from Hacker News

Ask HN: How to transition from education to Edtech?

by markles on 10/19/22, 12:26 PM with 7 comments

After well over a decade teaching high school, I'm planning to step away in the coming year. I used to work in software, and though that experience is mostly moot at this point, I do teach computer science and spend considerable time learning new stuff and building my own projects.

I've been thinking I may like to work in Edtech, but I'm not sure where I should start looking. Are there roles for people like myself with a background in software and education where I'd get to use both? Any advice on forums, feeds, keywords to search or other resources I could follow to get an idea of what is out there?

Anything would be appreciated. Thanks!

  • by codegeek on 10/19/22, 12:49 PM

    Usually you have 3 options :

    1. Instructional design and Course authoring. This is where you can build content for clients and companies. Think keywords like SCORM etc

    2. Sales/sales engineering: you are technically skilled to sell a complex product that requires technical discussions/implementations. You may have to start as an SDR/AE first.

    3. Customer Success/Account Management.

    I am a bootstrapped founder in this space. Happy to provide more tips if you want to reach out directly.

  • by matt_s on 10/19/22, 1:07 PM

    Go to a bootcamp to get more training in software development and see if you like it enough to change careers. There also is the Product Mgmt side of things, or sales or support where your background is a really good match to understand the business models, the procurement processes and how school districts work. Chances are most entry level positions of those will pay more than teacher pay.

    Software development by itself is constantly learning things so there are opportunities to help fellow developers but that is likely not the same as actual teaching.

  • by brian_spiering on 10/19/22, 1:51 PM

    I made a similar transition. I suggest finding any role in a fast growing organization and then working your way up.

    There are EdTech specific job boards like http://www.edsurge.com/jobs

  • by ultra_nick on 10/19/22, 1:02 PM

    Apply to EdTech startups. They need teaching talent.