Ed Tech with No Degree

I’m a teacher (two years in January), but I’m feeling burned out and underpaid. I want to create a better future for my son and me. I only have an associate’s degree in health science. Is it realistic to think I could get into edtech? Where would be a good starting point? What would my timeline and pay look like? Should I take classes? I can’t commit to full-time school since I’m working full-time. I’m in Austin, and a friend suggested I look into tech. Any advice would be helpful!

Edtech is competitive, with many teachers holding master’s degrees trying to break in. If you have technical skills, you might have a chance, but additional education could help. Consider finding an undergrad field you enjoy.

@Hartley
Thank you! Solid advice!

How are you teaching with no degree? Go back to school and start fresh. Edtech isn’t a quick fix.

Aza said:
How are you teaching with no degree? Go back to school and start fresh. Edtech isn’t a quick fix.

In Austin, this checks out. Many private schools don’t require a degree. My mother-in-law teaches at a charter school with only a semester of college.

Aza said:
How are you teaching with no degree? Go back to school and start fresh. Edtech isn’t a quick fix.

Probably preschool?

@Broderick
Seems like no reason to stay.

Aza said:
@Broderick
Seems like no reason to stay.

I’m feeling that way. That’s why I’m looking for a new job!

Aza said:
How are you teaching with no degree? Go back to school and start fresh. Edtech isn’t a quick fix.

I work at a private Montessori school with toddlers. I have a lot of childcare experience, and many preschool jobs don’t require a degree. Employers value passion for working with kids.

@Phoenix
Employers want cheap labor. Get out and get a degree.

What’s your professional development program and salary schedule?

Whitney said:
What’s your professional development program and salary schedule?

They offer Montessori certification, which takes 2-3 years, but I can’t imagine staying that long. I’ve been promised raises but never received one. Turnover is high, and they blame lack of raises on that. I’m at $20/hour, and they’ve indirectly indicated I won’t make much more.

Check out job boards on EdSurge and visit r/TeachersInTransition, a sub for teachers leaving the profession. Starting in edtech without a degree might mean sales or customer support roles, but Austin has a good edtech scene.

@Jesse
Thank you! Following TeachersInTransition now!

Are you in public ed? If so, were you a DOI hire? Some districts hire tech staff without a degree. Consider getting an A+ certificate, an IT cert with prep books available. It’s an affordable start.

Penn said:
Are you in public ed? If so, were you a DOI hire? Some districts hire tech staff without a degree. Consider getting an A+ certificate, an IT cert with prep books available. It’s an affordable start.

I’m in a private Montessori setting, and I don’t love the company. Thanks for the cert suggestions!

My first boss at a California university didn’t have a degree. He had programming and web dev experience and eventually had to get a degree because the job required it. Experience and skills can sometimes weigh more than a degree.

@Broderick
Thank you!

Networking is key. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals or attend events. It’s made a big difference in my job search.

You can always look into freelance work.