How to find jobs for Ex-Teachers - those who can How to find jobs for Ex-Teachers - those who can
How to find jobs for Ex-Teachers

Career Advice for Teachers

You might have many questions about continuing teaching or choosing to leave. We have written this document with you in mind. It covers:

How do Ex Teachers find new jobs?

You might be thinking that companies don’t hire ex-teachers. That you don’t have the skills or experience companies are looking for. You might have been told by a recruiter that you need to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a particular industry. This will feel disheartening! So how do you find jobs after teaching?

Did Teach has helped 1000’s of teachers find jobs after leaving teaching. We know the amazing skills and competencies teachers have because we have over 40 years of collective teaching experience ourselves, this combined with our job board means we are perfectly placed to find jobs for ex-teachers.

If you are thinking about leaving teaching we are the platform with the heritage and contacts to support you on a journey to a life after teaching. 

Leaving Teaching? Take Time to Think Carefully

It’s a difficult and huge decision to make with potentially life-changing implications. You chose the teaching profession as a vocation and you have invested time and money honing this career, all of your friends and family know you as a teacher and this comes with a level of status. Leaving teaching isn’t a decision you should take lightly.

In her blog, Thinking About Leaving Teaching, Laura Fox Senior Education Adviser at Education Development Trust discusses the reasons she decided to leave her role as Assistant Head. Laura dedicated 17 years to teaching, and the natural progression for her was Headship, however, Laura felt she wanted a different challenge after dedicating time to the classroom. This is when she decided to leave teaching for an alternative career, still within education, still making a difference.

Perhaps you could change schools first?

Exploring your reasons why you want to leave teaching is an important question to ask yourself. There are normally a myriad of reasons, these will be unique to you and your personal situation. You might want to try teaching in a different school, or perhaps a different setting like a PRU. We have coached teachers who have moved away from mainstream teaching to special education needs schools and flourished. They do say a change is as good as a rest, schools have different cultures it might be that you just haven’t found the right fit. 

But if you have decided to leave, what jobs can you do after teaching?

Why do you want to Leave Teaching? 

Sometimes you need to voice your concerns out loud, speaking with friends and family about your reasons for leaving teaching can help clarify your thoughts. For Shelley, attending our Career Transition Workshops was a key moment for her to order her thoughts and to think about the future. 

Shelley evaluated her values and interests and this drove her to make a decision to leave her Deputy Headship and become a Celebrant.

“Teaching is a wonderful profession and as I’m sure you can tell, I have immense gratitude and respect for the colleagues, pupils and parents I’ve had the pleasure of working with. But when you are ready to make a change you will know it and just trust that there will be people out there to support you and cheer you on.”

You can read more about Shelley’s journey from teaching here: Deputy Head to Celebrant & Voice Actor.

Whatever your reasons for thinking about leaving teaching, you should be immensely proud that you dedicated time to the profession. You are a university-educated, qualified and talented individual. You picked a profession that selflessly gives back to society. You have committed time, energy and money to supporting and nurturing young people. Don’t forget, not everybody has done this! So you should be proud of the impact you have made and the legacy of your work will long outlive your time in the school system.

Think about moving on from teaching as being a positive, those skills you developed in the classroom are highly sought after in other sectors. We speak to Hiring Managers and Recruiters on a regular basis, and they all agree that the work ethic and drive of a former teacher is incredibly high. You are quick to onboard have terrific people skills are hard-working all of which are particularly appealing assets. 

What Do You Do Next After Deciding To Leave Teaching?

You have made the decision to leave teaching. In terms of providing notice, it is important to understand that there is a time frame and a process to adhere to. The Burgundy Book – conditions of service for England and Wales and the SCNT Handbook in Scotland specifies the notice periods for teachers. 

Typically in England and Wales, you would be expected to give 2 months’ notice and in the summer term 3 months’ notice in order to leave your post at the end of the term. In Scotland, the minimum period of notice to be given by a main-scale teacher is 4 weeks. There are more details on this in our frequently asked questions below. 

