Ex-Teachers Launch New Careers, Encourage Educators to Embrace Their Value

Career Transitions: Teachers Finding New Paths Beyond the Classroom

Spencer Korson believes that teachers often underestimate their potential in other career fields. With a diverse background that includes teaching, substitute bus driving, and library work, he knows firsthand that the skills developed in the classroom can be valuable in unexpected places.

"You have to be a global thinker and you have to be able to do a lot of things at the same time," Korson explained. "And so that skill set is very effective in terms of other positions, because you’re not intimidated to stand in front of other people, you’re able to interact with people you don’t know very well, and you’re able to figure out what it is that they need."

Today, Korson serves as Director of Student Leadership and Engagement at Northwood University. Prior to this role, he spent over 25 years with the Bullock Creek School District, teaching drama, speech, and English. His career path took an unexpected turn when he transitioned into an HVAC operator position at Dow through Newmark for six months before joining Northwood in 2022.

The Shift from Teaching to Other Professions

Korson's move to an entirely different field was surprising, but it highlighted the adaptability of teachers. When offered the HVAC job, he was initially taken aback. “I said, ‘Are you sure you want an English teacher to come and work on equipment?’” he recalled. However, the employer saw something in him that others might not have. “They said, ‘You worked for the same school for 25 years - you’re clearly a dependable person, a loyal person. We can teach you everything you need to know.’ That gave me a ton of confidence.”

Another former teacher, Nancy Hoefer, also made a significant career shift. After teaching Spanish and English for 23 years, she decided to take a "leap of faith" and became Director of Student Life at Northwood in 2022. She now helps students plan and market events on campus.

“I wanted to do something different,” Hoefer said. “I was really excited for this opportunity.” While she doesn't see this as her final stop, she enjoys her current role and feels it's a good fit for her right now.

A Growing Trend of Teachers Leaving the Profession

According to a survey commissioned by the Michigan Education Association in early 2022, 91% of educators expressed extreme or high concern about the educator shortage. Additionally, 88% were worried about student behavior and mental health, while 84% were concerned about pay and benefits.

The survey also revealed that one-in-five teachers planned to leave education for another career within the next two to three years, an increase of 9% since August 2021. Another 14% intended to retire.

Transferable Skills from Teaching

Korson and Hoefer both feel that their teaching experience has prepared them for success in their new roles. They still get to work with young people, just in a different format.

“We love our students, and that translates to a college environment, but it translates to any environment,” Korson said. “Nancy and I both tend to wear our hearts on our sleeves, and it’s pretty easy for us to get invested in other people's lives and want to help them and see the best in them.”

Hoefer agrees, noting that working with students is one of the main draws of her current position. “When my students come in the afternoon (to plan upcoming events), the afternoon just flies by and I really enjoy working with them.”

Staying Connected to Education

Despite their career changes, both Korson and Hoefer continue to engage with education. Korson teaches a leadership class at Northwood, while Hoefer gives guest presentations at the invitation of professors.

They encourage other teachers to consider alternative paths, emphasizing that their skills are valuable in many fields. “So many teachers feel like they’ve spent their entire career being a teacher, and it’s part of our identity,” Korson said. “And they feel like this is all they can do. But there are lots of people who really want you, who will value the skills that you have, and you can do whatever you want.”

The Future Holds New Opportunities

Charlie Schwedler, Senior Services Executive Director and a former superintendent, echoes these sentiments. He notes that teachers bring a range of transferable skills, including multitasking, management, and compassion—qualities that make them excellent employees in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

Betsy Rau, who retired from teaching English and journalism at Midland Public Schools, found that her career didn't end with retirement. She later taught journalism at Central Michigan University and started a program called "Journalism Rocks." Even after leaving CMU, she returned to education as an interim principal at Windover High School, where she found the experience rewarding.

“I loved it,” Rau said. “Alternative kids get underestimated. Anything hands-on, they were really into. When I go back there now, the kids that know me run up and hug me. It was a great experience for me.”

Conclusion

Teachers possess a unique set of skills that can translate well into various careers. Whether transitioning to higher education, nonprofit work, or other fields, former educators like Korson, Hoefer, and Rau show that there are many opportunities beyond the classroom. Their stories highlight the importance of recognizing and leveraging the strengths that come from a teaching career.