Alternative Careers For Teachers

Introduction

Many teachers are seeking alternative careers that align with their skills, values, and work-life balance goals. Whether driven by burnout, a desire for more flexibility, or new passions, countless options are available for those ready to transition beyond the classroom.

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Overview:

1. 35 Alternative Careers For Teachers
2. Companies That Hire Former Teachers
3. Government Jobs For Teachers Outside Of Education
4. Best Jobs For Teachers Who Don’t Want To Teach

35 Alternative Careers for Teachers

Teachers develop valuable skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organization, making them ideal candidates for many industries. Below is a list of 35 careers where these skills are in demand:

Education & Consulting Roles:

1. Curriculum Specialist
2. Educational Consultant
3. Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
4. Instructional Designer
5. Academic Coach
6. College Admissions Consultant
7. Corporate Trainer
8. Standardized Test Developer

Creative & Writing Careers:

9. Freelance Writer or Blogger (Popular Post: Side Hustles for Teachers)
10. Content Creator (YouTube or Social Media)
11. Children’s Book Author
12. Grant Writer
13. Editor or Proofreader
14. Curriculum Writer for E-learning Platforms

Corporate & Remote Jobs:

15. Customer Success Manager
16. Sales Representative (EdTech)
17. Human Resources Specialist
18. Project Manager
19. Virtual Assistant
20. Online Tutor

Healthcare & Wellness Roles:

21. Counselor or Therapist
22. Sleep Consultant (Related Post: From Teaching to Sleep Consulting)
23. Doula or Birth Coach
24. Nutritionist or Health Coach

Entrepreneurial & Nonprofit Roles:

25. Small Business Owner
26. Nonprofit Program Manager
27. Life Coach
28. Real Estate Agent
29. Event Planner

Technology & Remote Work Opportunities:

30. UX Designer
31. Software Trainer
32. Data Entry Specialist
33. Social Media Manager
34. Learning and Development Specialist
35. E-commerce Store Owner

This list highlights fields where teachers can seamlessly transfer their experience and thrive in new roles. For teachers looking to stay flexible while making an impact, sleep consulting offers a particularly attractive option.

Companies That Hire Former Teachers

Here is The Ultimate Guide to Companies That Hire Former Teachers, offering a comprehensive list of employers across multiple sectors like EdTech, instructional design, consulting, and corporate training. These companies recognize the transferable skills teachers bring—such as communication, organization, and leadership—and provide a variety of roles to suit different professional goals.

1. EdTech and Online Learning Companies

• Khan Academy: Offers roles in content creation, curriculum development, and community management, allowing teachers to use their instructional expertise in a digital format.
• VIPKid: Provides online teaching roles, especially for former teachers looking to continue working with students remotely.
• Edmentum: Known for creating K-12 educational products, it offers roles in sales, customer success, and curriculum development.
• Amplify: Focuses on K-12 programs like literacy and math, hiring teachers to develop content and consult on instructional strategies.

2. Instructional Design and Consulting

• Pearson: Hires teachers for instructional design, content development, and training roles, helping to build standardized educational programs.
• Discovery Education: Employs former educators to work in customer success and training, leveraging their classroom experience to support school systems and product development.
• Powerschool: A leader in education technology, providing roles in consulting, support, and instructional design, ideal for teachers with an affinity for technology.
• eSpark Learning: Focuses on personalized learning tools and hires teachers for partnerships and product consulting roles.

3. Corporate Training and Development

• CDW: Offers roles as education strategists and sales consultants, connecting schools with technology solutions.
• Skill Struck: Provides positions that combine technology and education, making it a great fit for teachers transitioning into tech-related roles.
• BrainPOP: Employs educators to create engaging learning experiences and develop interactive lessons for K-12 students.

4. Nonprofits and Policy-Focused Organizations

• Teach for America: Hires former teachers in recruitment, policy advocacy, and leadership development roles to further its mission in educational equity.
• Renaissance Learning: Focuses on adaptive assessments and curriculum development, offering consulting and customer engagement roles.

5. Consulting and Hybrid Roles

• ClassLink: Simplifies access to digital learning tools and hires former teachers as consultants to help schools implement technology solutions.
• Newsela: Develops leveled news content for classrooms, hiring teachers to assist in content creation, curriculum alignment, and consulting.

Explore Additional Resources

Considering an entrepreneurial route? Check out From Teaching to Sleep Consulting. This could be the perfect path for teachers who want to start their own business while helping families improve their children’s sleep.

These companies are just a starting point, showcasing the range of opportunities available to teachers beyond the classroom. Whether you are interested in education technology, corporate training, or consulting, these roles provide a chance to apply your teaching expertise in new and exciting ways.

