From Marketing to Teaching: Kendra’s Story

After two years working at a marketing agency, Kendra Noyes began reconsidering the career she thought she wanted. Moving from marketing to teaching would bring her back to the world she knew growing up and open doors she hadn’t imagined.

Today, the American Board graduate is in her eighth year of education. She supports students in a special education classroom, holds a master’s degree, and plans to pursue a doctorate.

But her story began with a firm conviction: she did not want to become a teacher.

Growing Up in a Family of Teachers

“All my life, I have been surrounded by educators and in school buildings,” Kendra shares. “Both of my parents were teachers and my dad was a coach. I had aunts, uncles, cousins, who all worked at schools too—which just meant more eyes on me!”

As a child, having so many educators in the family meant familiar faces throughout her school years. As an adult, she came to appreciate something else about her parents’ careers.

“It took coming into adulthood to realize and be thankful for my parents ability to be home over summers and holiday breaks.”

Still, her original career plans led her toward public relations.

From Marketing to Teaching: Why Kendra Changed Careers

“When I went to college, I just KNEW I did not want to be a teacher. I could not do what my parents did!” she recalls. “Instead, I decided I wanted to work in the communications office in a school district, so I got a degree in public relations.”

That degree helped Kendra develop skills she would later bring into education.

“I learned and developed amazing skills in communication, problem-solving, management, and planning.”

After college, she spent two years working at a marketing agency. Then, she and her husband learned they were expecting their first baby. The news changed how she imagined her future.

“Side note: I also married a teacher!” she adds. “It was then that I decided I HAD to have summers and holidays off to give my kids the childhood I had.”

Teaching, once the career she had ruled out, became the path she wanted to explore.

Choosing Online Teacher Certification with American Board

Kendra needed a way to enter teaching without starting over with another college degree. While researching her options, she discovered American Board, also known as ABCTE.

“When I was exploring different options on how to become a teacher, I discovered ABCTE. This was an inexpensive, and quick way to earn my teaching certificate compared to going back to school.”

American Board’s online teacher certification program offers a self-paced route for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree. For Kendra, earning her teaching certificate also created room to explore her interests before choosing further education.

“I knew that once I was in the classroom, I could make some different decisions on if I wanted to specialize in a certain area of education and go back and get more degrees.”

She didn’t need to plan her entire education career before taking the first step.

Building a Career Supporting Students in Special Education

Today, Kendra’s work centers on supporting students and working with the people who help them succeed.

“Now that I’m in my eighth year of education, I am immensely grateful to ABCTE for the ability to earn my teaching certificate,” she says. “I have been teaching in a special education classroom, managing students’ IEPs, communicating with families and staff, and advocating for the needs of all students.”

The communication, planning, and problem-solving skills she developed before teaching have a clear connection to those responsibilities. Her career change gave those skills a new purpose.

Her professional growth has continued, too.

“I also now have my master’s degree in special education and plan to start a doctoral program in educational leadership in January.”

What began as a decision about her family’s future has grown into an education career with more goals ahead.

Kendra’s Recommendation for Other Career Changers

Looking back, Kendra credits both the example her parents set and the opportunity to earn her certification.

“This is all thanks to my parents, for setting the ultimate example, and to ABCTE for providing an incredible and accessible opportunity. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to change careers and help our students learn and grow.”

Her experience offers encouragement to people whose first career choice no longer fits their goals. A public relations degree and a marketing job were part of her journey to the classroom. Eight years later, she continues to build on that experience while supporting students and pursuing her own education.

Ready to Make Your Own Career Change to Teaching?

Whether you’re moving from marketing to teaching or exploring education from another profession, your experience can be part of what you bring to the classroom. American Board’s online teacher certification program helps bachelor’s degree holders prepare for teaching through self-paced study.

Like Kendra, you don’t need to have your entire future mapped out to explore your options. Visit AmericanBoard.org to learn how the program works and review the teacher certification requirements in your state. Your next career could begin with helping students build their futures.

FAQs About Moving From Marketing to Teaching

Can I become a teacher with a public relations or marketing degree?

Yes. American Board accepts bachelor’s degrees in any field, including public relations and marketing. Your degree does not need to match the subject you want to teach. Review your state’s requirements to understand the certification steps that apply to you. American Board

What skills can transfer from marketing to teaching?

Communication, problem-solving, management, and planning can all support classroom work. Kendra developed these skills before becoming a teacher. Today, her responsibilities include managing students’ IEPs, communicating with families and staff, and advocating for students. American Board

Can I prepare for teacher certification while working?

Yes. American Board’s online teacher certification program is self-paced, allowing candidates to study around their current jobs and other commitments. You can prepare after work or on weekends as you work toward a career in education. American Board