10 of the Best Careers for Former Teachers

Are you a former teacher contemplating your next career move? Whether seeking a complete change, taking a temporary break, or easing into retirement, individuals with teaching experience can choose from numerous opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best careers for former teachers. We’ll highlight your transferable skills, and provide tips for getting started.

10 New Careers for Former Teachers

Former teachers possess a diverse set of skills that make them well suited for various career paths. These skills – from communication and organization to creativity and adaptability – are highly valued across different industries. So whether you want to stay in education or move into a new field, explore our top 10 career ideas.

1. Instructional Design

Instructional designers use their advanced tech skills to create engaging educational materials and learning experiences catered to diverse audiences. Whether they’re involved in interactive videos or online courses, instructional designers work tirelessly to ensure that learning is practical and fun.

The skills needed for instructional design include:

• Curriculum development: understanding popular learning models, and knowing how to create engaging learning content
• Technology proficiency: having the ability to use (or learn how to use) design tools, learning management systems (LMSs), and presentation tools
• Creativity: being familiar with storytelling techniques and visual design principles
• Project management: knowing how to organize your time, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Communication: being able to collaborate effectively with your team

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in instructional design, there are a few steps you can take:

• Explore online courses or certification programs in instructional design. They can provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of the field.
• Familiarize yourself with LMSs, which are used to deliver and manage online courses and materials.
• Consider building a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. This can include examples of instructional materials you’ve designed while teaching and any relevant projects or assignments you’ve completed.

2. Corporate Training

Corporate trainers design and deliver employee educational programs, focusing on skills development and professional growth within organizations.

The skills needed to be a corporate trainer include:

• Training delivery: knowing how to structure material in a coherent manner, engage an audience, and ensure that information is communicated clearly and comprehensively
• Interpersonal skills: being able to build rapport, understand the needs of learners, and effectively address any questions or concerns that may arise during training sessions
• Media and digital literacy: being able to critically evaluate digital resources and incorporate them into training materials
• Adaptability: understanding how to meet different audiences’ diverse learning needs and adjust training based on feedback and unexpected challenges
• Organization: having the ability to manage schedules, and ensure that all necessary materials and resources are prepared and accessible to participants
• Problem-solving: being able to quickly identify and address issues as they arise, thereby minimizing disruptions to the learning process
• Presentation skills: knowing how to speak confidently and clearly, using visual aids and storytelling to enhance learner comprehension and retention

To become a corporate trainer, you can do the following:

• Look for volunteer work, internships, or mentoring programs. These will provide you with hands-on experience and help you establish connections with industry professionals.
• Consider obtaining relevant certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills. Some examples include the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance and the Certified Training Professional.
• Networking with experienced professionals in the field can also be beneficial for building relationships and gaining valuable insights and advice.

3. Educational Consulting

Educational consultants provide guidance to schools and other educational organizations on issues such as curriculum development, assessment, and teacher training. They also work with government bodies, textbook producers, and nonprofit charities.

The skills you need to be an educational consultant include:

• Analytical thinking: the ability to assess data, trends, and research findings to identify patterns, share insights, and highlight areas for improvement within educational systems or institutions
• Communication: knowing how to convey insights, analyses, recommendations – which can come from reports, proposals, presentations, or meetings – clearly and persuasively to clients and stakeholders
• Problem-solving: being able to identify underlying issues, develop innovative solutions, and implement strategies that drive positive change
• Subject matter expertise: having knowledge of curriculum development, assessment practices, or educational technology. This allows you to provide informed recommendations and guidance to clients based on best practices and research in the field

To become an educational consultant, consider the following:

• Your teaching degree is already a good start! Get specific and obtain certification in education policy, curriculum development, or instructional design. 
• Attend conferences to meet people in the field.
• Gain experience by offering services such as freelance curriculum development or teacher training.

4. Curriculum Development

Curriculum developers design and implement educational programs. They work with educators, administrators, and subject matter experts to create comprehensive and engaging educational experiences. They also ensure that these align with industry standards, learning objectives, and student needs. You will conduct research to inform your work then develop course content, instructional materials, and assessments.

