for the adults in the buildings to bridge any potential performance gaps? Are there gaps in understanding and successfully implementing certain technologies?  You can look for needs in the areas of communication, problem-solving, self-management, leadership, and even teamwork. Truthfully, most schools would benefit from additional training in one or more of these areas.

Let’s take a look at how you might approach a training needs analysis at your school: 

• Technology adaptation: Can you identify one tool that every teacher would benefit from learning more about? Maybe it’s learning how it works or how to effectively implement the technology in the classroom. Most schools could benefit from tools that best support one type of lesson or learner. (Think reading intervention or ELL.) Alternatively, consider creating training materials to help spread the love for your favorite educational platform or tool. Teach others how to implement it in their classroom!
• Self-management: One of the biggest problems teachers face is having too much to do. However, are there any productivity tools that you know would save teachers time? (What teacher wouldn’t want that?!) If so, could you create a training video explaining how other teachers could use it? Or create a 1-page PDF explaining how to implement said tool? Or perhaps you could create a training guide to help other teachers improve time management or organization. 
• Teamwork: Think about creating a strategy for teamwork so teachers have less work on their plate. Instead, propose a system for dividing and conquering their PLC tasks. Perhaps one teacher would be in charge of creating PPTs. Another might be in charge of designing formative assessments. Another could be tasked with making extension activities, etc. Whatever you come up with, consider how to effectively relay this strategy to other teachers to get them on board. 

SHARE YOUR SKILLS.

Is there a single technology tool you are excited about? Can you teach it in under 10 minutes? If so, I recommend creating a training video for it using Camtasia. Then you can upload your video to Youtube, Twitter, and other social media platforms for wider reach.

For increased exposure and traction, tag the education company or share your video on your LinkedIn. Before you write off this extra step, know that I’ve had former teachers do this. The result? They received a job offer creating customer learning or teacher education programs from that exact company. Now, of course, that isn’t going to happen to everyone. In fact, most large companies have in-house marketing teams that handle this sort of thing. But it’s worth mentioning the possibility because it can happen. It has happened. At the very least, you’re gaining confidence (and potentially looks from other companies) by putting yourself out there. 

TAKE IT ONE STEP FURTHER.

The hardest part about embarking on new opportunities is putting yourself out there. But this is where I remind you that you don’t have to go all-in from day one. Truthfully, Instructional Design requires skills that take time to develop anyway. The fact that you’re still reading this tells me you’re willing to take that time to make a successful career transition. 

However, don’t think you have to wait to land your new role to start getting paid for your newfound skills. If you are loving video editing or graphic design, you can start freelancing on Upwork or other similar platforms. That way you can continue to gain experience, build your portfolio, and make some extra cash at the same time. 

Tip 5: Putting It All Together for your Instructional Design Resume

As you continue to learn the tools of the trade, be sure you’re putting the ID methodologies to use. Therefore, you could hypothetically explain your process behind and approach to your training materials. 

Tip 6: Get Your Hands Dirty. 

If you’re a dedicated life-long learner like me, this is where it gets exciting. Yes, trying new things can be intimidating or seem like daunting, time-consuming tasks. Thanks to your teaching background, you’ll intuitively learn quite a bit along the way just by doing the darn thing. You’ll learn much more this way than you would without getting your hands dirty here. The more you engage with these tools and practice your skills, the more you’ll learn and grow. Without this hands-on exploration, how will you truly understand when it’s best to use Articulate Storyline? When is it best to use a video? When is it best to send a quick PDF with links to external sources for reference? 

I’m telling you. Companies are looking for someone capable of understanding how to create the training materials. But they also want someone who knows when they need to be implemented. Companies don’t want to spend thousands of dollars creating eLearning resources that aren’t actually needed. Part of Instructional Design is assessing the situation. Then it’s about determining the right course of action to bridge any gaps in understanding or ability. 

