Beyond the Classroom: Alternative Careers for Teachers
The skills that make teachers successful in the classroom are highly transferable and valuable in a wide array of industries. While managing a classroom can be uniquely challenging, the abilities honed in this environment translate to numerous other occupations. Faced with burnout and often inadequate compensation, many teachers are seeking alternative career paths. Fortunately, their passion for teaching and learning can be channeled into fulfilling roles outside the traditional classroom setting.
Why Teachers Seek Alternative Careers
Teachers are among the most dedicated professionals, but the demands of the job are increasing. Many are leaving traditional classrooms to prioritize their mental and physical well-being, as well as their work-life balance. While some leave the profession entirely, many seek roles where they can still utilize their teaching skills and subject matter expertise.
Transferable Skills That Open Doors
The skills teachers develop in the classroom are highly sought after in various industries. These include:
- Project Management: Teachers routinely lead projects, create, and implement plans.
- Communication: Teachers are skilled at communicating complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Curriculum Development: Teachers design and adapt curricula to meet the needs of their students.
- Assessment: Teachers evaluate student learning and provide feedback.
- Problem-Solving: Teachers address diverse challenges daily, from classroom management to individual student needs.
- Leadership: Teachers lead and motivate students, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Adaptability: Teachers adjust their teaching methods and strategies to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
These skills, when highlighted effectively, can make teachers strong candidates for positions in various fields.
Non-Teaching Roles Within Education Sector
For teachers who wish to remain connected to education without being in a traditional classroom, several options exist:
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Online Educator
Online education has become increasingly prevalent, offering teachers a less stressful alternative to the traditional classroom. Online educators can teach what they want and how they want. The pay may be lower than in traditional settings, but so is the stress.
- Average salary: $56,773
Instructional/Learning Designer
Instructional designers create courses, curricula, and training materials for various organizations. They focus on optimizing learning paths to be engaging and effective. These roles exist in education, government, and various businesses.
Learning and Development Trainer
Learning and development trainers are essentially in-house teachers for organizations. They design and deliver learning experiences to help employees upskill or onboard.
Educational Consultant
Educational consultants work with students, parents, or schools to assess learning needs, match students with appropriate educational settings, or improve educational programs. The day-to-day tasks depend on the type of clientele the consultant decides to focus on. For example, according to Walden University, consultants who work with students and parents assess the child’s learning style and needs, then match them to the best school.
E-Learning Developer
E-learning developers create programs and curriculum for virtual learning environments. They work closely with instructional designers, but are typically the ones who physically build out the e-learning programs.
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Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers create, review, and improve course content for educational, research, or government organizations.
- Median annual salary: $74,620 (as of May 2023)
Roles in Traditional Education Requiring Advanced Degrees
An MS in Education (MSEDU) can open doors to leadership and specialist roles within the traditional education sector, potentially increasing earning potential.
Principals and Vice Principals
Principals and vice principals oversee daily operations, student discipline, instructional quality, and teacher evaluations. The work environment often includes evenings or weekends to meet with parents and community members. Most states require principals to receive a specific principal, leadership, or administrator license, which typically requires a graduate degree, completion of a preparation program, and practical experience.
Superintendents
Superintendents serve as the chief executives of school districts, overseeing district budgets and major funding decisions while leading negotiations with boards or unions. The work environment often includes working beyond the typical school day.
Special Education Directors and Coordinators
Special education directors and coordinators ensure districts meet legal obligations while building systems that support students with disabilities. The work environment often includes central office planning, campus visits, and meetings.
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Curriculum Designers
Curriculum designers decide what gets taught and how by analyzing standards and evaluating existing programs.
Education Technology Specialists
These professionals operate at the intersection of pedagogy and technology, coaching teachers on learning platforms and digital devices.
Educational Publishers
In this sector, educators review manuscripts, map content to academic standards, and develop assessments for major publishing companies. The work environment is typically office-based or remote.
Program Directors
These directors manage programs for learners outside the traditional K-12 path, such as high school equivalency or professional certificates.
Career Paths Beyond Education
Teachers' skills and experience can be applied to a wide range of industries. Here are a few examples:
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers work in corporate or other professional settings to promote employee growth and development. They may train teams in person to develop their skills or create entire training programs used to teach and train employees. The career path of a corporate trainer can be rewarding for those with a passion for teaching.
- Average salary: $67,431
Tutor
Tutoring allows former teachers to tap into their expertise and build their own clientele. Experienced tutors can charge anywhere from $35 to $50 per hour.
