Ambitious teachers don’t need to leave the classroom—stay!
There’s no shortage of stories about good teachers leaving the classroom; it’s basically become its own genre of education reportage now. Nor is there any shortage of advice for teachers ready to leave the profession. But what if you want to remain a teacher AND work with companies/organizations in education at the same time? There’s a slow, but undeniable trend of maverick teachers who are doing both. Maybe that’s you.
You might have ideas to improve edtech products. Perhaps you’d like to impact how services for teachers are developed. Maybe you just want to get involved with educational innovation happening in organizations, companies, or other schools.
Working teachers can be incredibly valuable outside of school. Former teachers may not know what’s happening on the ground—and technology rapidly changes how students are learning. Edtech companies need working teachers’ expert advice. Not-for-profits and NGOs involved in education can benefit greatly from a working teacher’s perspective. Hard-working, successful teachers have the skillset to work in many industries.
How to start?
- Dream a Little: To innovate, you must dream. Imagination is key. Is there a company or organization that could benefit from your professional work—or vice versa?
- Find a Friend: Look for someone in your administration, BOE, parent org, or leadership structure who can help. Seek out the visionaries and risk takers. They’ll most likely want to help—especially if they’re excited by what you’re doing.
- Make the Ask: Don’t wait for an invitation. Reach out to your school leadership AND companies. Paint the picture of how this is a win for everyone by bringing money, donations, learning opportunities, or good press to all involved.
Where to look?
- Teacher-in-Residence: For more than a dozen years, The Library of Congress has offered an annual Teacher-in-Residence program to K-12 educators. These working teachers represent the LOC and their school districts, creating projects using library resources and even building PD opportunities.
- Teacher Advisory Board: The Jefferson Education Exchange (JEX) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the educator perspective to bear on edtech decision making. In April 2018, two teachers, Maddie Fennell (Nebraska) and Marguerite Izzo (New York) joined JEX’s Board of Directors. This is still rare, but it’s a great model for what could be a future trend.
- Embedded Teacher / Company “Certified” Teacher: For years, major companies have offered opportunities for teachers to become quasi partners in their work. Google Certified Educators and Apple Distinguished Educators could be models for how you might work as a professional educator alongside an edtech company.
- Sabbatical: Do you know the rules for requesting a ½ year or full year leave at your school? Learn! Can you get partial pay or benefits? Even if your school just keeps your seat warm while you step out for a short time, it might be worth your while.
You already know how to invent and execute great ideas. Companies and organizations (and your students) need your expertise. Be a part of the teacher-led change happening across education inside and outside schools. Remember: you are the most important educational resource anywhere.
Just a few reminders: Be careful (CYA). Be diplomatic. Be transparent.
