Primary Teacher to Cyber Analyst

What’s Your Background In Teaching and Did You Have Prior Experience in Tech or Cyber?

I taught full-time for over nine years, primarily in primary schools. My teaching experience didn’t include subject leadership, coding, or cybersecurity. However, I did regularly use EdTech platforms in my classroom and ran workshops for staff, which gave me a taste of technology integration and adult training. These experiences turned out to be surprisingly relevant for my cyber career.

What Does Your Day-to-Day Job Entail?

As a cyber analyst, my daily work is a mix of tasks across multiple projects. I focus on risk assessments, compliance checks, audits, and assurance activities. While there’s a lot of documentation and paperwork, my day is far from monotonous. I frequently attend or run meetings, deliver presentations, and participate in training workshops. No two days are exactly alike, which keeps the role engaging.

Skills You need As a Cyber Analyst

Transitioning from teaching to cybersecurity requires developing new skills, but some teaching skills transfer surprisingly well:

• Analytical thinking: Breaking down complex problems for risk assessments or compliance reports.

• Attention to detail: Reviewing policies, reports, and security logs without missing critical issues.

• Communication: Presenting findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

• Project management: Organizing multiple tasks and deadlines—something teachers are already skilled at.

• Basic cyber knowledge: Familiarity with networks, security protocols, and IT terminology

  
  

  Taking a foundational course in cyber, like the IB: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate via Coursera , helped me gain employer-recognized certification and build a solid overview of the field. It also prepares you for the CompTIA Security+ exam if you want to advance further..

What's Is Your Office Set-Up?

I can work remotely, which is amazing! Ironically, I actually communicate more with my colleagues than I did as a teacher because I’m not constantly interrupted by the schedule pressures of a classroom. Remote work also allows me to structure my day efficiently while staying connected.

• Best Remote Jobs for Former Teachers

  
  

How Did you Land Your Job?

I actually reached out to someone via LinkedIn! I noticed that they had done the course I mentioned LinkedIn in such a powerful tool for teachers pivoting in their careers! Reaching out led to an interview and a job offer...So I always recommend taking that leap of faith because you never know what might happen!

• How Ex-Teachers Can Use LinkedIn Effectively

Tips for getting interviews?

Tailor your resume: Highlight transferable skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving.

• Write custom cover letters: Explain why you’re interested in cybersecurity and how your teaching experience applies.

• Demonstrate practical skills: Create small projects or simulations to showcase your understanding. For example, I designed mock cybersecurity scenarios to show my approach to risk assessment and employee training.

• Perfect Your Resume: A Guide for Teachers Changing Careers

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

If You’re Still Teaching, How Can You Upskill?

Even if you’re still in the classroom, there are ways to build cyber-relevant skills:

• Take on tech responsibilities at school: Lead EdTech initiatives, help with data privacy compliance, or run staff workshops.

• Upskill online: Courses like Coursera, Cybrary, or CompTIA prep programs are flexible and recognized by employers.

• Build practical experience: Set up home labs, simulate security incidents, or volunteer for tech-related projects.

These small steps will give you talking points for interviews and show employers that you’re proactive.

• How Teachers Can Find the Time to Apply for Jobs Outside of Teaching

What If I Still Can't Land a Job in Cyber?

1. Ensure that you perfect your resume. 

2. Create a portfolio: Even small projects or lab exercises demonstrate practical ability.

3. Consider adjacent roles: Risk analyst, compliance officer, IT support, or cybersecurity technician can be excellent entry points.

• Perfect Your Resume: A Guide for Teachers Changing Careers

• How To Transfer from Teaching into Learning and Development

• Best Remote Jobs for Former Teachers

• Top 5 Courses to Help Teachers Transition Into New Careers