4 EdTech Companies That Actually Hire Transitioning Teachers
Many teachers think about leaving the classroom in order to pursue a career in EdTech, but are there companies out there that are willing to hire former educators? The answer is YES. Many EdTech companies not only hire teachers who have left the classroom but value the unique contributions they can offer.
As the CEO of educators 2 educators and founder of the Classroom to Boardroom Community, I know of at least four companies that regularly hire former teachers. And, as a former teacher myself who has spent time working for two of these companies after leaving the classroom, I can personally endorse these companies as organizations that listen to and employ former educators.
Discovery Education
As a former employee of Discovery Education, I have experienced firsthand its welcoming environment for former teachers and its willingness to incorporate educator voices to build tools that benefit students, teachers, schools, and entire districts. Even the CEO, Scott Kenny, is a former educator, having worked as a coordinator of educational technology for a school district.
This embrace of educator experience and ideas is part of what makes Discovery Education such a vibrant and beloved tool within the classroom and is part of what made the business a satisfying place to work when I was employed there as Director of Customer Success.
In two months, Discovery Education hired FIVE Classroom to Boardroom members - proof that they believe in the power of the teacher's voice.
eSpark Learning
I worked for eSpark Learning as a Partnership Manager and Director of Strategic Accounts. In my time there, I discovered the company's reliance on educator insights, not just as a daily habit of the then CEO, who I describe often as a "true believer" in teachers and the education system, but as part of the company's foundation.
Founder and Former CEO David Vinca started eSpark learning after spending time speaking with numerous teachers about their experiences, and the problems they were trying to solve in the classroom. eSpark Learning began as a way to meet one of their biggest needs: Serving all of the diverse student needs in the classroom. eSpark learning now provides tools to help students learn at their pace and provide teachers with the information they need about student learning to support their students better.
The company still values former educators. I worked with about many former educators while she was there. With a recent infusion of $25 million in funding, eSpark is positioned to begin taking on more employees, which can be the perfect opportunity for teachers who want to leave the classroom.
Ed Puzzle
Ed Puzzle's founder and CEO, Quim Sabrià, knows the value of having educators on the team and the value of their insights in improving the value of Ed Puzzle's products. As a result, Ed Puzzle offers a variety of roles former educators can take advantage of. With contract, part-time, and full-time positions available, and a history of hiring teachers, including a friend of mine who was able to complete a project for them while remaining in her teaching role, Ed Puzzle has many options for teachers looking for a transition away from the classroom.
Skill Struck
Skill Struck and its CEO, Parker Gentry, has developed a product to help bring coding into the schools. Designed to be used even by teachers who do not have coding experience themselves, this is a user-friendly way for educators to expose their students to coding opportunities. One of Classroom to Boardroom's first graduates, Marjorie Stahl, currently works there. The company continues to offer job opportunities ideal for teachers looking to begin a new career in EdTech.
Amplify
Home of a couple C to B graduates, Amplify is an excellent option for those looking into the gamification of learning and online curriculums. Amplify focuses on creating K-12 programs in the Science of Reading, ELA, Spanish Literacy, and Math. For those of you valuing a remote role with the potential for hybrid work, Amplify is a great option to meet a flexible schedule. They’ve also received a number of awards and recognitions for their mission and workplace culture.
Powerschool
Serving over 15,000 districts and schools in over 90 countries, this company is growing and values former teacher insights. Powerschool is another home to a C to B grad. Powerschool has been in the game innovating education technology for three decades and has a team of over 3,000 employees. You can view their extensive list of employee benefits on their careers page.
Teachers who want to make the same transition I did, from a career in the classroom to a role in an EdTech company, have many options. Preparing for the change with the right guidance makes it easier to successfully take advantage of the roles out there for former educators. Classroom to Boardroom exists to help.
With modules, coaching, and a community dedicated to supporting educators throughout their move from classroom to EdTech, this course is helping teachers find dream jobs and teaching them the interview, resume, and networking skills they need to land them. If you want to make the transition yourself, connecting with Classroom to Boardroom, and with any of these four EdTech businesses, is the best place to start.
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