The skills you need to be a curriculum developer include:

• Analytical and critical thinking: having the ability to assess the existing curriculum, identify areas for improvement, and develop new instructional materials and teaching strategies
• Content expertise: knowing how to ensure that the curriculum is accurate and comprehensive, and that it aligns with relevant educational standards and learning objectives
• Attention to detail: ensuring that all aspects of the curriculum, including instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities, are carefully designed and implemented. For example, checking for accuracy and consistency
• Collaboration: being able to facilitate communication and incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum development process
• Creativity: having the ability to design engaging and effective instructional materials and activities that capture the interest of learners and promote meaningful learning experiences

To become a curriculum developer, consider the following:

• Explore opportunities with educational publishers, nonprofits, or online learning platforms.
• Take curriculum design and assessment courses to prepare for instructional design, curriculum development, and assessment roles. Naturally, having a degree in education can help you stand out to potential employers. It gives you a solid foundation in pedagogy and educational theory.

5. Tutoring or Academic Coaching

Tutors are crucial in helping students achieve their academic goals. Tutors provide personalized, one-on-one assistance to students who want extra help understanding course material, completing assignments, or improving their study skills.

The skills you need to be a tutor include:

• Patience: knowing how to provide support and guidance in a calm and understanding manner that allows students to learn at their own pace
• Empathy: having the ability to build rapport with students, making them feel heard and supported, and motivating them to overcome obstacles 
• Subject matter expertise: being able to provide accurate explanations, clarify concepts, and offer insights that help students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in the subject – and even passion for it
• Communication: being able to convey information clearly, answer questions, and provide feedback in a way that is easily understandable to students

To become a tutor, you can do the following:

• Determine your target audience and subject areas of expertise. You can advertise your tutoring services through various online platforms, such as social media and tutoring websites, or through local networks, such as schools and community centers.
• You may consider obtaining tutoring certifications, which can provide credibility and help you stand out among other tutors. Examples include the National Tutoring Association certification, the College Reading and Learning Association certification, and the Association for the Tutoring Profession certification.

6. Writing

A broad range of opportunities exist for aspiring writers. For example, content writing, technical writing, and bid writing. In general, writers need to be strong communicators who can engage, persuade, or inform their target audience.

The skills you need to be a writer include:

• Writing proficiency: knowing how to produce clear, coherent, and engaging content; this skill encompasses grammar, vocabulary, and style 
• Research skills: having the ability to locate credible sources, evaluate their reliability, and extract relevant information from them to enrich your writing 
• SEO knowledge: having the ability to optimize content with relevant keywords, meta tags, and other strategies to improve visibility and ranking on search engine results pages, ultimately driving more traffic to your work
• Time management: being able to plan and prioritize tasks; allocate sufficient time for research, drafting, editing, and revising; and manage workload efficiently to deliver projects on time without sacrificing quality

If you’re looking to establish a writing career, take the following into account:

• Developing a portfolio showcasing your writing skills is crucial. To do this, compile a collection of your best work and organize it into an easy-to-read format.
• Consider taking writing courses or workshops to expand your knowledge and improve your writing abilities. These courses can be online or in person; you can find them through various educational institutions and writing communities.
• You can also explore freelance writing opportunities on content platforms, such as Upwork or Fiverr. Don’t be afraid to network and connect with other writers, editors, and publishers; they can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

7. Proofreading and Editing

Proofreaders and editors review written content to ensure it’s free of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. In addition to checking for accuracy, proofreaders and editors ensure that the content is written in a consistent and appropriate tone of voice, and that it’s engaging and easy to read.

The skills you need to be a proofreader and/or an editor include:

• Attention to detail: having the ability to meticulously review every aspect of the text, including typography, spacing, and styling consistency, to ensure that the final product is polished and error-free
• Grammar proficiency: being able to identify and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors and ensure that the text adheres to a preferred style guide
• Time management: having the ability to effectively allocate time to review the entire document thoroughly, identify errors, and make necessary revisions, without missing any deadlines
• Critical thinking: knowing how to critically analyze the text to identify inconsistencies, ambiguities, and areas for improvement in organization, structure, and argumentation

To become a proofreader and/or an editor, you can do the following:

• Enhance your proofreading and editing skills by taking online courses or workshops. Many offer resources and personalized feedback to ensure you get the best out of them. Here are some examples of best proofreading and copy editing courses to help you get started. 
• Offer your services on freelancing platforms or to local businesses and gain testimonials to boost your portfolio.