If you want to get fully prepared, it is worth reading Joel Summers blog. Joel was an English Teacher and now works for the British Medical Association. Joel shares his thoughts on Things I Wish I Knew Before Leaving Teaching. 

Here Joel discusses the importance of being fully prepared to step outside the classroom, and how to find your next career with confidence. 

Are You Experiencing Teacher Burnout?

Acknowledging the toll that teaching might have on your mental health is important. Unfortunately burnout is not unusual in the teaching profession as it’s a demanding and fast-paced job.  It’s OK to take a moment for yourself and process the toll the job may have had on you, after all, you want to be in the best place physically, mentally and emotionally to apply for new roles.

We work with Education Support a UK charity “dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the education workforce”. Initially established in 1877 as a benevolent fund for teachers, but today supporting those in higher education and further education as well as schools. Education Support has a dedicated helpline offering you immediate, confidential support including advice, counselling or coaching.

It can be very beneficial to work with a life coach if you feel you have issues to resolve. Did Teach work with Uta from Level Up For Life Coaching who is a teacher and life coach, but please do some research to find the best fit for you. Most life coaches will offer a free chemistry call to see if they are a good fit for you.

We also wrote 2 blogs articles to help teachers who might be suffering from burnout, the first blog is to help teachers identify burnout in themselves and others What Is Teacher Burnout and the second blog is about Burnout Prevention and Management.

Where Do You Start When You Are Leaving Teaching?

We have spoken to many teachers in new roles who still feel guilty closing their laptops at 5pm along with the rest of the office staff. This does take some getting used to. Remember your work ethic is high and organisations will reward this, during your performance reviews, you can negotiate extra benefits. We have worked with teachers who have been promoted after only 3 months in their new career and even people who have had entirely new positions created just for them. 

Joal also talks about the re-branding and marketing of yourself. We have seen first-hand teachers’ CVs that do not do them justice. You need to celebrate what you have achieved, the impacts you have had and the skills you have honed, these skills are valuable to other organisations. Learn how to use LinkedIn, focus on companies you are naturally drawn to, and learn how to write CVs, cover letters and applications that make you stand out from the crowd.

Take advantage of free online courses and webinars focused on careers after teaching. There are numerous CV guides and advice on how to use LinkedIn. You might not think you have the time, but if this is important to you and you are ready, you will make time and prioritise your career change. Jess Gilbert former Primary teacher talks about how she completed her training during the evenings so she didn’t have to give up on her teaching salary. It’s all about balance and whats critical to you in that moment. 

In Laura’s second blog, ‘Leaving Teaching – Where do I Start’ she talks about her journey with the benefits of having a career coach in her corner.

You might want the support and guidance of a career coach. We work with Milo Skene from 18-07 Careers, Milo is ex-military, he worked for NATO and he has trained as a Master Career Coach. Milo understands what it is like to be institutionalised and therefore he is perfectly placed to guide teachers toward their new careers. 18-07 have worked with some of the biggest brands in the world through their corporate coaching programmes. They have also helped thousands of individuals coaching them into roles with a diverse range of organisations from The British Red Cross to Goldman Sachs. Through our association with 18-07 we have created a career transition package unique with input from experts with a background in teaching and the corporate world. 

It is a brave decision to leave teaching, be bold, and back yourself.

What Does Life Look Like After Teaching?

Most teachers we have spoken to agree that they now have more energy. They talk about hobbies they have started again or time with family and socialising with friends. Realistically you might be on less money but you will have time for yourself and the people you care about. 

Most teachers who said they had to take a pay cut say it was 100% worth it. Some said they started on lower pay and now earn more than their teaching salary.

Some teachers who have chosen to stay within the education sector talk about how their passion for education has been reignited. One Head Teacher said that within her school she was able to help 100’s students but now in her next career she can actively help 1000’s. 

Changing careers doesn’t mean not staying true to your values. You will thrive if you work for an entity that is also aligned to the same things that you hold dear to your heart from sustainability to social mobility there will be a niche organisation out there that is working in an area you are truly passionate about.  

