From Teacher and Literacy Coach to a Career in Edtech | Working at Summit K12

Your career is a journey and can take you in so many unexpected places. Here at Summit K12, we welcome all backgrounds, experiences, and skills including those working in the K-12 education space.

Transitioning from the education space, whether you’re a teacher, school staff, or leadership may seem like a leap, but the skills honed are highly transferable to various roles within edtech, such as professional learning development, customer service, curriculum development, instructional design, and marketing.

Read on to learn more from Summit K12 team member, Addie C Davis, who went from being a teacher and literacy coach to an instructional support specialist in professional development, helping teachers and students everyday.

From Literacy Coach to Instructional Support Making an Impact Everyday

How did you start your career in education?

My career in education began through Teach for America; I taught middle school ELA in New York City for two years before moving out to California and continuing my career in education in Los Angeles.

Why did you want to become a literacy coach?

I’m a book nerd, and I love working with teachers. Being a literacy coach let me play to my strengths– finding joy in text, facilitating conversations about literature, designing really strong literacy instruction– while having a direct impact on student outcomes.

How long were you in K-12 education? Do you have any favorite memories?

I was in K-12 education for 12 years before I joined Summit K12, as an ELA teacher, ELD teacher, ELA curriculum specialist, Dean of Instruction, and literacy coach. I loved every role in different ways. In my last year as a literacy coach before I joined Summit, I got to work with a real dream team of educators; that year we more than doubled our SBAC scores, and in ways that felt truly joyful in classrooms. Kids were talking about books, writing amazing short stories, debating the merits of different rhetorical devices… it was awesome to see day after day.

What motivated you to make the transition from teacher to edtech? What did that opportunity look like for you?

I was looking for a role that gave me more flexibility. The Covid shut-down really taught me how much I valued a shorter commute, flexible work environments, collaborative work that utilized emerging technologies… And, at the same time, my partner and I were moving to San Diego, so I needed something that would allow me to relocate, but I wanted to keep at least one foot in the classroom. The instructional support specialist role allowed me to stay doing a huge part of what I loved in previous roles– professional development for educators and leaders– but in a way that gave me personal flexibility I needed.

What tips do you have for teachers looking to transition into edtech, tech, and other industries?

Look for where you’ll learn. I considered myself an ELA expert, but was excited to start in a role where I knew I’d learn a ton about ELD. And I’ve learned so much more than I expected! About how districts across the state function, about adult learning theory, about content creation for a wide audience. It’s been really expansive.

What’s your new role at Summit K12?

Instructional Support Specialist on the California Professional Development Team.

How have you been able to use your skills from K-12 education as a literacy coach as you transition to edtech?

My skills in professional development have been immediately helpful: presenting coherently, speaking persuasively to the “why” behind new learning, designing materials that clarify complex ideas/processes. But soft skills, too: staying on top of my calendar and deliverables; fostering trusting relationships quickly and meaningfully, and maintaining a growth mindset in the face of challenges.

Can you think of some key skills that helped you stand out when transitioning from education to edtech?

I think clear communication is big. Writing a resume that reflects my skills, but also my personal values, felt really important, as I was applying to jobs/companies (including Summit K12) where I didn’t know anyone or have a personal connection. I had to make my personal connection to the work clear to people who didn’t know me.

What inspires your workday in your new role?

At the end of the day, it’s still all about students. Good Professional Development means teachers implement our solution more effectively, which means kids get the instruction they deserve. That always motivates me to stay in the work and stay learning.

What motivates you to help make an impact in supporting schools and districts?

Until every child reaches their ‘personal summit,’ there’s still important, critical work to do! Teachers work so hard, day in and day out, to give their students what they need. The least I can do is work hard in service of their goals.

What is your favorite part of your role?

I love on-site PD sessions! I get to see parts of California I’ve never seen before, meet new people, and get real-time feedback on what’s working (and what isn’t). Seeing lightbulbs go off in a room of educators? It doesn’t get better than that.

If you could describe Summit K12 in one word, what would it be?

Innovative

What do you enjoy most about working at Summit K12?

I love my co-workers! It’s been cool to develop relationships with people across the state and across the country, and feel really tight-knit and cohesive despite the geographical distance.

Dedicated Educator and Literacy Coach Thriving in Edtech Career Helping Teachers and Students Everyday

At Summit K12, we believe in fostering an environment where passion meets purpose. We're not just a company; we're a community dedicated to empowering students and supporting our team members every step of the way. We hope wherever your career takes you, you’re able to help use your skills, expertise, and skills to impact the future leaders of tomorrow.

For more on the Working at Summit K12  series, check From Teaching Spanish Immersion to a Career in Edtech

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