The education world is evolving at lightning speed, and technology plays a greater role than ever before. If you are a teacher who has ever thought about trying a career in education beyond the classroom, the EdTech industry might be your future career path. The education skills you’ve gained as a teacher—communication, curriculum development, instructional design, and problem-solving—are highly valued in EdTech. So, how do you move from teaching to tech?
This handbook guides you through the process, from discovering what EdTech is to landing your first job in EdTech. Whether you are looking for a change, better work-life balance, or new ways to impact education, the EdTech industry offers a range of roles tailored to educators.
Why EdTech is a Natural Fit for Teachers
Teachers bring something to EdTech that many others can’t: a deep understanding of how students learn. You’ve spent years adapting lessons to different learning styles, assessing engagement, and understanding what works (and what doesn’t) in education. This insider knowledge is invaluable to EdTech companies developing learning platforms, tools, and resources.
Beyond that, teachers are problem solvers by nature. You’re used to thinking on your feet, finding creative solutions, and working with limited resources. In EdTech, these same skills can be applied in product development, customer support, instructional design, and many other roles. Teachers also have excellent communication and collaboration skills—critical assets in any technology-driven workplace where teamwork and clear messaging are essential.
Another important reason educators turn to EdTech is the potential for career growth. Old-school teaching, where pay increases typically follow years of service or additional education, doesn’t have the same type of dynamic career progression. EdTech careers offer more opportunities to move into executive roles, become specialized in a different area, or even pivot into related professions like corporate training, UX design, or education consulting.
Exploring Career Options in EdTech
One of the first steps in transitioning is understanding the different career paths available. EdTech is a broad field, and there are many different roles suited to former educators:
- Instructional Designer –If you enjoy planning lessons and mapping curriculum, then this might be a great job. Instructional designers create online courses, training modules, and educational materials for students and professional workers. Instructional designers work with subject matter experts (SMEs) and multimedia designers to create interactive digital content.
- EdTech Customer Success Manager – These professionals work with schools and teachers to ensure that they utilize EdTech products properly. Your background in education will help you understand the skills of teachers and offer solutions. Customer success managers build relationships with educators and districts to maximize product adoption and satisfaction.
- Content Developer – If you enjoy writing and producing educational content, you may create content for EdTech companies such as lesson plans, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Most content developers are employed on e-learning platforms, publishing firms, or curriculum organizations.
- Trainer or Professional Development Specialist – Many EdTech companies need people to teach teachers how to use their technology. Your background in education naturally prepares you for this position. You can lead webinars, create tutorial videos, or develop onboarding programs for educators using new tools.
- Product Manager –If you want to be involved in designing and developing EdTech tools, product management might be your niche. Product managers guide the development of educational software and ensure it meets the needs of teachers and students. It typically entails working with developers, designers, and stakeholders to turn a vision into a reality.
- Learning Experience Designer (LXD) – This is a new profession that is all about designing interactive and immersive digital learning experiences. LXDs blend pedagogy and technology to create courses, simulations, and game-based learning solutions.
- E-Learning Consultant – If you enjoy variety, consulting in EdTech allows you to work for a number of companies, schools, or organizations. Consultants help businesses and schools improve their digital learning strategy and implementation.
Gaining Relevant Skills
While your teaching experience provides a strong foundation, there may be some technical skills you need to develop. Many EdTech roles require familiarity with digital tools, learning management systems (LMS), and instructional design software.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard are commonly used in EdTech. Gaining experience with these can help boost your resume.
- Instructional Design: Tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and SCORM help create digital learning materials. Understanding how to structure engaging, learner-centered content is a valuable skill.
- Basic Coding or UX/UI Design: While not necessary for all roles, understanding basic HTML, CSS, or user experience (UX) principles can be useful in content development and product design.
- Project Management: Many EdTech roles involve working on teams to develop new tools and resources. Familiarizing yourself with Agile project management or tools like Trello and Asana can be a plus.
There are many free and affordable courses available online to help you build these skills. Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses for teachers who wish to enter EdTech. Also, join online EdTech communities where professionals share tips and job opportunities.
Making the Transition
Once you’ve gained some relevant skills and explored potential roles, the next step is positioning yourself for a career in EdTech. Here’s how to get started:
- Revamp Your Resume: Focus on your transferable skills, such as curriculum development, technology integration, and training experience. Use language that aligns with EdTech job descriptions.
- Build a Portfolio: If you’re interested in instructional design, content creation, or training, consider creating a portfolio showcasing your work. This could include lesson plans, digital training materials, or online course modules.
- Network in the Industry: Start connecting with professionals in EdTech through LinkedIn, industry events, and online communities. Many jobs are found through networking rather than traditional applications.
- Apply for Jobs and Internships: Even if you don’t have direct experience, many EdTech companies value candidates with strong teaching backgrounds. Look for companies that offer entry-level opportunities or are open to hiring educators.
Explore jobs here and see where your skills might fit into the EdTech landscape.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Transitioning into EdTech can feel overwhelming at first. Here are a few common concerns and how to navigate them:
- “I don’t have a tech background.” While some roles require technical expertise, many focus on educational knowledge. Start with roles that align with your strengths and gradually build technical skills as needed.
- “I’m not sure where to start.” Begin by identifying the skills you already have and where they align with EdTech roles. Then, take small steps—like taking a course or networking with industry professionals—to move forward.
- “I’m afraid of leaving the classroom.” It’s normal to feel hesitant about leaving teaching, but remember that EdTech allows you to continue impacting education—just in a different way. Many former teachers find fulfillment in knowing they are helping shape learning on a larger scale.
Final Thoughts
Swiveling into EdTech as a veteran educator is certainly an option—and a wonderful one at that to use your teaching skills in a different way. Depending on whether you wish to get involved with instructional design, product development, training, or content creation, there is a position for you within the EdTech sector. With proper training, networking, and persistence, you can transition into this growing industry and continue making a difference in education.
So, if you are game for something new, start making your way today. The EdTech industry needs teachers like you to shape the future of learning.