We have also worked with teachers who have returned to the classroom after a few years in a different sector, some people miss the high octane world of school work but only realise this after they leave. But imagine how lucky those students are to be taught by someone that progressive and brave to try something new. You will be bringing a whole host of experience and skill back to the classroom if you get back into teaching. 

In Laura’s third blog for us Life After Teaching she talks about embracing work in a different way to help you find your purpose.

You have many years as an employee, maybe teach, change career, then move back to teaching. The choice is yours and you can have an enriching experience through this journey of work. The days of climbing the ladder are gone, we are embracing the squiggly career path and the benefits this can have on your work experience and your mental health.

Can Teachers Set Up Their Own Businesses?

Teachers have incredible skills and are adept at multitasking. For almost 10 years we have spent time researching organisations in the education sector. 

When we first started we contacted an education Recruitment Specialist and Headhunter. I had a conversation with him asking him if he ever places ex-teachers, he laughed and said ‘Why would I?’. 

Luckily times have changed. Since then we have found so many organisations that actively hire teachers, many have been set up by those from a background in education. Who better to make a difference in workload, MIS, educational resources, EdTech and wellbeing than teachers who know these areas intimately?

If you feel you have a great idea for a business it is worth exploring your options. Get some ideas down, work out set up costs and potential earnings. It’s helpful to speak to friends and family who have set up their own businesses.

The most obvious choice for many teachers is tutoring. Tutoring is unregulated so in theory anyone can become a tutor. You have a clear edge as you are a qualified teacher, don’t forget to mention this in your marketing! You don’t need a website a Facebook page is sufficient. If you are tutoring in your area then join local Facebook groups (eg Town/County Mum and Dad group, Town/County Small Business Group etc). Tutoring for the Asian market can suit the UK time zone, this means you can work normal working hours.

If you wanted to set up a different type of business it is worth having a conversation with your Local Growth Hub or Local Enterprise Partnership

Growth Hubs work with central Government Departments and agencies to help develop Government-led business support policies, programmes and campaigns that are delivered and promoted locally and nationally.

All the services of the Growth Hub and its partners are fully funded, so there is no cost to your business. 

You can learn how to start your business and they give free advice and support from conception to realisation. You can attend sessions from local businesses where they will share expert advice and guidance to support new business ideas.

It is worth searching on Google for the closest Growth Hub to you.

If you are thinking about creating an educational business, it’s worth contacting other teachers who have done just that. Read Katie Stone’s blog – Primary Teacher to Educational Virtual Assistant where Katie discusses her journey into the world of virtual assistant and the benefits this has had for her and her family.

Or Paul Rose Primary Headteacher to EdTech Managing Director mentions in his journey “I could see how technology could be harnessed to enable all schools to improve as we had done but in a sustainable, positive way.” Paul set up his own company to follow this passion.

What Franchise Options Are Suitable for Teachers?

You might want to run your own business but with less risk. This is where taking on a franchise can be a great option. There are a lot of academic franchises as well as those focused on creativity, sports and wellbeing with children.

Many franchisors state that their most successful franchisee is a teacher.

So why franchise?

Taking on a franchise means you are taking on a business that has a proven financial model, the branding and marketing are done for you, and there is ongoing training and support. 

Upfront costs can put teachers off but actually, this isn’t a lump sum you have to pay straight away, there are financial plans in place to help you spread the cost of this fee. Each franchise is different and will offer a different level of financial support, it is always worth asking them if you are curious.

Did you know that you can set up a franchise with another person? We have heard of several successful franchisees that are run by teams of former teachers, this is a great way to play to your strengths and mitigate some of the risks. 

Franchises can be very lucrative, so if you are keen to run your own business with the support of a recognised brand this is a very good option for you. We have handpicked franchises that we feel are a perfect fit for teachers, you can see them on our Franchise Opportunities page.

In Conclusion

Congratulations on dedicating time to teaching and building up a fantastic skill set. After giving up your time to the teaching profession think carefully about what you would love to do.

The next career step for you as a teacher does not need to be your final step. Take some pressure off yourself trying to find the most perfect job. Look for companies you are genuinely interested in. You might find that you change job roles and companies several times before you settle and this is absolutely fine.

