Hello everyone, I’m a teacher with a background in education, currently based in DC, looking to make a career shift into educational technology or software development. It feels quite daunting, and I’m unsure about the necessary steps to take or short courses that might help facilitate this transition. Any guidance or advice on how to get started in this field would be greatly appreciated.
Consider looking for contract work this summer to gain some experience in EdTech. Once you’ve gained some initial experience, it can open doors to permanent positions in the field.
How can I find these contract positions, especially without existing contacts or prior experience in EdTech? It seems like a catch-22 situation.
Mia said:
How can I find these contract positions, especially without existing contacts or prior experience in EdTech? It seems like a catch-22 situation.
EdTech companies often value former teachers for their direct experience with educational needs. Focus on roles like customer success or implementation support, which align well with a teacher’s skill set. Start by searching for relevant roles on platforms like LinkedIn under the k-12 category.
@H.Greenspan
I’m also interested in part-time online tutoring or doubt solving. Could you suggest where and how to start looking?
In my software development team, about a quarter of the staff are former educators or K-12 directors. They focus on designing user-friendly features based on direct classroom experience. If you can quickly learn and understand the basic principles of software development, even without deep technical knowledge, you could be a great fit for a role that bridges teaching and tech.
Reach out to the Figma edu team. They are currently looking for educators to join their team and could be a good entry point into the tech world for you.
Lilnim said:
Reach out to the Figma edu team. They are currently looking for educators to join their team and could be a good entry point into the tech world for you.
Thanks! Should I apply for a specific job opening, or would a general inquiry be better?
@Mia
Try to connect with someone from the team directly, perhaps through LinkedIn or their X account, rather than going through the standard recruitment process.
Lilnim said:
@Mia
Try to connect with someone from the team directly, perhaps through LinkedIn or their X account, rather than going through the standard recruitment process.
I reached out to a couple of recruiters on LinkedIn with no luck. Should I try a different approach?
@Mia
Don’t contact recruiters. Reach out to actual team members on the edu team. Check their X account for active members and engage with them directly there. Here’s a helpful link: https://x.com/FigmaEdu_Alex
Many teachers transition to EdTech roles such as sales or customer support. Networking and getting your foot in the door is key. Once inside, there are often opportunities to move around within the company.
Start by engaging in online communities where educators discuss technology and innovation. Building a reputation as a thought leader can naturally lead to opportunities in startups looking for experienced educators.
Develop relationships with school administrators and learn about their challenges and decision-making processes. Understanding their needs can make you a valuable asset to EdTech companies looking to tailor their products for schools.
If you’re serious about making a change, I’m available for a Zoom call to discuss your goals and how you might transition into EdTech. DM me if you’re interested.