If you have just retired from a successful teaching career, you should consider diving into the world of educational consulting. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know to find great success in the world of educational consulting. This is a great opportunity if you have great expertise in education.
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How to Break Into the World of Educational Consulting
Your teaching career is behind you, and all you want to do is sleep late, get caught up on projects you have put off for years, write that book, travel, and sip wine in front of long sunsets—or do you? Do you have a nagging feeling that perhaps you ended your career prematurely? Then maybe you want to consider a second career in the world of educational consulting.
After all, you have built an area of expertise, and years behind the desk have established your credentials. Why not share your knowledge with those new to the profession? Here are six steps to guide you.
Update your resume.
If you don’t have a resume, write one. If you look online, there are many samples from which to choose. Document the highlights of your career as thoroughly as you can. Make sure you include any relevant organizations you belong to.
Act quickly with letters of reference. Don’t let too much time pass before you ask colleagues and former administrators for these. Strike while your work is still fresh in their minds and they still remember you fondly.
You need some expertise to enter the world of educational consulting, and this is your chance to prove that you have all the needed skills to master this field.
Print out a business card.
Make sure that this card has a businesslike appearance and that it is brief. The information about who you are and what you can achieve for your clients should be conveyed clearly and concisely in a short amount of time. Include your contact information, including a phone number, an email address, and a website URL, if you have one.
Research the competitors.
Carry out a search for other education consultants in the vicinity of your location. Take note of their qualifications as well as the way in which they promote themselves. Do some research on the average salary in your state. Participate in a local organization that brings together those who develop staff.
Prepare a letter of introduction to the surrounding school districts.
A letter of introduction will let surrounding school districts know what your experience is and how you would like to consult. If you are planning to present workshops or lectures, compile a list of topics. Start small. You don’t need to saturate the world with your letters. There are Board of Education directories published online that will furnish you with names and addresses.
Consider how far you want to commute and which school districts you would feel comfortable working in. When you send out your letter to prospective clients, attach your resume and business card.
Utilize social networking.
LinkedIn is a professional platform that allows you to upload information about yourself without charging you anything. Additionally, Facebook is accessible too. If you decide that you want to build and manage a personal website, there are hosting firms that are available at extremely affordable prices.
Prepare yourself to handle inquiries.
When the phone rings, as it will, be prepared to discuss your clients’ needs and your compensation requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification of the assignment. Most clients will suggest an in-person interview. They will want to ascertain that you present a professional appearance. If the job is not what you anticipated, be willing to refuse it.
It won’t be long before other school districts want to hire you. When you say “yes” to an assignment, you want it to be a joyful experience for both of you.