There is always the option of returning to teaching if your circumstances change and it’s likely you will be better for it having developed new skills along the way. 

Thinking about Leaving Teaching? Here are our FAQs

Frequently asked questions from teachers to Did Teach.

What type of jobs can teachers do?

Teachers in theory can thrive in any type of career some like an astronaut or a professional cricketer are less likely but never say never.

The research on this is nebulous and there is no clear pathway. Many teachers stay within the education ecosystem, others move on to completely different careers. Some people later decide to return to the classroom after missing the pace of everyday teaching. Don’t forget if you do return then you do so with new skills, ideas and passions ready to share them with your students. 

I feel guilty about leaving

For most teachers, the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people is what draws them into the profession so leaving can feel like cheating on your students. You may feel like you are deserting people who depend on you. However, if you are not breaking a contract and continue to work in a professional manner up until the end of your notice period then there is nothing you should feel guilty about. You may have career aspirations that you want to pursue and never forget you have worked as a key worker in the public sector something that other people have decided not to do. For example, do you ask them if they feel guilty for choosing to work in a commercial business instead of teaching, nursing or one of the other crucial positions in the public sector?

What will people think of me for changing career?

That should be no stigma. Don’t forget you have dedicated a big part of your life to making a societal difference and that carries gravitas and says a lot about your character. People are living longer and it is now more common for people to have plural or multi-stage careers. This is a trend that is set to increase this century. A report by the London School of Business & Finance stated that 47% of the UK workforce want a career change. 21% of workers were looking to career hop in the next 12 months. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself: Workforce Wants a Change

How do I tell school?

When you are ready to transition you will need to notify your employer. In the context of the school, this will be your headteacher. Most publicly funded schools operate according to the provisions of the Burgandy Book – conditions of service for Teachers in England and Wales.

Simply put in order to leave your post at the end of a school term you would have to give notice by the following dates;

Leave 31 December, give notice no later than 31 October;

To leave at 30 April, give notice by no later than 28 February and

To leave at 31 August, give no later than 31 May

If you’re a headteacher a notice period of a minimum of three months notice and in the summer term four months notice to leave your post at the end of term.

In Scotland, the notice period is a minimum of 4 weeks. This is detailed in the SCNT Handbook

How do I find a company that matches my salary?

It is true that if you have been teaching for a prolonged period it might be difficult to find a role within a corporation that matches your current gross salary. But there may be other perks to consider such as benefit packages, performance bonuses or profit share. If you join a rapidly growing start-up in the end that could be lucrative. We know the teacher pension scheme is generous but you do pay a high percentage of your gross salary into it. So your net salary might not always be as low as you might think. You also have to remember that the inflexibility of the school day and its early start means that many teachers have to pay for childcare services before and after school which is a significant cost to which might not exist in a different role. 

Don’t forget the importance of a foot in the door, opportunities for promotion can mean that you recoup some of that lost salary very quickly. 

How do I write a CV?

This is one of the most challenging aspects of leaving teaching as this is not a traditional part of the school recruitment process. The key thing is to focus on the skills required for the role which are outlined on the job specification. Our blog on CV writing can give you a starting point. Don’t forget that CV writing in itself is a skill that can be refined over time so don’t despair if to begin with you don’t have success, perseverance is key.

Can I apply for jobs if I don’t have all of the right criteria?

We would always say that if you meet 70% of the essential and desirable attributes in a job description then it should be appropriate for you to apply. Obviously, if there are technical terms or acronyms used in the job description that even after googling you are clueless about then it is probably not sensible to continue with an application. 

Do I need a LinkedIn Profile?

We would advise having a presence on LinkedIn as a huge amount of networking takes place on the platform. You can also follow individuals that are working in positions that you too would be interested in working in. What skills and experiences do they have? How are they presenting themselves on their LinkedIn profile? These are all good ways to learn. It is also true to say that some organisations will now request your LinkedIn profile as part of their application process or they might even request that you complete one of the LinkedIn skills tests to prove that you are competent in that area. So not having a profile could be a hindrance.