Explore how your federal experience as a Educational Therapist (GS-0639) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS 1-4 | Entry-Level Education Coordinator, Junior Learning Specialist, Education Support Assistant | Assists in the development and implementation of educational programs. Provides support to educators and students in executing daily tasks and delivering materials. Engages in basic assessment and documentation of learner progress. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| GS 5-7 | Education Program Specialist, Learning And Development Associate, Instructional Designer II | Develops instructional materials and conducts training sessions. Collaborates with educators to assess training needs and implement improvement strategies. Analyzes data to support educational initiatives and learner outcomes. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| GS 8-9 | Senior Learning Consultant, Education Program Manager, Training and Development Specialist | Leads the design and execution of educational programs. Evaluates program effectiveness through data analysis and feedback. Works directly with stakeholders to identify educational objectives and improve curriculum design. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| GS 10-11 | Director of Educational Services, Lead Instructional Designer, Training and Development Manager | Manages educational strategies and oversees the development of training initiatives. Ensures compliance with educational standards and evaluates instructional quality. Guides teams in curriculum development and implementation processes. | $90,000 - $110,000 |
| GS 12-13 | Senior Education Program Director, Lead Educational Strategist, Principal Learning Officer | Sets strategic direction for educational programs and conducts comprehensive evaluations of existing frameworks. Engages with executive leadership to align educational initiatives with organizational goals. Oversees budget and resource allocations for educational projects. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| GS 14-15 | Chief Education Officer, Director of Academic Affairs, Senior Vice President of Learning and Development | Establishes overarching educational policies and directions for the organization. Advocates for innovations in teaching methodologies and educational technologies. Represents the organization in national educational forums and facilitates partnerships with external agencies. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Education, Chief Learning Officer, Vice President of Educational Initiatives | Provides visionary leadership for all educational services and initiatives across the organization. Responsible for policy development and strategic partnerships that enhance the educational landscape. Oversees large-scale budget planning and long-term goal setting for educational programs. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
National Board Certification in Professional Teaching Practices (NBPTS)
This certification demonstrates that you have met national standards for teaching and are committed to continuous improvement of your educational practices. In the civilian sector, having this credential can make you a more competitive candidate for roles that require evidence-based instructional strategies and a deep understanding of diverse learning needs.
Certified Educational Therapist (CET)
Becoming a Certified Educational Therapist showcases your expertise in using specialized therapeutic techniques to address learning challenges, which is highly valued in private educational institutions and tutoring services. This certification signals to employers your commitment to helping students achieve their learning goals through tailored interventions.
Master’s Degree in Special Education
A Master’s Degree in Special Education equips you with advanced knowledge of educational strategies and legal issues surrounding special education, making you an attractive candidate for positions in schools and nonprofits focused on inclusive education. This advanced degree often leads to higher earning potential and eligibility for leadership roles in educational settings.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
This certification signifies proficiency in applying behavioral analysis techniques to improve outcomes for learners with special needs, which is increasingly valued in both educational and clinical settings. Holding this certification sets you apart as someone who can effectively implement and evaluate interventions to enhance student behavior and learning.
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Certification
TESOL certification indicates your ability to teach English to non-native speakers, a skill that is increasingly necessary in diverse classrooms across the civilian sector. Having this credential expands your job opportunities in educational contexts that focus on English language learners, providing an edge in competitive job markets.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
As a PMP, you demonstrate your ability to manage complex educational projects and initiatives, valuable in both not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions. In a civilian role, this certification enhances your qualifications for positions that require planning, execution, and evaluation of educational programs and policies.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0639 Educational Therapist role to the private sector can be an enriching journey that offers new challenges and opportunities. As you take this significant step, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and a strategic plan. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this transition effectively.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Adapting to the private sector may require learning new systems and processes. View challenges as opportunities to grow and develop new skills. Your ability to adapt will be a key asset in this transition.
Shift from a Service to a Results Orientation: In the private sector, there is often a stronger focus on results and outcomes than on processes. Start thinking in terms of how your work impacts the bottom line, improves efficiency, or increases client satisfaction.
Be Open to Cultural Differences: The culture in private companies can differ significantly from federal structures. Prepare to encounter a faster-paced environment, a focus on innovation, and a more casual workplace culture. Embrace flexibility and be ready to adjust your approach accordingly.
Value Your Contributions: While you may feel your federal role sometimes limits creativity or innovation, recognize that the skills you've developed—therapeutic education design, individualized care, and program evaluation—are incredibly valuable to private employers.
Translating Your Experience: Tailor your federal position descriptions to align with private sector expectations. For example, rather than stating "provided educational therapy to assist students with disabilities," you might say "leveraged specialized therapeutic techniques to enhance learning outcomes for diverse student populations."
Use Quantifiable Achievements: Focus on concrete accomplishments. Include specific metrics where possible—"improved student engagement scores by X% over Y months" or "developed and implemented training programs reaching over Z staff members."
Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like project management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. These are essential in private industry and will showcase your ability to contribute effectively in various environments.
Simplify Language and Structure: Federal resumes typically include extensive details that are not necessary in the private sector. Use clear, concise bullet points, and avoid jargon and acronyms unless they’re widely recognized outside the federal context.
Custom Tailor Your Resume: Always customize your resume for each job application. Focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description, demonstrating how your background aligns with the private company's needs.
Preparation for Behavioral Interviews: Expect behavioral questions that evaluate how your past experiences relate to your potential future performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers:
Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers for typical questions in your field, and be ready to discuss your transition from federal to private sector work. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the new opportunities and how your background aligns with the role.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Research the company's values and culture. During the interview, share examples of how your personal values and work style align with theirs. Showing you're a good cultural fit can be as important as your technical skills.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, reflecting your interest in the organization and role. Inquire about their biggest challenges or goals for the coming year and how this position contributes to those aspects.
Tap into Existing Networks: Start by connecting with colleagues from your federal role who may have transitioned to the private sector. They can provide insights and possibly refer you to job openings.
Leverage LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn not just as a job search tool, but as a platform to build your professional brand. Share relevant content, engage with industry leaders, and participate in discussions related to education and therapy.
Attend Industry Events: Look for conferences, workshops, and seminars in your field of interest. These events can provide networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with others in the private sector.
Join Professional Associations: Becoming a member of professional associations associated with educational therapy can provide discussions, resources, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals currently working in your desired field. Request brief informational interviews to gather insights about their experiences and advice for someone transitioning into the private sector.
Understand the Language: Familiarize yourself with the terminology used in the private sector that mirrors your federal experience. For example, federal roles often emphasize compliance and regulatory terms, while private roles may focus more on customer service and satisfaction.
Focus on Impact Over Responsibility: In your descriptions, highlight the impact of your work rather than merely listing responsibilities.
Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs to bring your accomplishments to life. Words like "initiated," "coordinated," "developed," and "achieved" can create a more dynamic presentation of your experience.
Stay Professional but Relatable: While it’s important to maintain professionalism, making connections on a personal level in your language can help to convey your personality and fit for a corporate culture.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0639 Educational Therapist role to the private sector may seem daunting but remember that your skills and experiences are valuable. Embrace the process, be open to learning, and take proactive steps to present yourself effectively to potential employers. With determination and the right strategies, you will successfully navigate this transition and discover new and exciting opportunities ahead.