Alternative Careers for Teachers: Top Jobs for Former Educators

Alternative Careers for Teachers

As the landscape of the education sector evolves (again), many educators find themselves contemplating a career change. If this is you, and you'd like to learn more about the type of roles others are stepping into after leaving teaching, then read on.

The decision to leave a teaching job is often fueled by various factors, including burnout, limited career progression, and the pursuit of new opportunities. For early years specialist teachers, it can often be because the school has chosen to formalise learning too soon, which doesn't align with their values and beliefs around the merits and importance of play based learning. Lack of support, both in terms of staff ratios and also finances for resources, can have a huge impact on the physical and mental health of teachers who simply want to do their best for the pupils but are unable to do so due to issues outside of their control. The ever increasing cost of living means that many teachers can no longer afford to pay for resources out of their own pockets (as so many do) which makes teaching experiences limited and difficult. Many teachers, after starting a family, come to realise that the profession is not 'family friendly' in terms of hours, and the salaries of teachers simply don't cover the cost of childcare needed to undertake the role fully. This article explores alternative careers for teachers, highlighting the motivations behind their career transitions and the valuable skills they bring to new roles. It also includes a list of positions that real-life former teachers have moved into. 

Understanding the Need to Leave Teaching

Many teachers consider leaving the teaching profession due to burnout and stress. Reports indicate that a staggering 75% of teachers experienced stress in the last academic year, with 57% contemplating leaving their roles largely due to this overwhelming pressure. The intense workload, which often includes managing large class sizes and meeting performance targets, contributes to high turnover rates in the field. Additionally, many educators express a desire for higher earnings, feeling that their salaries do not adequately reflect their responsibilities. Career progression within the teaching career can often be slow, with only 10% of teachers moving into senior leadership roles, leading to dissatisfaction for those seeking to advance more rapidly. Furthermore, a lack of professional development opportunities (only 31% of teachers feel they receive adequate training) encourages many to seek alternative job options that foster growth and allow for the development of new skills.

I personally left my teaching career after the birth of my first child.

Reasons Why Teachers Consider Alternative Careers

For teachers looking to leave the classroom, understanding the core reasons behind their desire to transition is crucial. Many educators reflect on their motivations, which may include burnout, the pursuit of a healthier work-life balance, or the interest in tackling new challenges beyond the traditional teaching environment. The emotional and physical toll of the teaching profession is well-documented, with surveys indicating that 70% of teachers report negative impacts on their physical health and 60% on their mental well-being. Recognising these motivations can guide teachers in exploring alternative careers that align with their personal values and interests, such as tutoring or freelance opportunities in adult education. By leveraging their teaching skills and unique experiences,  teachers wanting to leave the profession can navigate a new career path that offers both fulfillment and financial stability.

Challenges Faced by Classroom Teachers

Like myself, many teachers encounter numerous challenges that often drive them to consider changing careers. It may not always be as extreme as a violent pupils (my own experience whilst pregnant)...the overwhelming workload, which frequently exceeds 50 hours per week, can hinder their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The pressures associated with managing large classes, meeting performance targets, and addressing challenging behaviors contribute significantly to the stress experienced by many teachers. Additionally, starting salaries for newly qualified teachers, typically around £28,000, are lower compared to other professions requiring similar qualifications, leading many educators to feel undervalued and financially strained. The constant shifts in educational policies and the increasing bureaucratic demands also add to the dissatisfaction within the teaching profession. With many teachers grappling with chronic health issues due to the demanding nature of their roles, it's no surprise that they seek alternative careers where they can utilise their skills and experience in a more fulfilling way.

The Importance of Identifying Your Motivations

For educators contemplating a career change, it is essential to identify the motivations driving your decision to leave teaching. Understanding whether the desire stems from burnout, a need for better work-life balance, or the quest for new challenges can significantly influence your next steps.

Reflecting on these motivations empowers you to explore alternative career options that not only match your skill set but also aligns with your personal and professional values. By recognising your transferable skills, such as strong communication, organisational abilities, and teaching strategies, as an educator you can confidently venture into new career paths that capitalise on your background in education. This self-awareness can ultimately help you navigate the job market more effectively and find roles that not only meet your financial needs but also reignite your passion for helping pupils and contributing to society.

Exploring Alternative Careers for Teachers

What jobs can I do if I leave teaching?

