Best Jobs for Ex-Teachers

Transitioning out of teaching doesn’t mean your skills and experience are any less valuable. In fact, the unique capabilities you’ve honed in the classroom can make you an exceptional candidate for a variety of roles in different sectors. This blog explores the top ten career paths for ex-teachers, shedding light on job titles, descriptions, average salaries, and essential qualifications where applicable.

Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers are vital in enhancing the skills and knowledge of a company’s workforce, aligning training programs with organizational goals.

• Average Salary: Data varies; please refer to salary research platforms like Glassdoor or Payscale for updated figures.
• Job Description: Design and deliver educational programs for employees, often focusing on new skills or technologies relevant to the business.
• Responsibilities: Creating training materials, conducting workshops, and evaluating program effectiveness.
• Required Education: Often a bachelor’s degree in a related field, though specific requirements can vary by employer.

Education Consultant

Education Consultants use their background in teaching to advise on curricular development, educational policies, and teacher training.

• Average Salary: Check recent listings on Indeed or LinkedIn for current numbers.
• Job Description: Work with educational institutions or organizations to improve teaching methods, curriculum, and student outcomes.
• Responsibilities: Analyzing educational data, developing instructional strategies, and guiding teacher professional development.
• Required Education: Typically requires a degree in education, curriculum design, or a related field.

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create educational programs and materials, leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences.

• Average Salary: Salaries can be researched on sites like Glassdoor or Salary.com.
• Job Description: Design and implement educational content and assessments, often for online or blended learning environments.
• Responsibilities: Collaborate with subject matter experts, develop course objectives, and integrate multimedia components.
• Required Education: Usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a similar area.

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers focus on the creation of educational content for schools, educational publishers, or online platforms.

• Average Salary: Varies by sector and experience; check current listings for details.
• Job Description: Develop and revise educational materials and curricula that align with learning standards and goals.
• Responsibilities: Researching educational standards, writing curriculum materials, and reviewing educational content for efficacy.
• Required Education: Often requires a degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field.

HR Learning and Development Specialist

These specialists focus on employee development, aligning training initiatives with business objectives.

• Average Salary: Look at current job postings on Indeed or LinkedIn for the most accurate information.
• Job Description: Plan and execute training programs within organizations to develop employee skills and knowledge.
• Responsibilities: Assess training needs, design training curricula, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is typically required.

Project Manager

Project Managers lead teams to complete projects on time, within budget, and to specifications, utilizing skills in organization and leadership honed in education.

• Average Salary: Specific figures can be found on salary research platforms.
• Job Description: Oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring goals are met and stakeholders are informed.
• Responsibilities: Planning project timelines, allocating resources, and managing team dynamics.
• Required Education: While some roles may require specific qualifications, many prioritize experience and project management certifications.

Non-Profit Program Coordinator

Working for a non-profit can be a fulfilling way to utilize teaching skills for community service and advocacy.

• Average Salary: Non-profit salaries vary widely; research specific roles for more accurate information.
• Job Description: Develop, implement, and assess programs that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Responsibilities: Grant writing, volunteer management, and program evaluation.
• Required Education: Often requires a bachelor’s degree, though the field can vary based on the organization’s focus.

Educational Technology Specialist

This role combines educational expertise with technology to enhance learning through digital means.

• Average Salary: Refer to specialized job boards or company postings for the latest data.
• Job Description: Implement and support technology integration in educational settings, including schools and businesses.
• Responsibilities: Training educators or employees on new technologies, troubleshooting tech issues, and evaluating new educational tools.
• Required Education: Typically requires a degree in educational technology, computer science, or a related field.

Career Counselor

Career Counselors help individuals understand their career options and paths, utilizing strong interpersonal and guidance skills.

• Average Salary: Current salary information can be found on career sites or job boards.
• Job Description: Provide counseling on career development, job search strategies, and educational opportunities.
• Responsibilities: Conducting assessments, developing career plans, and providing job search assistance.
• Required Education: Often requiresa master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create clear and concise manuals, guides, and documents, making complex information accessible to various audiences.

• Average Salary: Salaries can be researched on professional job sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor.
• Job Description: Develop technical documentation for products, services, or processes, tailored to the needs of the intended audience.
• Responsibilities: Researching product features, collaborating with technical staff, and editing technical content for clarity.
• Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, or a technical field.

Final Thoughts

Leaving teaching doesn’t mean leaving behind the skills and passions that made you a great educator. The roles highlighted above not only leverage the strengths of ex-teachers but also offer new challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re drawn to corporate training, curriculum development, or non-profit work, there’s a fulfilling career path waiting for you.

Sources

• Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
• Payscale: https://www.payscale.com/
• Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/

These websites are excellent resources for researching job titles, descriptions, and salary information.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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