Transitioning from Teaching to Ed-Tech – Ideal Jobs for Educators

Ed-tech is very likely the most natural segue from education into tech. Ed-Tech (short for educational technology) bridges traditional education with digital innovation. As an existing teacher, you would most likely already be an adept user of some ed-tech tools and platforms, like learning management systems, virtual classrooms, digital portfolios, and communication tools.

One of the driving factors behind the Ed-Tech boom is the recent surge in remote and online learning, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools had to rapidly adapt to online learning, and there was a huge increase in the availability of e-learning platforms, digital content and resources, remote collaboration tools, online assessments and proctoring, and many other tools and platforms. As the demand for tech-driven learning solutions continues to surge, ed-tech companies are actively seeking passionate educators to revolutionize education from the inside out.

Ideal Ed-Tech Roles for Educators

There are various roles in the ed-tech space that are uniquely suited to educators. I’ve deliberately excluded roles such as online educator or online tutor, as I wanted to focus on non-teaching tech roles. Here are some examples that current/ex-educators can consider if they are thinking of moving into an ed-tech role.

1. Customer Success Manager (CSM): A role closest to my heart is that of a CSM, so of course I would mention this role first! 🙂 I’m still in my first post-teaching role. Being a CSM affords me the ability to keep working closely with schools and school leaders/staff. A CSM role is particularly well-suited for teachers transitioning from the classroom to the tech world. As a CSM, I ensure that educators, schools, or institutions using my company’s Ed-Tech solutions have a smooth and successful experience. My background as an educator enables me to empathize with the challenges teachers face, making me a valuable asset in customer support, training, and relationship-building.
2. Curriculum Developer: As a teacher, you’ve spent years crafting lesson plans and educational content. In Ed-Tech, your expertise in curriculum development is highly valuable. Curriculum Developers create engaging, effective learning materials tailored to various Ed-Tech platforms. Your ability to align content with educational standards and pedagogical principles is a sought-after skill.
3. Instructional Designer: Similar to Curriculum Developers, Instructional Designers work on creating educational content. However, they focus on designing engaging, interactive learning experiences. Your classroom experience gives you insights into the most effective teaching methods, which you can translate into captivating online courses.
4. Learning Experience Designer: For educators transitioning into the ed-tech industry, the role of a Learning Experience Designer will draw from your deep understanding of classroom dynamics and student needs to shape the user experience within Ed-Tech products. Learning Experience Designers ensure that Ed-Tech platforms are user-friendly and optimize the learning journey. Your day-to-day might include conducting needs analysis, content creation, user experience testing and data analysis.
5. Ed-Tech Specialist/Consultant: If you have a passion for integrating technology into the classroom, becoming an Ed-Tech Specialist/Consultant is a natural fit. These professionals assist educators in effectively implementing technology tools and Ed-Tech platforms to enhance teaching and learning. Your firsthand experience as a teacher gives you a unique perspective on the practical application of these tools, and it will also give you the opportunity to understand the common frustrations and difficulties faced by users when adopting a new piece of technology.
6. Product Manager: As a teacher, you possess a unique perspective on what students and educators need. Transitioning into a Product Manager role allows you to leverage this insight to develop cutting-edge educational tools. Product Managers collaborate with tech teams, using their pedagogical expertise to conceptualize, design, and implement user-friendly solutions that cater to diverse learning needs.
7. Project Manager: Project Managers in ed-tech oversee the seamless execution of educational initiatives. Your responsibilities as a Project Manager include crafting detailed project plans and outlining clear objectives and timelines. Your expertise in educational methodologies will definitely give you a leg-up in creating projects that resonate with teachers and students alike.

Tips for Landing Your Ideal Ed-Tech Role

1. Emphasize Transferable Skills: Highlight skills gained from your teaching career, such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and time management, in your resume and interviews. These skills are highly relevant in Ed-Tech.
2. Continuously Update Tech Skills: Stay up-to-date with the latest educational technologies and tools. Familiarize yourself with Ed-Tech platforms, software, and trends to show your commitment to the industry.
3. Build an Online Presence: Create an online portfolio or LinkedIn profile showcasing your educational achievements and tech-related endeavors. Engage with Ed-Tech communities to network and learn from others in the field. When I first started searching for opportunities and advice about leaving teaching, I searched LinkedIn for the following terms: #transitioningteachers and #transitionedteachers. I found a whole community of people who were in pretty similar situations as I was and connected with quite a number of people.
4. Customize Your Applications: Tailor your CV for each Ed-Tech job application. Highlight how your background as an educator uniquely qualifies you for the role. Try to include keywords from the job description in your CV as well.
5. Leverage Professional Development: Consider pursuing relevant certifications or courses in instructional design, e-learning, or educational technology. These credentials can boost your qualifications. If you take any tech courses/certs, be sure to feature them on your LinkedIn profile, CV and/or talk about them in your interviews. While these short online courses and certs may not be enough to give you sufficient tech knowledge right off the bat, it shows your future employers that you are resourceful and willing to learn.

In the realm of career transitions, stepping out of teaching and into Ed-Tech could be a more natural evolution, as it blends your educational background with the digital future of learning. Unlike venturing into other tech domains, this move into Ed-Tech would be a more tailored fit, where your teaching expertise and experience may find a meaningful home in the world of innovative education technology.