"But I'm Not Tech-Savvy!": Debunking the Myth That Teachers Need to Be Tech Experts to Become VAs
A worry I hear time and time again from teachers considering the leap to Virtual Assistant work, it's this: "But I'm not tech-savvy enough!" Let me tell you something - this belief is not only wrong, it's potentially costing you an incredible opportunity to transform your career.
The myth that VAs need to be coding wizards or tech gurus is just that - a myth. And as a UK teacher, you're already more prepared than you think.
You're Already More Tech-Savvy Than You Realise
Let's start with a reality check. If you've been teaching in the UK over the past few years, you've navigated:
Remote learning during lockdowns - Remember switching to Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom overnight? You adapted to virtual teaching when the entire education system pivoted.
School management systems - Whether it's SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom, you've mastered complex data entry and student tracking systems.
Interactive whiteboards and classroom tech - From SMART boards to iPads, you've integrated technology into your daily teaching.
Online assessment platforms - You've used everything from MyMaths to Kahoot to engage students digitally.
Email communication - You manage multiple email accounts, send attachments, and coordinate with parents, colleagues, and support staff daily.
If you can handle Ofsted preparation spreadsheets and navigate the ever-changing landscape of educational technology, you can absolutely handle VA tools.
The Real Tech Skills VAs Need (Spoiler: You Probably Already Have Them)
Here's what most VA work actually requires:
Email Management - You already juggle multiple inboxes, sort important messages, and respond professionally to various stakeholders.
Calendar Scheduling - Coordinating parent evenings, staff meetings, and cover lessons? You're already a scheduling pro.
Document Creation - From lesson plans to reports, you create and format documents regularly using Word, Google Docs, or similar platforms.
Data Entry and Organisation - Pupil progress tracking, attendance records, assessment data - you're constantly working with spreadsheets and databases.
Online Communication - You use Teams, email, and various school platforms to communicate with colleagues and parents.
Basic Social Media - Most teachers have at least a basic understanding of platforms like Facebook or Instagram, even if just for personal use.
These aren't advanced technical skills - they're everyday competencies you've developed through necessity in modern teaching. Not so scary, right?
The Learning Curve Is Gentler Than You Think
Yes, you'll need to learn some new tools as a VA. But here's the thing - they're designed to be user-friendly. Companies like Asana, Trello, Canva, and Mailchimp invest millions in making their platforms intuitive because they want regular business owners (not tech experts) to use them successfully.
Most VA tools have:
Step-by-step tutorials
Help centres with searchable guides
YouTube videos explaining every feature
Customer support teams ready to assist
Free trials so you can practice without pressure
Remember how you felt learning your school's new management system or adapting to a new online platform? It seemed daunting at first, but you figured it out. The same principle applies here.
Your Teaching Skills Are Your Secret Weapon
Your ability to learn and adapt - core teaching competencies - are far more valuable than simply having technical expertise. Here's why:
You're a Problem-Solver - When the interactive whiteboard crashes five minutes before a lesson, you adapt. When a student needs alternative access to materials, you find solutions. This resourcefulness is exactly what clients need.
You Can Learn Quickly - Teachers are lifelong learners by necessity. New curriculum changes, updated policies, fresh educational research - you're constantly upskilling. Learning new software is just another skill to add to your repertoire.
You Can Teach Others - Many VA clients need help understanding the tools and systems you'll set up for them. Your ability to explain complex concepts simply is invaluable.
You're Patient with Technology - You've helped countless students navigate online platforms and troubleshoot tech issues. This patience serves you well when learning new systems.
Start Where You Are, Build as You Go
You don't need to master every piece of software before starting your VA journey. Here's a sensible approach:
Level 1: Use What You Know Start by offering services using tools you're already comfortable with - email management, document creation, basic social media posting, or calendar coordination.
Level 2: Learn One New Tool at a Time Pick one new platform that aligns with services you want to offer. Spend some time exploring it and learning more. Once you're comfortable, add it to your service list.
Level 3: Specialise Based on Interest If you discover you enjoy graphic design, dive deeper into Canva Pro. Love project management? Explore Asana or Monday.com further. Let your interests guide your learning.
Bonus: Learn From Others, No Silly Questions Inside the VA Startup Success Mentorship Programme we walk our members through many of the essential VA tech tools mentioned in this blog, with plenty of opportunities to practice and ask questions of our expert VA team along the way.
What Clients Actually Want
Here's the truth most "tech-savvy" VAs don't want you to know: many clients don't need you to be a technical wizard. They care about:
Reliability - Will you deliver what you promise when you promise it?
Communication - Can you understand their needs and keep them informed?
Problem-solving - When something goes wrong, will you find a solution?
Attention to detail - Will you catch errors and maintain quality?
Professionalism - Do you conduct yourself appropriately in business settings?
These are all strengths you've developed as a teacher. The technology is just the vehicle - your professional skills are the engine.
The Bottom Line
The biggest barrier to your VA success isn't your technical ability - it's your belief about your technical ability. You've already proven you can master complex systems, adapt to new technology, and learn whatever is necessary to serve your students effectively.
Your teaching skills - communication, organisation, problem-solving, and the ability to learn quickly - are far more valuable than advanced technical knowledge. The tech skills you need are learnable, and many of them you already possess.
You don’t need any specialist experience beyond teaching to get your VA business started. On our very own Adventures After Teaching team, former Drama Teacher Nicola is now a fully-booked Tech VA, whilst ex Primary Computing Lead Sophie helps clients to sort out their socials.
So stop letting the "not tech-savvy enough" myth hold you back from pursuing a career that could offer you better work-life balance, increased income, and the freedom to use your skills in exciting new ways.
You've got this!
Ready to Get Started?
Teachers make AMAZING VAs so if you’re interested in starting a VA business, this career is more than achievable for you.
If you’d love a little support to begin your journey, the VA Mentorship Startup Success Programme was designed to break down the knowledge, the tools and the mindset needed to build a successful VA business over 6 months, getting you ready to take on your first clients with confidence.
You can find out more at our next FREE webinar and join the waitlist for our next cohort.
