At Those Who Can, we love to hear about teacher’s lived experiences from teaching to their new careers. These blogs highlight how incredible teachers are and how the skills honed in the classroom are so beneficial to your next steps.
It is especially wonderful when a teacher continues to make a huge impact in the education system and that is why we were so glad that Kat Cauchi #TechWomen100 2023 award winner, R.I.S.E. Magazine editor, ‘Of Primary Importance’ Podcast host, wrote this blog for us, read Kat’s amazing journey here from Primary teacher to Community Engagement Manager for a software company.
What’s Your Background In Teaching?
I always had an interest in education, so I took a vocational childcare course at 16 with a summer job as a nursery nurse. Then I became a teaching assistant at 18 for two years before going on to university to study drama (another of my passions). When I left university, I went back to working as a primary school teaching assistant, led interventions, worked up to a HLTA, then underwent my SCITT in the school I had already been working in and stayed on there as a primary school teacher.
Why Did You Decide To Embark On A New Career?
I was looking for a challenge that enabled me to use all my education skills but step away from the classroom – an opportunity to adjust my work-life balance while still holding onto my passions. I transitioned from supporting pupils to supporting school staff by taking a role as a product manager for an early years and primary software solution that could support teachers by saving them valuable time in the classroom – and then my career at NetSupport progressed from there.
What Barriers Did You Face?
Initially, the change of routine was quite a shift. I went from having almost every minute of my day timetabled to deciding what to do and when throughout the day (other than any set meetings etc.). I had much more independence in deciding how to approach a task and directing the outcome. It was also difficult at first to draw a line in the sand between work and home, as I was so used to work spilling over into my evenings and weekends, but I soon got used to this boundary and kept it up. It made such a positive difference.
As a woman, I face additional barriers by working in the male-dominated technology industry. I am passionate about closing the gender gap in tech, and I work in a company that shares my ethos and gives me the opportunity to be involved with organisations such as the Global Equality Collective and InnovateHer, which are doing great work to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in tech and beyond.
How Have Your Teaching Skills Helped You?
Moving into the world of tech, I was apprehensive about my lack of technical skills and having no relevant qualifications in this specific field, but I was surprised by how much I was able to learn on the job and how much the experiences I had in teaching were helpful to my new role. For example, from my work as a teacher, I could understand what they needed from the solution I was managing – and now, as a Community Engagement Manager, I know how to connect with our education customers, what kind of day-to-day challenges they face, what resources would be helpful, etc.
I also think my organisation skills have provided a great foundation for managing and prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines. The communication and people skills I developed as a teacher have been beneficial not only in collaborating with my team but engaging with customers and the education community, whether directly or through social media.
The creativity of teaching and the in-depth subject knowledge required of you, such as in writing and reading, have really served me well now as the editor and creative lead of our online education magazine R.I.S.E. and other writing-based projects.
What Have You Achieved In Your New Role?
Some of the achievements I am really proud of are:
R.I.S.E. Magazine and its community – I’m so proud of the platform we provide for diverse voices across education and for the community it has created. For example, we have a R.I.S.E. contributors’ DM group on Twitter/X where members support one another, share resources and celebrate each other’s achievements.
‘The impact of teaching on personal relationships’ research report – In January 2023, NetSupport published my research report which explored why ‘80.6% of 2,937 of my survey respondents said teaching has impacted negatively in their personal relationships’ and what we can do about it.
The Of Primary Importance podcast – A podcast where I speak with amazing guests exploring a topic of their choice. I have learnt so much from this and again it’s great to provide this free resource for those working in education.
Winning the 2022 Nexus Education ‘Classroom and Curriculum Improvement Award’ – I won this award for my blog, From Techno-snore to Techno-score, about my journey into the world of EdTech and why I want more young people (especially girls) to consider a STEAM career.
Winning a 2023 We Are Tech Women #TechWomen100 award – It’s an honour to be recognised amongst these remarkable women working in tech and I cannot wait to meet them all in person and learn from them at the awards ceremony.
Being asked to present to the BESA Education Suppliers Women’s Network about imposter syndrome – This invitation came from a blog I wrote: Stop Hanging out with ‘Comparison’, it’s Imposter Syndrome’s Best Pal. I’m really looking forward to diving deeper into this important topic.
Being a Global Equality Collective member – An incredible organisation for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in education. I love being able to support through actions such as joining panels, providing blogs, etc.
Becoming an InnovateHer ambassador and a Technocamps Girls in STEM role model – It’s an honour to be able to support these organisations in closing the gender gap in STEM (especially in tech).
What Do You Relish About Your New Role?
Opportunities for creativity
Space to learn, grow and develop
Feeling like a trusted professional
A good work-life balance.
Who Has Inspired You On Your Career Journey?
Al Kingsley – a great boss who always sees my potential and helps provide me with opportunities to learn and continue my professional development.
Nicole Ponsford – for being an aspirational female founder and CEO of an organisation I am so proud to be a member of.
Sammy White – for being an inspiration in moving from teaching into the world of EdTech and demonstrating the transferable skills.
Liz Bury – our Group Editorial Manager has taught me so much and been so supportive of my R.I.S.E. editor role and many other projects.
Maggie Layfield – our VP of Sales at NetSupport Inc. is always keen to support me and my achievements and is another inspiration as a former teacher now working in tech.
What Are Your Three Top Pieces Of Advice For Someone Wanting To Do Something Similar?
- Don’t discount your transferable skills. There’s so much in teaching that can be beneficial for roles in technology, especially in areas such as EdTech, accessibility and so on.
- Connect with people in similar roles. Talk to them about their experiences and get tips for your job applications, recommended professional development and support networks.
- Use services such as Those Who Can to help you find opportunities, because these are specifically roles for former teachers. It’s a great place to start your search for new opportunities and to get ideas of the kinds of roles to apply for from other sites too.
Thank you Kat for taking the time to share your career journey and for all your social media posts on animals!
Follow Kat on X (formally Twitter): @Reallyschoolk
