LinkedIn for Former Teachers

How former Teachers Can Use LinkedIn to Get Hired

As a former teacher, I didn't even have a LinkedIn profile! That was before I fully understood the value of having a LinkedIn profile - particularly when pivoting to a new career. Since joining LinkedIn, I’ve had recruiters reach out with different job opportunities, and connecting with them has helped me discover roles that actually match my skills.

Being wary of joining another social media app is understandable, but if you're a teacher thinking about leaving the classroom, then LinkedIn is your most powerful tool. Whether you want to move into instructional design, HR, education consulting, or another path entirely, building a presence on LinkedIn can help you make that leap faster and more confidently.

1. Profile Heading Examples

After you've set up your Linkedin profile, you'll need to update your heading to reflect your transferable skills (like communication, leadership, and curriculum design). Recruiters can find you based on these keywords. Even better, they’ll see how your teaching experience adds value in other industries.

For example:

“Educator | Skilled in Training, Content Creation & eLearning.”

Another tip I read from a recruiter via Reddit, was to set your LinkedIn title to the job you want, not the job you have. For example, 'Learning Specialist', which isn't a complete stretch from being a teacher, and leaves you open to all kinds of industries.

2. LinkedIn Summary Examples

The "About Me" summary section on LinkedIn is your selling point. It's a brief, engaging narrative that highlights your professional story, key skills, and achievements to attract recruiters and contacts.

Here are some examples:

"Former Educator experienced in creating meaningful learning experiences, I'm now transferring into the field of instructional design. Over the years, I’ve designed engaging lessons, implemented digital tools, and supported learners with diverse needs — and now I’m applying those same principles to adult learning and eLearning development."

"Educator with x years experience. Now pivoting into the HR space, focusing on roles that involve employee engagement, onboarding, or learning and development. I’m passionate about helping others reach their potential and thrive in supportive, well-structured environments."

"Currently exploring new opportunities where I can use my skills in communication, organisation, and problem-solving to make an impact in a different field. As a former teacher, I developed strong project management abilities, built relationships with diverse groups, and learned how to adapt quickly — all skills that transfer seamlessly into roles such as learning design, HR, and corporate training. I’m currently connecting with professionals who’ve made similar transitions and exploring ways to contribute to a team that values creativity, collaboration, and growth."

3. LinkedIn Job Title For Former Teachers

As I mentioned in a previous post, avoid using 'teacher' as your title. There are a few reasons that I covered in my previous blog post here, but from my own experience, if you refer to yourself as a 'teacher', you'll start receiving targeted messages from recruiters for more teaching jobs- which is exactly what you don't want!

Use:

• Learning Facilitator

• Learning Advisor

• Learning and Development Specialist

4. See What Other Former Teachers Are Doing

LinkedIn lets you research what ex-teachers do now. Type “former teacher instructional designer” or “ex-teacher HR” into the search bar — you’ll find hundreds of real people who’ve already made the move. You can:

• See what skills they list.

• Note what courses or certificates helped them transition.

• Follow their career journeys for inspiration.

This is one of the most underrated ways to plan your own exit strategy.

3. Build a Supportive Network

When you connect with other career changers, you’ll quickly realise you’re not alone. There’s a huge community of former educators on LinkedIn who share job leads, resources, and encouragement. Comment on their posts. Send thoughtful connection requests. The more you engage, the more visibility (and opportunities) you’ll gain.

4. Applying for Jobs

Ensure that when you apply for jobs, your resume reflects the same information as your LinkedIn profile. Your resume needs to reflect the language of the role and industry you are applying for. No more teacher talk. Read my blog post below on particular industries to see how you can tweak your resume to suit the type of role you are applying for, your cover letter, and the best kinds of jobs for former teachers:

• Perfect Your Resume: A Guide for Teachers Changing Careers

• Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts for Teachers Changing Careers

• How to Transfer from Teaching Into Instructional Design

• Top 5 Courses to Help Teachers Transition Into New Careers

• Jobs for former teachers Outside of Education

Got any helpful LinkedIn tips for former teachers? Comment below to share your ideas- we'd love to hear them!