Government Jobs for Teachers Outside of Education

As a teacher, you possess highly transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, organization, and conflict resolution. These are highly sought after in various government sectors. Below are ten promising government roles where teachers can thrive outside of the classroom:

Recommended Roles

1. Public Policy Advisor
   Analyze, develop, and recommend policies in areas like education, health, or workforce development. Teachers’ experience in education policy makes them ideal candidates.
2. Training and Development Coordinator
   Design and conduct employee training programs within public organizations, applying instructional design skills in new settings.
3. Parks and Recreation Program Manager
   Oversee community events, sports programs, and youth outreach initiatives, building on experience coordinating school programs.
4. Educational Program Director in Government Agencies
   Lead public education programs at museums, libraries, or cultural institutions, using curriculum design skills to engage communities.
5. Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
   Teachers with multilingual abilities and cultural awareness can excel in roles involving international relations, representing their country abroad.
6. Study Abroad Program Coordinator
   Manage international student exchanges for government-funded programs, helping participants navigate cross-cultural experiences.
7. Child Welfare Specialist
   Advocate for children in foster care, monitor educational progress, and coordinate with schools, applying expertise in child development.
8. Public Affairs Specialist
   Manage communication campaigns for government agencies, leveraging presentation and public speaking skills honed in the classroom.
9. Grant Writer / Manager
   Write and manage grants for educational or community projects, drawing on organizational skills to secure public funding.
10. Community Engagement Coordinator
    Plan and implement outreach initiatives in underserved areas, fostering community involvement and partnership-building.

Looking for inspiration this summer? Teachers: How You Choose to Spend This Summer Break Could Change Your Future!

These government roles offer teachers a chance to leverage their expertise in new ways while contributing meaningfully to society.

Best Jobs for Teachers Who Don’t Want to Teach

Leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving behind your skills. Teachers develop abilities like communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving—qualities that translate seamlessly into various fields. Below are some of the most popular careers for teachers who want to transition out of education while still applying their expertise.

High-Potential Careers for Former Teachers

1. Sleep Consulting
   Teachers excel as sleep consultants by applying their teaching and coaching skills to guide families through sleep training challenges. This role offers flexibility and high earning potential.
   • Explore More: CPSM course
2. Academic Advisor
   Help students navigate college and career paths by drawing on your experience with advising and mentorship. Many universities offer remote or hybrid advisor roles, making this a natural next step for teachers.
3. Corporate Instructional Designer
   Instructional designers develop training programs for companies, using the same lesson-planning skills teachers use in the classroom. Corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies frequently hire for this role, with opportunities to work remotely.
4. Real Estate Agent
   Teachers’ ability to connect with diverse people and explain complex topics makes them excellent real estate agents. This role offers the freedom to set your own hours and work independently.
5. Private Tutor / Consultant
   If you still love teaching but prefer individualized work, private tutoring or education consulting offers a path to work directly with families or organizations.
6. Content Creator (YouTube / Blogging)
   Teachers’ presentation skills translate well to creating educational or lifestyle content on platforms like YouTube or blogs, providing an opportunity for passive income.
   • Watch: How Lauren Kalb Juggles Sleep Consulting, Teaching, and Growing Her Business

These roles allow teachers to transition out of education while continuing to make an impact and find meaningful, flexible work.

Conclusion

Transitioning out of teaching doesn’t mean leaving your skills behind—it’s about applying them in new and exciting ways. Whether you pursue corporate roles, consulting, or government work, the opportunities are endless. Becoming a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant offers an especially rewarding path that aligns with caregiving skills. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the CPSM course and begin building your dream career.

Learn about Becoming a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant:

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People Also Ask

What can I do with a teaching degree if I don’t want to teach?

A teaching degree provides skills that transfer well to many fields. Popular options include becoming an instructional designer, corporate trainer, academic advisor, or human resources specialist. Other careers in public relations, nonprofit management, or consulting also welcome educators due to their communication and organizational abilities.

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What is the best job for a former teacher?

The best job depends on your skills and interests. Common roles include instructional design, curriculum development, educational consulting, and real estate. Sleep consulting has also gained traction as a flexible, profitable career option—especially through programs like the CPSM course.

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How do you pivot out of teaching?

To pivot out of teaching, identify your transferable skills—like public speaking, organization, and leadership—and align them with roles in corporate training, customer success, or nonprofits. Tailor your resume to focus on relevant experiences, network with professionals outside education, and pursue certifications in fields of interest, such as instructional design or project management.

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Can a teacher switch careers?

Yes, teachers switch careers frequently by leveraging their communication, planning, and problem-solving skills. They often move into roles such as academic advising, educational consulting, or even into entirely new fields like sales, marketing, and real estate.

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How else can teachers make money?

Teachers can earn extra income through side hustles like tutoring, freelance writing, curriculum development, or coaching families as sleep consultants. Many teachers also create online courses or content on YouTube. Explore more ideas in our Side Hustles for Teachers guide.

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What is a second career for teachers?

Second careers for teachers include instructional design, human resources, educational consulting, and customer success management. Many educators also thrive in roles like training and development managers, content writers, or academic advisors.

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How to get out of the teaching profession?

To leave teaching, start by identifying your transferable skills and researching industries where they apply. Update your resume to highlight non-teaching accomplishments, network with professionals in other fields, and apply for positions in training, customer success, or nonprofits. Consider taking courses in areas like instructional design to expand your options.

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How to make extra money in the summer as a teacher?

During the summer, teachers can explore side gigs such as tutoring, teaching summer school, or curriculum development. Other options include freelance writing, real estate work, or starting a small business like sleep consulting. Check out our Pinterest pin: Teachers: How You Choose to Spend This Summer Break Could Change Your Future!.

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What is the best career change for a teacher?

The best career change depends on your goals, but popular options include becoming an instructional designer, corporate trainer, educational consultant, or real estate agent. Many teachers also pursue entrepreneurial careers, such as sleep consulting—a rewarding and flexible option through the CPSM course.