Popular Alternative Jobs for Teachers

There are numerous alternative careers for teachers that allow former educators to leverage their teaching skills in new environments. Roles such as corporate training enable educators to use their skill set in professional development, fostering learning in the workplace. Educational consulting is another popular option, where teachers can influence educational practices on a broader scale, helping schools and districts improve their curricula and teaching strategies. Moreover, private tutoring offers a more personalised approach to education, allowing former teachers to tailor lessons to meet individual pupil needs. Other notable roles include curriculum development, where teachers can create engaging educational materials. Each of these alternative jobs for teachers capitalises on the valuable skills and experience gained in the classroom, providing fulfilling career opportunities beyond traditional teaching. Curriculum content writing is a role that I have personally undertaken and found to be both financially rewarding and meaningful - creating lesson plans, content and resources for EYFS and KS1 pupils for a number of Ed-Tech companies. The only drawback being that as a freelancer, once a project is complete you are back to job searching again, which brings me onto...

Freelance Opportunities for Former Educators

Freelance opportunities present a flexible and rewarding avenue for teachers looking to change careers. Many educators find success in educational writing and editing, contributing their expertise to textbooks, online resources, and instructional materials. With earnings typically ranging from £20 to £60 per hour, educational writers can utilise their communication skills to create compelling content. Curriculum development is another sought-after freelance role, as educational companies frequently recruit former teachers to revise and innovate curricula. Online tutoring has also gained traction, offering the chance to work one-on-one with pupils while setting one's own rates and schedules, with earnings between £10 and £30 per hour. Additionally, educational consultants can command fees from £40 to £100 per hour, providing invaluable insights into teaching strategies and curriculum choices. These freelance career options not only offer financial flexibility but also allow you to maintain a connection to your passion for helping pupils succeed. As mentioned previously though - you need to make sure you have a financial safety net for those periods where work is harder to come by.

Careers in Tutoring and Educational Consulting

Private tutoring stands out as a highly flexible alternative career for teachers, enabling them to engage directly with pupils in specific subject areas. This personalised approach not only allows educators to utilise their teaching experience but also fosters meaningful relationships with their pupils.

Educational consultants, on the other hand, provide expert advice on curriculum development and effective teaching strategies, working closely with schools, districts, or educational companies to enhance educational outcomes.

Both tutoring and consulting careers allow former teachers to capitalise on their transferable skills, such as organisational abilities and interpersonal skills, while also maintaining a strong connection to the education sector. These career paths not only offer financial stability but also empower educators to make a significant impact on pupil learning and educational practices, ensuring that their transition beyond the classroom is both fulfilling and beneficial to the community they serve.

 

Alternative jobs for classroom teachers

What have other ex-teachers done next?

I asked this question in one of my teaching groups on Facebook, and here are some of the alternative job positions that teachers have secured once leaving the classroom:

• Play specialist in a hospital on a children’s ward
• Learning, teaching and assessment practitioner - BAE systems
• Civil service - DEFRA
• National Literacy Trust - project officer
• Hospice - family support and bereavement team
• Baby and toddler class franchise
• Online school - pastoral mentor
• Early help co-ordinator - local council
• Content writer/ editor - Twinkl
• Tutor agency
• Private online tutor
• Charity roles - mental health collaborative coordinator
• Psychotherapist - ( this person studied a PGDip in Counselling and Coaching at UEL but try the BACP website for courses across the UK)
• Work remotely for BUPA EAP
• Wellbeing coordinator at a care home
• Local authority SEND team
• E-learning content developer
• Portage home visitor
• Exam marking
• Working for exam board
• Family support worker (early help)
• Project officer - nhs
• Qualification monitoring and evaluation manager
• Art therapist
• Trainer for SEND provider
• Fostering support worker for LA
• Learning and development manager
• Children and Young People’s Care Co-Ordinator for a Primary Care Network in the NHS.
• Qualifications developer for NCFE
• Marketing and communications assistant
• Autism outreach worker - LA
• Admin officer - local gov agency
• Peer support worker in Perinatal mental health
• Data analyst after retraining with CodeFirstGirls sql and data kickstarter 8 week course (only 2 hours during 1 evening a week)
• Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
• NHS - trac jobs website
• Assistant psychologist -LA (Ed psych qual)
• Support and inclusion manager - LA
• Programme leader in ITT (found on the NASBTT website but keep an eye on the Best Practice Network, Ambition, NIoT, Teach First and equalitas or look at vacancies within your local uni, SCITT or teaching school hub.)
• Local authority in an education based role coordinating the EHE and CME team. 
• Instructional learning designer for Local council
• Talent development partner

Salary Expectations for Jobs for Former Teachers

Comparing Teacher Salaries with Alternative Careers

Many teachers find that alternative careers offer higher salaries compared to their teaching positions, which can often be a significant motivator for their decision to leave teaching. For instance, corporate trainers can earn between £30,000 and £50,000 annually, a notable increase when compared to the starting salary of newly qualified teachers, which, as mentioned previously, is around £28,000. In addition, educational consultants may earn between £40,000 and £70,000, while instructional designers typically see salaries ranging from £35,000 to £55,000. This discrepancy highlights the financial benefits of exploring jobs for former teachers, as many educators seek opportunities that better reflect their qualifications and the extensive skills they bring from their teaching experience.

