Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding profession, but it’s no secret that the demands of managing students, developing lesson plans, and navigating daily stress can take a toll. For teachers considering a career change, transitioning to a new field like IT can be a promising option. The skills teachers develop in the classroom are highly transferable to many industries. A career in IT offers an exciting opportunity for those seeking a fresh start while still leveraging your strengths in helping others and staying organized.
Table of Contents
- What Other Jobs Can Teachers Do?
- How to Switch from Teaching to IT
- Online IT Training Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Other Jobs Can Teachers Do?
Teachers are lifelong learners—something the IT world values deeply. With new technologies emerging constantly and people needing tech guidance, teachers make strong candidates for IT roles. Their ability to quickly learn information and break it down for others is invaluable in tech support and training.
Educators also excel at adaptability, communication, and creative problem solving. These same skills help IT professionals thrive as they troubleshoot issues, support users, and innovate solutions. If you’re looking for a field where your strengths are valued, information technology could be your next great chapter.
IT Careers That Welcome Education Professionals
Cybersecurity Specialist
- Key Responsibilities: Oversee and manage company security, safeguard information from cyber threats, and monitor for suspicious activity.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$100,400 annually
- Job Outlook: 32% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Cybersecurity Specialists
IT Support Specialist
- Key Responsibilities: Provide information technology support, answer questions and resolve technical issues, troubleshoot problems, and maintain/improve IT systems.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$52,800 annually
- Job Outlook: 5% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about IT Support Specialists
Computer Technician
- Key Responsibilities: Install computers, printers, software; manage the organization’s network and equipment.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$52,800 annually
- Job Outlook: 6% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Computer Technicians
Technical Support Technician
- Key Responsibilities: Provide end-user technical support; troubleshoot technical, software, and hardware issues.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$52,800 annually
- Job Outlook: 5% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Technical Support Specialists
Help Desk Technician
- Key Responsibilities: Manage communications between end user and IT team; sort support tickets, diagnose problems, and guide users.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$47,900 annually
- Job Outlook: 5% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Help Desk Technicians
Desktop Support Technician
- Key Responsibilities: Support and maintain organization’s hardware/software; ensure optimal workspace performance.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$55,500 annually
- Job Outlook: 6% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Desktop Support Technicians
Service Desk Analyst
- Key Responsibilities: Monitor inquiries, problems, and IT issues; respond to and support end users who request help.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$52,800 annually
- Job Outlook: 6% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about Service Desk Analysts
NOC Technician
- Key Responsibilities: Monitor user incident and outage reporting; provide resolutions; support customers and implement/repair network systems.
- Average Salary (KS/MO): ~$83,400 annually
- Job Outlook: 5% growth over the next decade
- Learn more about NOC Technicians
How to Switch from Teaching to IT
- Assess Your Transferable Skills: As a teacher, you’ve developed exceptional problem-solving, communication, and multitasking skills—qualities that are in high demand in the IT world. Take some time to reflect on how your classroom experience aligns with IT roles. You might be surprised how many of your strengths are a perfect fit!
- Define Your Next Career Interest: The IT industry offers many exciting opportunities—from cybersecurity to computer support and beyond. Take time to research the various fields within IT and identify what truly excites you. Having a clear direction will help you target your learning and prepare effectively for your new career.
- Develop New Skills: Building technical skills is essential for making a seamless transition into IT. Consider starting with foundational certifications such as CompTIA ITF+ or CompTIA A+, which provide a solid understanding of core IT concepts.
- Enroll in an IT Training Program: A structured IT training program, like the one offered by Centriq, provides comprehensive, hands-on learning in networking, systems administration, cybersecurity, and more. In just a few months, you’ll gain the technical expertise and confidence needed to step into your first IT role.
- Build Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is key. Look for internships, volunteer for tech projects, or assist friends or small businesses with troubleshooting. These opportunities help you apply your learning and strengthen your resume as you enter the workforce.
- Apply Strategically: Once you’ve built your skills and gained practical experience, start applying for IT positions. Tailor your resume to highlight your new technical abilities and your background as an educator—showing employers the unique value you bring.
Transitioning into IT from teaching is absolutely achievable. You already have so many foundational skills that employers are looking for! With the right training and support, you can launch your new tech career. Your next chapter is waiting.
Online IT Training Program
A few months is all it takes to step confidently into a new industry. Centriq’s curriculum is focused on networking, systems, and security to provide optimal IT support training. This is a strategic, purpose-built path toward landing your first IT job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are good careers for former teachers?
A: Former teachers excel in roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Computer Technician, Service Desk Analyst, Desktop Support, and Cybersecurity Specialist. Your communication, organization, and teaching skills are highly valued by tech teams and support roles.
Q: Do teachers who want a second career in IT need to go back to school?
A: Not at all! While a computer science degree is one pathway, it’s not required. Many career changers succeed by earning certifications such as CompTIA and by completing focused IT training programs—often in just a few months.
Q: How long does it take for a teacher to transition to an IT career?
A: Many teachers move into entry-level IT roles within three to six months after completing accelerated training and earning foundational certifications. The exact timeline depends on your availability and pace, but a swift transition is absolutely possible.
Q: Are my teaching and classroom management skills really valuable in IT?
A: Absolutely. Teachers bring problem-solving, adaptability, patience, and exceptional communication—qualities that are highly sought after in IT support, training, and customer service roles. Your experience explaining complex topics is especially valuable in tech!
Q: What steps should I take first if I want to switch from teaching to IT?
A: Start by identifying your transferable skills and researching IT career options. Pursue a credible training program or certifications (like CompTIA A+). Getting hands-on by volunteering or working on small tech projects will boost your confidence and help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Kansas): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Missouri): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm
- BLS Occupational Outlook for Computer and IT: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
Salaries are 2023 averages for Kansas and Missouri from BLS OES state data. Job outlook is a national projection but closely matches the Kansas City region job market.