Overview:

Teachers who leave the classroom have options. Lets start with what they are and how teachers can position themselves.

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No teacher enters the profession thinking that there will be a day when they can no longer be in front of children. Many new teachers hope to teach into retirement while others hope to last at least twenty years changing children’s lives. However, the grim reality is that in 2022 very few teachers last in public education until retirement.

Nearly half (44%) of public schools currently report full- or part-time teaching vacancies, according to data released today by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES).  Some teachers leave for careers with more capacity to earn money, while others succumb to the stress that public teachers experience daily. Whatever the reason for a teacher leaving, there’s always the same question when they decide not to sign their contract- What will I do next?

While some opt to go and earn another degree to transition into another career, others can successfully transition into careers that LOVE teachers.

Project Manager

The reality is that teachers manage a ton of responsibility each day with hundreds of kids’ livelihoods on the line- the job as a Project Manager is a job in which teachers will excel. A project manager is a professional in the field of project management. Project managers have the responsibility for the planning, procurement, and execution of a project, in any undertaking that has a defined scope, defined start, and a defined finish; regardless of industry.

The job description includes (but is not limited to):

  • Establish and maintain processes to manage scope over the project lifecycle, set project quality, and performance standards, and assess and manage risk within, and across, multiple projects
  • Structure and manage integrated, multi-track project performance databases for multiple digital, print, social, broadcast, and experiential projects, with an eye on overall progress
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with outside resources—including third-party vendors and researchers
  • Monitor and assign resources appropriately to streamline project efficiency and maximize deliverable outputs
  • Report project outcomes and/or risks to the appropriate management channels as needed—escalating issues as necessary based on project work plans

According to Indeed.com, Project Manager salaries start at 80,813 per year. 

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21 Comments

  1. I have applied to everything possible in the last 5 years to leave teaching. I have not had one single phone call or interview.

    1. Same here. Trying to get out for the last two years, applying to all jobs with these titles and getting NO response.

      1. Have you had a professional look at your resume? What about revising your resume to fit the job description of the position you’re applying for?

    2. Instead of just looking to leave, put yourself in a better position to leave. I have an instructional technology specialist and I LOVE it! But before I got it, I did things that help build my resume to get there. For instance, I presented at PDs at my school. I volunteered to help rewrite the curriculums when they asked for teacher feedback (ended up getting paid for it). I joined groups that gave me leadership opportunity so people would know my skills. I looked for contract work that allowed me to sharpen theses skills and build my resume so when I applied for a new job, I did have some solid part-time experience in the field. Also modifiing your resume to fit what they ask for in the job description. Use powerful resume words. If you would like to discuss more, feel free to email me at kimberlyscott05@gmail.com

  2. Teaching is a good profession it has a vast attributions & being a perfect teacher has most significance through this we can guide children’s in right way.This is a lovely website.Thanks for sharing.

  3. I have found that many businesses don’t hire former teachers because they assume teaching is an easy job and that teachers have no “real” transferable skills. It is unfortunate that assumptions are the roadblocks to entering a different field

    1. Mark, that’s exactly what experienced around 40 years ago, when i tried leaving teaching (i’m now an old man pushing 80). A typical comment by an interviewer was, “Well you know, in this office we work all year round; so how are you gonna feel when you gotta come in to work in July, knowing that your teacher buddies are on the beach?” Sorry to discourage you, but i ultimately remained in teaching till i got pushed out at age 58. And BTW, i had a degree in business admin.!

  4. I have been teaching design tech in both America and abroad for over 15 years. I graduated from a top institution and am still unable to get out of teaching after sending 100s of resumes.

