Did you step away from teaching for a while, but now hear the classroom calling you back? Returning to teaching after a break can be challenging, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Update Your Credentials
Start with the most important thing: your teaching license. Visit the website for your state’s Department of Education to see what is currently required to teach in your subject area. If your credential is expired or no longer acceptable, prioritize completing the requirements needed to get back into compliance. Maybe your credentials remain active, but you’re feeling rusty about aspects of teaching like lesson planning or educational technology. Consider enrolling in professional development or seeking out free online resources to help you brush up. If you’re reconsidering what subject you want to teach and are in a position to pursue an additional endorsement, high-demand subjects like Special Education, English as a Second Language or a STEM subject can increase your chances of getting hired.
Update Your Resume
Make sure your resume is well-crafted and current, including the time you’ve been off – which we’ll cover next. If you completed any training, professional development, coursework or volunteer work that isn’t captured, add it there now. Depending how long you’ve been away, you may also consider updating the language in your resume to reflect current trends. For example, inquiry-based learning, differentiation, and cooperative learning are strategies you likely included in your previous teaching, but may not have named on your resume.
Address Career Gaps
No need to pretend the gap didn’t happen or that you were spending that time gearing up for this role. Acknowledge the gap honestly and directly, but with a positive frame. For example, if you took a break from your career to care for a family member, you can list “Caregiver” with the dates under the Experience section of your resume. When summarizing your accomplishments in that role, refer to skills you improved such as people skills, budgeting and time management. No matter the reason for the gap, highlight the transferable skills you gained that will contribute to your success as a teacher.
Research the Hiring Landscape
Before you can start applying for teaching jobs, you need to explore what jobs are available and what type of school would be the best fit for you now. (Nimble Connect offers some tools, including a preferences quiz to help with this.) Once you have a school in mind, get clear on its mission, unique programming, demographics served and recent student performance. Check their website and social media pages to see what they highlight and how they celebrate their students.
Customize Your Application
If you’re presenting a cover letter or asked to respond to short essay questions, make sure everything you submit is unique to the specific position you’re applying for and the particular context of the school. Share the things about that school that attract you to it and showcase how your experience will positively impact the students and community you’d be working with.
Prepare for the Hiring Process
If it’s been a while since you’ve applied for a job, you’ll likely need some practice before you’re ready to present yourself confidently. Some of our other blog posts provide helpful tips on this front. You should spend some time speaking in front of a friend or even a mirror about your experience, your teaching philosophy, your aspirations and what makes you an excellent candidate for the role. Be prepared to speak to why you stepped away from teaching and why you’re coming back. It shouldn’t take long before your teacher voice returns and you’re ready to demonstrate your potential to a principal.
You’ve Got This
Schools are actively looking for experienced educators who bring both skill and fresh perspective. With the right preparation, you can return to teaching with clarity, purpose and confidence.
.avif)