From teacher to pro Learning Designer to CEO: yes, it's possible
Let me say it loud and clear: yes, teacher—you can transition into something new. Several years ago, I was a full-time teacher with a full-time burnout. Today, I'm a pro Learning Designer and CEO—living proof that it's possible to rewrite your career story.
My name's Bianca Raby. My years as a teacher were spent navigating lesson plans, emails, and yard duty. Deep down, I knew I needed change. I didn't stop being a teacher at heart—but I knew I had more to give, in a different way.
So how did I get from teacher to pro Learning Designer to CEO?
Also, if you prefer to watch, I've made a video on this topic here:
Life as a teacher and burnout
I was a passionate teacher, but I was drained. My soul knew before my brain did. Mornings brought tears in the car park. That was my first sign: I needed a new path. A teacher never loses their passion - but sometimes, we need to change lanes.
Taking action to become a pro Learning Designer
After years trying to bloom inside a system that stifled me, I explored life beyond being a teacher. I asked: What can a teacher do outside school walls? A lot, actually.
I dove into an MBA. Suddenly, I was learning a whole new language of business and CEOs. That decision turned me into a pro Learning Designer. I wasn't abandoning being a classroom teacher - I was evolving it.
Finding serendipity and thriving as a pro Learning Designer
My first pro Learning Designer job was an accident. Post-MBA, I joined an online business school full of CEOs. The content? Meh. The design? Yikes. But my "teacher brain" was buzzing. I instantly knew I had found my zone.
Teachers are instinctively pro Learning Designers. We understand how people learn. We know what works. That foundation is gold.
Stepping into the CEO role
Starting Oppida was bold. Becoming a CEO was terrifying and exhilarating. But I believed in the power of quality learning design—and the people behind it.
Now, as a CEO, I lead a team of brilliant pro Learning Designers. I still use my teacher instincts daily. Every project, every pitch, every leadership decision—it's all rooted in my teacher training.
I know being a CEO isn't everyone's dream. But owning your career journey? That's for every teacher.
So here's my call to you: if you're a teacher craving more, explore the path of the pro Learning Designer. You don't have to head up that ladder to CEO to make a positive impact on our industry - but don't rule it out either.
Start with one question: what would your ideal workday look like? Then list every skill you've built as a teacher. Spoiler: pro Learning Designers and CEOs use those same skills daily.
You're not "just a teacher". I found my path as a pro Learning Designer, then as a CEO. Now let's find yours.
Until next time, stay awesome.