8. Educational Technology Specialist

Educational technology experts specialize in integrating technology into classroom instruction. They work closely with educators to provide effective training and support in using educational software and tools. In addition, they evaluate and select appropriate educational technology resources that align with the learning goals of the school or institution.

The skills you need to be an educational technology specialist include:

• Technology proficiency: being able to effectively select, implement, and support users with educational technology solutions that enhance teaching and learning outcomes
• Training delivery: knowing how to design and deliver engaging and informative training sessions that empower educators to integrate technology into their instruction effectively. This includes explaining technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner and providing hands-on opportunities for practice and application
• Instructional design: being able to design and sequence learning activities, assessments, and resources that leverage technology to support diverse learning needs and preferences
• Problem-solving: being able to identify the root causes of problems, implement appropriate solutions, and provide ongoing support to educators and students to ensure smooth technology integration and use

To become an educational technology specialist, you may do the following:

• Explore online courses or certifications. These can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and tools in educational technology. Programs may explore how to integrate technology into the classroom effectively, using LMSs, and using data to measure student progress.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in the education sector. Attend industry conferences, joining associations, or following thought leaders and educators working on cutting-edge projects.
• Seeking opportunities to collaborate with schools or educational organizations can be valuable in gaining hands-on experience and building your network. Such responsibilities can involve volunteering your time to help with technology-related initiatives, offering your expertise to local schools or nonprofits, or participating in online communities or forums where educators share ideas and best practices. By working with others in the field, you can learn from their experiences and gain insights that will help you become a more effective educational technology professional.

9. School Administration

School administrators play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of educational institutions. They oversee and manage the school’s daily operations, including maintaining discipline, ensuring student safety, and providing a healthy learning environment that maximizes student success. School administrators also play a critical role in ensuring compliance with educational policies and regulations. For example, curriculum standards, state and federal laws, and budgetary requirements.

The skills you need to be a school administrator include:

• Leadership: being able to provide direction, make strategic decisions, foster a positive school culture, and promote continuous improvement and innovation in educational practices
• Communication: knowing how to convey information, set expectations, and explain initiatives clearly and transparently to staff, students, parents, and the broader community
• Organizational management: being able to efficiently allocate resources, establish and maintain systems and processes, and ensure that all administrative functions are carried out effectively to support the school’s mission and objectives
• Decision-making: having the knowledge and confidence to make decisions about hiring staff, allocating resources, setting policies, and responding to crises or challenges. Effective decision-making involves gathering relevant information, analyzing options, considering potential outcomes and consequences, and making informed and timely decisions that align with the best interests of students and the school community

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in educational leadership or administration, one of the most effective ways is to obtain certifications. These include a master’s degree in educational administration, a doctoral degree in educational leadership, or an Educational Specialist degree.

10. Nonprofit Organization Worker

Many former teachers seek a job as fulfilling as teaching. Working for a nonprofit organization can offer them the chance to satisfy their desire to help others. A variety of job openings in nonprofit organizations are available to former teachers. For instance, roles such as communications officer, accounts manager, and digital media specialist.

Former teachers possess many transferable skills, but the general talents you need to work at a nonprofit organization include:

• Interpersonal skills: having empathy, strong active listening skills, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, clients, and community partners. Strong interpersonal skills help foster trust, cooperation, and positive working relationships within the organization and with external stakeholders
• Communication: being able to communicate in a way that boosts organizational visibility and engagement. Good communication also helps in fundraising efforts, volunteer recruitment, community outreach, and advocacy campaigns
• Empathy and cultural competence: knowing how to build trust, foster inclusivity, and ensure that programs and services are responsive to the unique needs of diverse populations

To get started in this line of work, you can do the following:

• Identify roles in the nonprofit sector that match your strengths and interests.
• Gain practical experience by volunteering or interning with nonprofit organizations. 
• Network with professionals in the field and consider relevant educational opportunities. Utilize online resources and networking connections for your job search.
• Prepare for interviews by researching organizations, tailoring your application materials, and showcasing how your skills align with the organization’s mission.

Becoming a Freelancer

Ready to embark on a new career journey? Our courses can help former teachers like you launch flexible, rewarding careers in proofreading and editing, content writing, and more. Take the first step toward your next adventure today!

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