The Best Jobs for Former Teachers
If you’ve already left the classroom or are desperate to leave, it can feel impossible to know where to begin when it comes to a new career. Here’s a list of jobs for former teachers or transitioning teachers that you can use as a starting point in your transition.
Before diving in, there’s something that I want to note. As you’re making this big life change, think about what you want from it.
Are you just looking for extra money? Then you want a side hustle.
Are you ready to leave the classroom? You want a new career.
Never want a boss again? You want to start your own business.
Whatever your focus is, Transitioning Teachers is here to help. For this particular post, we’re going to focus on finding jobs for former teachers.
Tutoring
Tutoring is a very lucrative and freeing shift from the classroom for many teachers. You’re an education expert, so you still get to use your knowledge. You also get to:
- help students achieve their potential
- set your own hours
- set your own salary
- work as much or as little as you want
- answer to only yourself
Tutoring is my number one recommendation because of all of the above, but you have one added benefit: you can start this career before you quit teaching. Build your business after school and on weekends, which is when tutors primarily work. Continue teaching until your tutoring income reaches your target, then exit the classroom.
Coaching
Coaching is a very broad term, but an easy shift for former teachers. Some of the fields that teachers have quickly moved into include:
- instructional coaching
- sports coaching
- parent coaching
- professional development
A great benefit to coaching is that there’s a lot of opportunity in education for coaches. This is one way you can leave the classroom but stay within your school or district if that’s something you’d like to do.
Course Instructor
“But wait, Nicole, isn’t that teaching?” Yes, friend, it is, but in a very different way.
Design a digital or in-person course on something you’re passionate about, and teach it! This can be very lucrative and satisfying because usually we don’t take time for our passions outside of teaching. It can be a great way to spark your creativity and joy again.
- cooking, art or craft classes
- parenting classes
- knitting or crocheting classes
The list is really endless. Take a hobby that you love and turn it into dollar signs!
Other Jobs for Former Teachers
There are a lot of other niche categories that end up being great jobs for former teachers. One of those is education (duh) publishers.
Many companies go out of their way to hire teachers, especially those who have used that company’s curriculum or resources and can speak to their successes.
If you’re interested in this route but still don’t know how to begin, start here! This is a list of 29 companies that love to hire teachers, as well as direct links to their career sites so you can just click and apply.
In summary…
There are a lot more jobs for former teachers out there than you think! Start here in this blog post to help you decide a path.