You know the saying, “This meeting could have been an email?” Let’s just say you’ll want to know how to avoid comments like, “This hour-long training could have been a PDF.” So, the more you practice and play around with it, the more you’ll learn. The more you learn and understand, the more valuable you’ll be in the world of Instructional Design. Afterall, isn’t that the goal? 

Tip 7: Translate the Lingo of Your Instructional Design Resume . 

Congrats! Once you’ve actually learned, practiced, and refined these new skills, you can add them to your Instructional Design resume. The best part? You’re not lying! You might not have held the title of an instructional designer. But your resume will showcase how you will be able to transition into the role regardless.

Yes, there’s much to learn about the field of Instructional Design. But teachers already have many transferable skills and experiences that can help their Instructional Design resume. So, whether we’re talking about adding new skills or translating teacher experiences, it’s all about how you word them on your resume. 

For example, writing and editing, curriculum development, and managerial skills are highly transferable skills. Similarly, if you have exposure to Learning Management Systems (LMS), course development software, teacher training programs, and parent/teacher communication apps, you have a great deal of useful experience as you step into the field of Instructional Design. 

But when it comes to the wording on your resume, avoid using language fit for the world of K-12 education. Might there be some overlap? Absolutely. Afterall, both roles are rooted in learning. However, you want to write a resume that transcends the classroom. This will allow a hiring manager to imagine you in a role outside of teaching. You can learn even more tips for writing your teacher transition resume here .

Here’s a BONUS TIP. 

If you’re looking to stand out as a strong candidate, you’ll need to go beyond a killer resume. Additionally, you will want to showcase your skills in a portfolio. The good news is you can begin developing your portfolio right now! Then you can continue adding to it over time. 

However, you’ll want to only have your BEST, most up-to-date work reflected on your portfolio. It’s tempting to throw in any and all of your teaching materials. But I recommend you don’t—unless it’s the only thing you have and you MUST apply to a dream job tomorrow. Ideally, your portfolio should showcase a variety of materials rooted in different subject matters. This will help show a range of skills and prove your versatility. 

Now, I know you spend A LOT of time in the classroom. You might be wondering where the heck you’re going to find the time, energy, or inspiration to create additional materials. First and foremost, if you’re dedicated to this career transition, your portfolio will be worth your time and effort. Many teachers leave a portfolio out of their application for Instructional Design roles. They don’t realize how important they are or simply because they don’t prioritize taking the time to create one. However, I’ve spoken to hiring managers who’ve admitted a missing portfolio can be an instant candidate disqualifier.

As far as knowing where to begin, I recommend turning to job descriptions for inspiration. Look at three different job postings in the realm of Instructional Design for ideas. Then, try to develop materials that would apply to the needs outlined in those particular job postings.  

Preparing For Your Teacher Career Transition. 

Learning these methodologies and practicing the tools of the trade will not only help build your resume. It will also strengthen your confidence and push back against any Impostor Syndrome you may be feeling. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed after reading this, I totally get it. Learning the ropes of a new career can be a daunting task. Is it a lot of work? Yes. Is it worth it? Also, yes. But also remember this: Instructional Design does not have to be your first career outside of the classroom. Maybe it’s not the right career transition for your period. (And if not, that’s totally cool too.) It is not the only career that hires teachers. There are several roles out there that do not require building a portfolio and take less work to get into. 

The bottom line is that it’s okay if you’re feeling ready for something new. It’s okay to start dipping your toes into new industries and building new skills while you’re still in the classroom. In fact, if you’re even considering leaving the classroom, I recommend doing just that. Learning and practicing new skills helps you clarify your interests and figure out what your next career path might be. 

Related: Read about the Best Careers For Former Teachers here!

Abbey is a former middle school geography teacher, currently working as a Customer Support Specialist at Teacher Career Coach. She enjoys helping teachers find happiness along the path to their new careers. When she’s not answering audience questions you can find her playing sand volleyball & spending time on the lake with her husband and dog.

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