  5. Hi, If you want out of teaching, you are at a school right? You get paid. Spend some of that money on another degree or get a specialty. I have a social science degree and for 10 years it was almost worthless. The only reason a social science degree holder is even thought of today is because of the expansion of the developmentally delayed population. I substituted and para ed for two years and loved it. Life isn’t that long, enjoy that you have a job and are in the helping community. Coding and computer tech is where it’s at, take courses at your local college. @ This Sucks, my nephew got a two year degree in computer tech and has been making over $20 an hour for more than 15 years now. You should be able to get a computer tech job easy. You could start your own computer tech store. My nephew said he could for only 20k for start-up. The guy he works for makes over 60 an hour. Big companies pay big bucks for tech help. And yes, rewrite your resume and use as little format as possible. Good luck everyone and wish me a little luck also, I am unemployed at the moment kkkkkk

  6. I am planning on starting a certificate for Project Management after the new year. This is my 17th and last year teaching, and while I’m heartbroken to be leaving, I can’t afford to move to another district and lose ten+ years of seniority, and I detest the current direction of public education.

    Project management sounds incredibly boring, but I know I have all of the requisite skills, and certified project managers make quite a bit more than teachers. So, here I go.

    1. Who are you earning your certificate through? I am back in teaching because I need a job. I l taught for 3 years in urban settings and it was tough. After that I tutored and did adjunct positions for about two or three years. I then did educational sales and was recently in insurance. I liked being at the insurance company but could not get into positions that I really wanted. I think I didn’t build my resume correctly. In order to get some better pay I took a teaching position I left teaching for some years for the same reason I am resenting being in it now. Lack of support, dealing with the disrespect and unwilling to learn, students not being held accountable for anything . overworked, all of the reports and extra duties. While I was gone . I had started an MBA program and was looking into project management. I have about 5 courses in . I don’t necessarily want to do an MBA I do want to specialize in project management. Good look

  7. Marco Meneses

    marcomeneses@msn.com

    Illinois State Board of Education, Transitional Bilingual Spanish Type 29, Spanish
    Jan 1995-Jun 2005

    Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science Chicago, IL, Jan 2002 – Dec 2002. Certificate
    Majors: Mathematics, Science.

    Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL, Jan 2001 – Dec 2003, Certificate
    Major: Network Administrator

    Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove, IL, Jan 1998 – Dec 2002, Certificate
    Major: Microsoft Office

    Master of Science in Training and Development, University of St Francis, Joliet, Illinois, 2003

    I was a certified transitional bilingual teacher with Illinois Board of Education for 10 years. I worked in Aurora and Joliet Illinois, primary and middle school, math and science. I also was adjunct faculty at Joliet Junior College and McHenry Community College, teaching Spanish.
    I moved to Florida 13 years ago my transitional teaching certificate by Illinois expired.
    I has been working as Certified Community Health Worker by the State of Florida, teaching the Hispanic Latino community about family life, parenting and how to live healthy Lifestyle.
    I have a Master of Science in Training and Development from St Francis University in Joliet, Illinois.

    I like to teach, mentor, help and support students how to go ahead in life, choose a profession, make resumes, how to go for job interviews, how to dress and get success in school life and get a balance with family, academy and work. How to participate and be part of healthy activities that improve relationships.
    Spanish is my mother language, I love to teach about cultures, food and Hispanic Latino music. I form Hispanic Latino clubs, wall posters, drama clubs and healthy supportive activities and competitions that improve Self-esteem and healthy supportive relationships.
    • I like to participate /serve on the school improvement plan and to promote good relationships and initiatives with the parents and the community. I am an AMBASSADOR that foster good parent/student/community public relations.

  8. I want out and to do one of these positions so much! I’ve tried re-writing my resume and cover to match and had it reviewed. When with 3 degrees and almost 30 years of experience k-graduate level, I can’t even get an interview! What’s the secret? It’ll cost me a pay cut, but I think it would be worth it, if I could just get my foot in the door!

  9. Mark, that’s exactly what i experienced around 40 years ago, when i tried leaving teaching (i’m now an old man pushing 80). A typical comment by an interviewer was, “Well you know, in this office we work all year round; so how are you gonna feel when you gotta come in to work in July, knowing that your teacher buddies are on the beach?” Sorry to discourage you, but i ultimately remained in teaching till i got pushed out at age 58. And BTW, i had a degree in business admin.!

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