- Average salary: $50,546
Technical Instructor
Technical instructors provide training in fields such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary science. They design curricula, encourage class discussion, and teach technical skills to students.
- Average salary: $100,401
Adult Education Teacher
These teachers work with adults who have not yet finished high school and are ready to get the skills to advance in their careers.
- Average salary: $55,882
Post-Secondary Teacher
Post-secondary teachers work in colleges, including community colleges, and universities. A master’s degree is often sufficient to work at the community college level, but a doctoral degree is necessary for a future at the university level.
- Average salary (community college): $53,988
Writer/Editor
Teachers with strong writing skills can find fulfilling careers as writers or editors. This could include writing for textbooks and other educational resources or pivoting to a career in journalism. Freelancing is an option for those who love to write and are willing to work hard to find writing gigs.
Content Creator
Content creators write informative web articles on specified topics, using skills like SEO to maximize their content’s reach.
- Average salary: $58,000
Copy Editor
Copy editors review text for accuracy, spelling, grammar, clarity, and more, ensuring that published work meets high standards.
- Average salary: $57,000
Journalist
Online newspapers and magazines are flourishing, offering opportunities for those who love to research, ask questions, and be in the middle of current events.
- Average salary: $81,000
Grant Writer
Nonprofit organizations depend on grant writers to craft the proposals that will win the funding they need. Grant writers need strong persuasive skills, as well as the ability to write clearly and collaboratively.
- Average salary: $56,800
Social Media Manager
This job requires creative flair along with a good understanding of the algorithms that govern social media sites behind the scenes.
- Average salary: $61,000
User Experience (UX) Designer
A User Experience (UX) Designer’s role is to make a product or service usable, enjoyable, and accessible-skills that teachers work on every day.
- Average salary: $94,472
Librarian
For those who love books and/or encouraging research or a love of reading, this position might be a good fit. Librarians select books and educational material for schools as well as business, law, and public libraries. Generally, you’ll need a master’s degree in library science (MLS).
- Average salary: $53,599
Data Scientist
Data scientists use technology and scientific methods to help businesses understand trends and patterns.
- Average salary: $109,000
Statistician
These mathematicians also look closely at data, but they’re more focused on learning the causes behind the raw information.
- Average salary: $124,000
Actuary
This career is all about performing risk assessments for insurance companies and other businesses.
- Average salary: $217,000
Bookkeeper
If you enjoy keeping meticulous records, especially of financial transactions, you’d probably make a terrific bookkeeper.
- Average salary: $64,000
Accountant
As an accountant, you take bookkeeping to the next level by interpreting a company’s financial data and providing strategic advice.
- Average salary: $86,000
Financial Planner
Put your skills to use advising others on investments, budgeting, retirement and estate planning, and tax strategies.
- Average salary: $173,000
Market Research Analyst
Companies perform market research to learn more about consumer preferences and buying trends.
- Average salary: $96,000
Logistics Coordinator
A logistics coordinator oversees a company’s goods and materials, managing their movement, storage, and usage.
- Average salary: $64,000
Tax Consultant
With a keen eye for detail and thorough understanding of the law, tax consultants help people and organizations ensure compliance while minimizing their tax liability.
- Average salary: $122,000
Educational Technology Consultant
There are several different ways in which an educational technology consultant helps schools and businesses.
- Average salary: $93,827
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Dietitians and nutritionists counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits.
- Average salary: $67,391
Health Coach
A health coach works to be a mentor and wellness authority to assist individuals in making food and lifestyle changes.
- Average salary: $60,599
Software Developer
Software developers design, create, and maintain software applications and systems.
- Average salary: $132,000
Lab Technician
Lab technicians assist scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals by preparing samples and conducting tests.
- Average salary: $50,000
Research Assistant
A research assistant expands on the duties of a lab tech, overseeing scientific research studies for academic institutions, medical facilities, or business organizations.
- Average salary: $52,000
Tips for Transitioning Careers
- Identify Transferable Skills: Recognize and articulate how your teaching skills translate to other industries. Consider using business jargon to frame your experience. For example, instead of saying "I managed a classroom," say "I led projects."
- Highlight Accomplishments: Focus on your achievements in the classroom and quantify them whenever possible.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific requirements of each job you apply for.
- Network: Connect with people in the industries you are interested in and seek their advice.
- Consider Further Education: Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue additional education or training.
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