When I started thinking about leaving teaching and found this subreddit..it was intimidating. I've seen posts about people applying to hundreds of jobs, dozens of interviews. People who were doing research, taking classes...things I didn't have time for as a full time teacher and mom.

I knew I was leaving my current school regardless, I decided to start looking in March after being physically attacked three times and more than 100 behavior issues unresolved. Where do I start? I updated my resume, I had found a guy on Tiktok that gives you a template to help teachers get out of (@vestcody). I updated LinkedIn, Indeed, and Ziprecruiter. For March and April I applied vigorously. I had some interviews as a behavior therapist and one as a corporate recruiter. They didn't go anywhere, and I decided to apply to more teaching jobs just to have something secure by fall. I still tried to apply to at least two non- teaching jobs a week. I thought maybe parochial school might be a good option...but more work for less pay and resources seemed not to be worth it, despite (potentially) better students.

I applied for what I thought was a curriculum company offering some software. I thought it was more of a PD administering position. After the interview it seemed like just another teaching position, so I wasn't super excited. (They also recorded it which I thought was odd).

I got asked about three weeks later for a second interview. I took it because I thought the experience was valuable regardless. I was interviewing with the CEO and found out waaaay more. Turns out it's a half IT and half teaching position. They would teach me everything about the IT aspect, the curriculum was provided, subs and sub plans provided. Opportunities to grow and incentives for staying 5 years. They flew me out to headquarters to let me shadow, all expenses paid. They're doing it again next month. The VP flew out to me to train me.

The way I see this, it's an amazing stepping stone:

1. Opportunity to grow with the company. I can stay in the classroom, if they spread in my area, I could be a regional manager, and the VP touched on me joining the curriculum team.

2. I'll get preK-8 experience, in case I want to go back to the classroom.

3. I'll get IT experience which will be a very marketable skill if I do want to officially leave education.

I now work year round, but I'm getting paid more. I also get to work in a private school, with public school pay. So far everyone has been more than supportive and welcoming. I'm learning a ton and the CEO is regularly checking in on me and asking for my feedback. After the year from HELL, it feels so nice to feel valued and supported in my job. I never expected life would bring me to learning binary and how to network a school...but I'm excited for what's to come!