8 Tips for U.S. Career Changers Looking to Teach 


| by Alex Skov

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Changing careers is a big decision, but for many professionals, transitioning into teaching can be one of the most rewarding choices they make. Regardless of your previous work environment, it’s likely that the skills you have already developed will be valuable in the K-12 classroom. In Moreland’s recent webinar, How Career Changers Can Transition into Teaching, three experienced educators who made the switch from other careers shared their own stories and insights, including these 8 tips that can help you navigate your own teaching journey: 

1. Recognize Your Transferable Skills and Unique Perspective 

Many career changers worry about whether they have what it takes to be a teacher. The truth is, experience from other industries and skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and project management can all be used in the classroom. Your unique insights can make learning more engaging for students. Lean into your experience and use it as an asset in your teaching approach. 

2. Choose the Right Certification Pathway 

Working as a licensed teacher requires certification. Luckily, there are multiple pathways to getting certified. Programs like Moreland’s 9-month, 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate give career changers a flexible option to earn their certification quickly while continuing to work.

3. Prepare for a Mindset Shift 

Teaching is different from many other lines of work. While corporate jobs may focus on productivity and outcomes, teaching relies on building and maintaining strong relationships. Any educator will tell you that one of their biggest rewards is seeing students grow academically and personally. Having a growth mindset, seeking feedback from mentors and peers, and being open to continuous learning and adaptability will help make your transition into education smoother. 

4. Manage Your Time Effectively 

Finding the work-life-study balance that works best for you is important so you can complete coursework while still keeping up with life’s responsibilities. Our expert panelists recommend setting aside dedicated study time each week and finding a routine that works. Whether that means doing assignments on weekends or in the evenings, staying on track with coursework will help your teaching dreams become a reality sooner rather than later. 

5. Find a Supportive Community 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are about 3.7 million K-12 teachers in the U.S. You might know some of them, and they can tell you that having a network of experienced educators, mentors, and even fellow career changers is important to your development. A strong network can help you learn new teaching methods, stay informed about trends, and more. Programs like TEACH-NOW that emphasize cohort-based learning — where students collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds — can help you get a head start on building your own network. 

6. Understand the Financial Considerations 

Becoming a teacher requires an investment, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Many educator preparation programs (EPPs) offer payment plans or partnerships with school districts that may help cover costs. Grants and other tuition discounts, like Moreland’s Joy of Teaching Scholarship, can also help you save money while completing your certification program. 

7. Gain Hands-On Experience 

Teaching isn’t just about theory — it’s about practice. Programs that integrate clinical teaching experiences allow you to apply what you’re learning in real time. Many career changers find that teaching while earning their certification helps them build confidence and refine their skills more quickly. 

8. Find Joy in the Journey 

More than anything else, teaching is about making an impact. Many career changers find fulfillment in seeing students succeed, encouraging their curiosity, and shaping future generations. 


“My profession is personal, meaning that if I have in some way impacted my students for the better…that’s very rewarding to me because I have opened a child’s mind to possibility. I have opened their mind to their capabilities.” – Dr. Chaunda McDavis, English Language Arts Educator, Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School (GA) 


Change Careers to Change Lives 

If you’re considering a transition into teaching, the journey can feel challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right certification pathway, a strong support system, and a commitment to learning, you can successfully step into the classroom and make a difference for your students and your community. 

For more insights, watch the full How Career Changers Can Transition into Teaching webinar. You can also find more useful information in the complimentary The Career Changer’s Guide to Becoming a Teacher and throughout the career changer toolkit on our blog.  

When you’re ready to achieve your teaching goals, request more info or apply to Moreland

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