High-Paying Jobs for Educators Transitioning Out of Teaching

High-paying jobs for ex teachers  range across various industries. Roles such as corporate trainer, educational consultant, and instructional designer are among the most lucrative options available. Corporate trainers, for example, can earn between £30,000 and £50,000, while educational consultants may see salaries climbing higher, reaching between £40,000 and £70,000. Instructional designers, who create educational materials and learning experiences, typically earn between £35,000 and £55,000, with potential for even higher salaries in specialised fields. Other high-paying options include project management and human resources management.

Factors Influencing Salary in New Careers

Several factors influence salary in new careers for former teachers, including the specific industry, level of experience, and the demand for particular skill sets. For instance, roles in corporate training and educational consulting often offer higher salaries due to the specialised knowledge required and the significant impact these positions have on organisational success. Moreover, the ability to leverage transferable skills from teaching, such as communication, leadership, and organisational skills, can enhance earning potential in new careers. As educators transition into these roles, understanding market demands and aligning their qualifications with industry needs can lead to more lucrative opportunities, ensuring that their career change is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Leveraging Teaching Skills in New Careers

Transferable Skills from Teaching

Former teachers possess a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued in other industries. These skills include exceptional communication and presentation abilities, honed through years of engaging with diverse groups of pupils. Moreover, teachers are experts in curriculum development, allowing them to create structured learning experiences that resonate in corporate training environments. Leadership and team management are also key strengths, as teachers often lead classrooms and collaborate with colleagues. Problem-solving abilities, developed through addressing classroom challenges, and strong organisational skills, essential for effective lesson planning, translate seamlessly into project management roles. Additionally, the capacity to assess performance and provide constructive feedback is a highly sought-after asset in many professional settings, making former educators valuable hires in various sectors.

How to Highlight Teaching Experience in Job Applications

When transitioning to a new career, it's essential  to effectively highlight your teaching experience in job applications. This can be achieved by tailoring resumes and cover letters to emphasise relevant skills and accomplishments, using industry-specific language that resonates with potential employers.

 Focusing on transferable skills such as communication and organisational abilities helps frame teaching experience in a new light. Providing specific examples of successful projects or initiatives, such as innovative lesson planning or community engagement, can demonstrate the impact of your teaching experience in a corporate context. Additionally, showcasing interpersonal skills developed in the classroom can help you to stand out, illustrating your capability to work well in team-oriented environments.

Expert Advice for Career Transitions

Expert advice for teachers considering a career transition includes conducting self-assessments to identify strengths and motivations. Understanding one's qualifications and the unique skill set they bring from their teaching background is crucial. Researching potential career options, such as roles in education consulting or corporate training, can provide clarity on viable paths. Networking with professionals in desired fields can yield valuable insights and job opportunities. Seeking mentorship from those who have successfully made similar transitions can offer guidance and encouragement. Furthermore, continuous learning through relevant courses or obtaining certifications can enhance employability and build confidence in new roles, ensuring a smoother transition from the classroom to the corporate world.

Career Ideas for Former Teachers

Innovative Paths for Educators

As discussed above, innovative career paths for ex-teachers include roles in instructional design, educational consulting, and corporate training. These positions allow educators to utilise their teaching skills in new ways while contributing to the development of training programs and educational materials. Many teachers find fulfillment in content writing, where they can share their expertise through articles and textbooks. Additionally, curriculum development roles enable teachers to apply their lesson planning experience to create engaging and effective educational resources. Positions in human resources or project management also allow former educators to leverage their organizational and leadership abilities, making these career choices both rewarding and impactful.

Networking and Resources for Career Changes

Networking is crucial for teachers considering career changes, as it can provide valuable insights and job opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reconnecting with former colleagues can help build a supportive network. Online platforms like LinkedIn are also effective for networking, allowing educators to showcase their skills to potential employers and connect with industry professionals. Utilising resources such as career coaches or online forums can further assist teachers in navigating the job market. These connections not only offer guidance but may also lead to job openings that align with their qualifications and aspirations, making the transition to a new career path more manageable.

Personal Development and Skill Enhancement

Personal development and skill enhancement are vital for former teachers transitioning to new careers. Engaging in continuous learning through online courses, workshops, and professional development opportunities can help educators acquire the necessary skills for their desired roles. For instance, learning about instructional design or project management can open doors to new job opportunities. Additionally, seeking feedback from mentors or peers can provide valuable insights and support throughout the transition process. Emphasising the importance of adaptability, educators can harness their teaching experience to embrace new challenges and grow professionally, ensuring that they are well-equipped for their next career endeavor.