A Guide To Transitioning From Teaching to Starting An Executive Function Coaching Business
What does transitioning from teaching to executive function coaching look like?
For many teachers, the transition begins with a quiet frustration, feeling like the school system is more focused on standardized test scores and compliance than helping students thrive in real life.
That was my experience in 2019, when I found myself running a counseling-enriched classroom and watching students struggle not with content, but with organization, time management, and follow-through. I knew these executive function skills were essential, yet the system gave them little attention. Like many teachers, I started to wonder if there was a better way to support students while also reclaiming some balance for my own family and mental health.
Making the leap can feel daunting. But once I connected with a community of private educators and specialists who were already doing this work, the path became clearer. I started by reaching out to local neuropsychologists and therapists, sharing my interest in helping students build practical executive function skills. Slowly, clients started coming my way. One or two referrals turned into a steady caseload. Like many EF coaches, I built my practice one relationship at a time.
The transition from teaching to executive function coaching means redefining your impact. As an executive function coach, you get to go deep with students in a way that often isn’t possible in a classroom setting. You build strong relationships, you see measurable growth, and you regain control over your time and income. It’s not always easy, and it takes courage to start. But for those ready to invest in themselves and their future, it’s one of the most rewarding career shifts an educator can make.
My top 5 lessons learned as I transitioned out of teaching to start my executive function coaching business
1. Your teaching skills are more transferable than you think
At first, I wasn’t sure how to talk about what I did outside the classroom. But I quickly learned that the core strengths of teaching like lesson planning, behavior management, differentiating support, and building relationships, translate directly into coaching. What changed was the setting and the level of personalization. This shift allowed me to see real transformation and reminded me that the skills I had developed in the classroom had real value outside of it.
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2. Relationships are your best marketing tool when starting the transition
I started my transition by reaching out to people in my network, especially neuropsychologists. The referrals I received from those early conversations built the foundation of my practice. The lesson here is that your network matters more than you think, and being clear about how you help can open doors faster than any marketing campaign.
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3. The education system’s limitations are not your fault
One of the hardest parts of leaving teaching was letting go of the guilt. I felt like I was abandoning my students or giving up. But over time, I realized that the structure of the school system was limiting the kind of help I could offer. I was being asked to serve too many students with too little time, and the focus was on paperwork instead of progress. Becoming a coach gave me a way to continue supporting students without feeling like I had to compromise on what they truly needed.
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4. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start
When I began this journey, I had no business plan, no official coaching title, and no idea what a client funnel was. What I had was a strong desire to help and a willingness to try. I started calling myself an organization coach, ran sessions from a small home office, and learned as I went. Each step gave me more clarity and confidence. You can refine your process, brand, and offerings over time.
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5. Coaching gave me the flexibility and impact I was missing
One of my biggest motivations for transitioning was my family. I wanted to be more present for my kids and have the freedom to set my own hours. Coaching gave me that, and a deeper sense of impact because I could focus fully on each student without classroom distractions. I was now able to help students build lifelong skills, and getting paid well to do it. That combination of purpose and sustainability changed everything.
More on transitioning from teaching to starting an executive function coaching business
Beyond the day-to-day work with students, building your own executive function coaching business opens the door to a wide range of future opportunities.
As you establish yourself in this space, you may be invited to speak at conferences, lead workshops, or collaborate with schools and organizations.
You also gain the freedom to create your own resources, like digital downloads, courses, or group programs that can serve even more people.
Running your own business puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to shape your professional identity and connect with others who share your vision.
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Here are my top 5 articles on transitioning from teaching:
Looking for more articles on transitioning from teaching to start your own executive function coaching business? I have a full list at the bottom of this page.
Simple guide to transition from teaching to starting an executive function coaching business
1. Start by getting clear on your “why”
Before anything else, take time to reflect on why you're considering this transition. For me, it was about finding a more sustainable way to support students while being present for my family. Knowing your deeper motivation will guide your next steps and keep you grounded through the ups and downs of starting something new.
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2. You don’t need to go back to school
A common misconception is that leaving the classroom means starting over with another degree. The truth is that your teaching experience already gives you a strong foundation. Many educators step into coaching by building on what they already know and upskilling through shorter programs or certifications like the certification program offered by EFCA.
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3. Reframe how you talk about your teaching experience
As an educator, you’ve developed skills in behavior management, differentiation, communication, and working with diverse learners. When I began calling myself an “organization coach,” I didn’t change what I knew, just how I described it. The key is learning to communicate your value in a way that parents, professionals, and clients understand.
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4. Create a simple value proposition
A value proposition helps you explain your work clearly and confidently to potential clients and referral sources. You can use this worksheet to build your own unique value proposition. A simple sentence gives people an immediate sense of what you offer and who it’s for.
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5. Build relationships with local professionals
Other professionals are often looking for support services for students and families, and your background as an educator can be exactly what they’re looking for. Reach out, introduce yourself, and let them know what kinds of students you work best with. Relationships are the foundation of most successful coaching businesses.
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6. Start coaching before everything is “perfect”
You don’t need a fancy website, business cards, or a logo to start. I began with a laptop, a basic home office, and a willingness to help. Focus on getting experience and results. Start with one or two clients and grow from there.
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7. Join a community of educators who’ve already made the leap
Thousands of teachers are transitioning out of the classroom, and many are openly sharing how they did it. My community through EFCA has 70+ coaches who are actively building their EF coaching business. Or, join Facebook groups like “Leaving Teaching” or “Life After Teaching,”. These communities are full of support, advice, and opportunities to learn from others a few steps ahead of you.
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8. Set up systems for referrals, scheduling, and payments
Once you begin working with clients, it helps to have systems in place. Use a simple CRM or calendar app for scheduling, and set up payment through something like Stripe or PayPal. These tools help you stay organized and professional while keeping your focus on the students you serve. As you grow, you can refine and expand these systems.
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9. Give yourself permission to earn more
One mindset shift that was difficult but necessary was realizing I could earn more and still be doing meaningful work. I used to think I had to trade income for impact. Coaching helped me see that the two can go hand in hand. Parents are often willing to invest in services that directly help their child succeed, and your expertise as an educator is worth charging for.
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10. Dream bigger as your business grows
What starts as one-on-one coaching can grow into workshops, speaking gigs, digital resources, or even your own courses. The best part is that you’re in control. You get to decide what direction your business takes, and that freedom can lead to more fulfillment than you imagined possible.
Best teacher transition resources for aspiring executive function coaches and business owners
How To Start Your Coaching Business In 5 Steps Workbook by EFCA
This workbook guides you through a 5-step process, providing resources to understand your value proposition, send outreach emails, run inquiry meetings, sign up clients, and more.
Build Your Unique Value Proposition Worksheet by EFCA
This interactive worksheet guides you through the essential steps to identify and articulate what makes your coaching services unique. Stand out in a competitive market by clarifying your strengths, defining your target audience, and highlighting the distinctive benefits you offer.
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Outreach Tracker Template by EFCA
This tracker allows you to systematically record and manage your outreach activities to other professionals, ensuring no opportunity for collaboration or referral slips through the cracks.
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What is a Client Funnel? Workbook by EFCA
This workbook explains the importance of a funnel and guides you in creating your own client funnel. Use your completed funnel as a structured way to help you attract, nurture, and convert potential clients.
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Limiting Beliefs Worksheet by EFCA
Identify and challenge the beliefs holding you back from starting your own executive function coaching business with this template. Overcome the self-doubt and create a more positive, success-driven outlook.