We heard a lot about teacher burnout during the pandemic. There were many teachers leaving the profession due to tremendous stress from teaching during that time. However, several years later, we continue to see higher teacher burnout rates and many choosing to pursue new careers. So, if you’re a teacher considering a career move, this post shares perspectives of some former teachers who transitioned to careers in the field of ABA therapy.
To leave or not to leave?
Making the decision to leave teaching is not an easy one. One of our exceptional Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and former special education teacher, Maddy, M.Ed., MA, BCBA, LBA, knows the difficulty in deciding to leave teaching. “I taught as an elementary school resource room teacher for 2 years. The constraints in the school of being understaffed and not able to balance behavior management with academic instruction was difficult.”
What caused Maddy to consider switching to a career in ABA therapy was, “I found I was more rewarded when I was able to help a client regulate and return to their classroom than when I was teaching math lessons.”
Another one of our amazing BCBAs, Kaylee, MEd , MS, BCBA, LBA, made her decision to leave her special education teaching position during the pandemic. “It became increasingly clear how challenging it is to meet every student’s individual needs in a traditional classroom—especially when students have such a wide range of academic, behavioral, and communication differences,” explained Kaylee.
For a job field that was already underfunded, under-resourced, and under-supported, it’s no wonder so many teachers have decided to leave. But many former teachers are seeking new careers in fields where they can still utilize their leadership and planning skills. These fields include but are not limited to project management, academic advising, human resources and our field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Why consider the field of ABA
If you’re a teacher who recently left your position or are toying with the idea of a career change, you might feel inhibited by uncertainty of where to go next. Our team might be biased, but jobs in Applied Behavior Analysis are an excellent option for teachers experiencing burnout. As Kaylee explains, “While I’ve always loved teaching and still miss being in the classroom, I was drawn to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis because of its individualized, data-driven approach.”
Many former teachers move into this field and find their position as a Behavior Technician very manageable and much less stressful. Additionally, working in this field you are still able to make a difference in young lives. If you’ve left teaching, your experience and skills are not lost. Consider these four reasons why ABA therapy might be the perfect post-teaching career for you.
1. Utilize similar skills
As teachers, you do so much and wear too many different hats – more than most people realize. Yet, in turn, you develop invaluable skills that are not just limited to life in the classroom. These include patience, creative thinking, and excellent communication skills. Put these refined skills to use in ABA therapy as an Behavior Technician or Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Both positions require close communication with parents and alert attention to detail when taking data on a client’s therapy plan. Because ABA is evidence based, it requires the precise organizational skills and attention to detail that teachers acquire. Additionally, thinking outside the box is helpful in ABA when analyzing and creating behavior intervention plans. As Kaylee acknowledged, teachers experience a range of behaviors in the classroom so they bring valuable insight when understanding motives for behavior in their clients.
2. One-on-one work versus overpacked classrooms
In ABA therapy, working with kids with high behaviors can be difficult at times. However, Behavior Technicians work one-on-one with a client and receive supervision from the client’s BCBA. BCBAs often work with 7-10 clients total but not all at the same time; they schedule times to be with each client individually. “As a BCBA, I’m able to focus on one child at a time, create tailored treatment plans, and track progress in a way that feels both intentional and impactful,” Kaylee stated.
Teachers learn how to manage behavior in classrooms of numerous kids at once. So imagine the ease of only having to worry about one of those kids at a time—you can absolutely do this!
3. Continue making a difference
Teachers often choose their profession because they want to make a difference in children’s lives. Good news—you don’t have to leave that behind in ABA therapy. Our own Healing Haven Behavior Technicians often speak to the fulfillment of helping kids and families, as well as seeing kids’ quality of life improve drastically.
Maddy explains, “I felt that ABA was a better fit for me a few reasons. The first is that I am able to get to know my clients and families better and create more personal connections. The second is the increased level of resources provided in this field to get the children what they need.”
Working as an ABA Therapist at Healing Haven is a more supportive and less stressful setting than that! A career in ABA therapy means every day you are actively working toward the purpose of changing someone(s) life for the better. And as Kaylee shares, “What I appreciate most is that ABA helps build the foundational skills that support long-term success in the classroom — so in many ways, I still feel connected to education, just through a more focused lens.”
“What I appreciate most is that ABA helps build the foundational skills that support long-term success in the classroom — so in many ways, I still feel connected to education, just through a more focused lens.”
– Kaylee, former special education teacher turned BCBA
4. Comparable and/or better compensation
Making a difference in young lives is the ultimate fulfillment in being a teacher. Yet, it’s realistic to want respectable compensation for your work. Unfortunately, as we are aware, most teachers are underpaid. According to Salary.com the average teacher salary in Michigan ranges between $45,505 and $61,055 depending on experience. In comparison, a BCBAs annual salary ranges from $70,00 to $90,000, depending on experience. And Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), which is an entry level position, make an average of $43,000 per year working full time. Since the BCBA position requires a master’s degree and licensing, and the Registered Behavior Technician position does not, this is a justifiable difference.
Though Behavior Technicians don’t make quite the same amount as BCBAs, once a Behavior Technician earns their RBT credential, they can make nearly the same as a new teacher. ABA career salaries line up as comparable and even better compensation to that of teaching.
Ready for change?
The intensifying issues educators face today are understandably enough to cause teacher burnout. However, the decision to leave teaching and try a whole new career is not made lightly.
Are you experiencing teacher burnout? If so, take a look at Behavior Technician opportunities as a possible new career path. Still have questions? Head over to the Join our Team page to learn more and apply for a position today! We are more than ready to welcome you to the world of ABA and Healing Haven!
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