Time for a big change. And a shout-out to educators everywhere.

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I have had the greatest of intentions when it comes to publishing my writing, but life has gotten in the way. I have been busy working full-time teaching dual credit composition, and the crazy amount of essay grading has definitely taken up a great deal of my time. I often have little energy left to dedicate to my creativity. Not good.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

I may be wrong, but I think education is the only field that has an expectation for its workers to work outside of the time for which they are contracted. It’s a given. And teachers acquiesce because they love to teach and love their students.

Most K-12 educators are given one approximately 45-minute planning period a day. They are expected to plan lessons and grade (and potty) in that time. It’s not possible. At least it’s not for me. This year, I had over 100 writing students. That’s a hefty amount of grading/reading. And I personally believe that feedback, quality feedback, is key. It takes HOURS to accomplish that. Maybe if teachers were paid for all the work they are doing, they could make a livable wage. I’m talking to you, State of Texas.

I digress.

So, I know you’re on the edge of your couch waiting to find out what my big news is. A little background first – I love to write (contrary to the amount you’ve seen here). I always have. In spite of my passion, I never thought I could do it for a living. But, you know what? I can’t do it for a living if I don’t do it for a living. So, I’m leaving the classroom and heading out into the writing and editing world. That’s the big news, in case you couldn’t tell.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

I’ve been training to copywrite and copyedit. I have a graduate degree in writing. I have worked as a freelance developmental editor and written for charity organizations. I was recently hired by and accepted into the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors (IAPWE). I have experience, just not exactly what many companies appear to be looking for.

A friend of mine knows a recruiter who said to her that people don’t consider teachers to be professionals. Of course, as in every industry, there are teachers that are seriously lacking, but that floored me. Not only are we professionals, but we have incredible skills that translate well into the business world.

Every day, teachers present often complex concepts to groups of people with different needs. They can speak publicly and do it well. They have to be organized, creative, think on their feet, pivot plans to meet immediate constraints, and lead not just their students, but their colleagues when needed. They know how to communicate professionally, and as writers, they create lesson plans that meet the objectives given to them and include contingencies – many of them. They teach and edit to make their students ready for the world. They collaborate with supervisors and colleagues and problem-solve like nobody’s business.

Add to that the need to manage difficult behavior, know first aid, and by the by, be willing to stand in front of their students should a gunman want to kill them. They are literally prepared to die for their students. Those aren’t bad qualities, if you ask me.

My hope is that the powers that be will see the incredible value in those coming from education. I know I’m not the only teacher transitioning out of the field, so there are quite a few people in the same boat. If you recruit, think about what someone with so many skills can do for you.

And check out my LinkedIn profile while you’re at it.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-cantrell-altum/