Why change career and teach?
Many people choose to change careers and step into secondary school teaching because they’re driven by a desire to make a real difference. After years in another field, they often crave more purpose—something that goes beyond the 9 to 5.
Teaching offers exactly that: the chance to inspire young minds, share real-world experience, and help shape the future. No two days are the same, and that constant variety brings fresh energy and challenge.
It’s a role where your past career becomes a powerful asset—whether it's bringing science to life with industry insight or connecting maths to real-life problem-solving. For many, teaching is more than a job change—it’s a reinvention, and a way to do something that truly matters.
We asked our current trainees who have changed their career to re-train as a teacher what their “Why?” is and here are some of their answers:
"to lead and inspire the next generation"... "to make learning fun"... "to positively transform the course of someone's life"... "to share my passion"... "to help students realise their true potential and help them see they have opportunites they may never have thought possible for themselves"
Changing careers can be daunting but we are here to help you become an inspiring and confident teacher every step of the way. You bring with you a wealth of real-life experience which can give you a real advantage with students in showing how to apply teaching concepts to the real world and everyday skills you have acquired in your work place will stand you in good stead in helping you have a successful teacher training year.
Why i2i?
Here at the i2i Teaching Partnership you will receive all the training and support you need to make your transition to teaching as easy as possible. Every year at least 50% of our trainees are career changers or returners to work, so we really do understand the unique challenges that you may face but also the experience you can offer. We will help you adjust to your new career and support you to leverage your previous working experience into the classroom. We also work with Now Teach - a professional network for career changers that supports experienced people to become teachers.
Next steps
If you are thinking of applying but are unsure where to start then we are here to help.
- Fill in our Enquiry Form to receive email guidance from our team and/or arrange a one-to-one call.
- Register for one of our numerous Get into Teaching Events to find out more and help you decide if teaching in secondary is the right choice for you. We offer both in-person and virtual events for your convenience.
- Review our website where you will find lots of useful information, including how to gain some valuable School Experience and our Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programme should you need to build or refresh your subject knowledge.
- If you are concerned about the financial implications of training then visit our Fees & Funding page for advice and to see if you are eligible for a generous tax-free bursary or scholarship.
- Read some of our case studies below written by past or current i2i trainees who have taken the step and changed careers to teaching and we hope these will inspire you to start on your journey to teach and transform lives.
