One of the biggest challenges of working as a professional learning specialist or trainer for educational companies is learning to navigate the ebb and flow of the school calendar. And let me tell you—April, May, and July can be tough.
In those months, professional development work often slows down a lot. Schools are in testing mode, teachers are wrapping up their year, and districts are focused on logistics, not learning. I learned—sometimes the hard way—that if you don’t plan ahead, you can find yourself staring at an empty calendar and a dry bank account.
But the good news? This cycle is predictable, and with some thoughtful prep, you can ride it out without panic.
Here are my top tips for managing the seasonal slowdown as an education consultant or contractor:
🔁 1. Track Trends Year Over Year
Keep a log of which months are slowest for you and how much work you typically have. This will help you predict your “dry spells” and avoid overcommitting in your busy months out of fear.
💵 2. Budget Like a Boss
Treat your high-income months like teachers treat June paychecks—stretch them. Save intentionally during your busiest times (January–March, June, and August–October) so the slower months don’t create unnecessary stress.
🧠 3. Use the Downtime Strategically
The slow months are a gift if you use them well. This is your chance to:
- Update your resume or portfolio
- Learn a new tool or platform
- Create new training content or templates
- Explore new income streams (like course creation or coaching)
📬 4. Stay Top-of-Mind
Even when schools aren’t booking PD, it doesn’t mean they aren’t planning. Use this time to:
- Reach out to old contacts with updates on your availability
- Send a short newsletter or LinkedIn post to share what you’re working on
- Schedule intro calls for summer or back-to-school planning
📚 5. Diversify Your Work Streams
If you rely only on live PD gigs, you’re vulnerable to seasonal dips. Look into:
- Virtual training options
- Instructional design contracts
- Curriculum development projects
- Edtech coaching or onboarding work
The more you diversify, the more consistent your income and schedule will be.
🧭 6. Trust the Cycle
April and May can make you question everything. July can feel like a black hole. But the work always picks back up in August and September. Now that I know what to expect, I don’t panic. I plan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re stepping into this world, don’t let the slower months catch you off guard. The work is meaningful and flexible—but it takes strategy.
You’re running a business now, and part of that means forecasting, planning, and making smart choices so your career works for you.
And if you’re just starting out or feeling unsure, I recommend checking out Teacher Transition. I’m proud to be an affiliate because they offer real-world guidance and a supportive community for educators moving into consulting, training, and L&D work.
You can do this—and you don’t have to do it alone.
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More than a Teacher 