Find a Job You Really Want In
Changing careers is increasingly common, particularly for educators. Whether you’ve discovered that traditional teaching isn’t for you or you’re experiencing burnout, seeking a new job is a valid choice. Fortunately, the skills you’ve developed as a teacher can be leveraged in a variety of fulfilling roles beyond the classroom.
We’ve compiled a list of 21 alternative career paths for teachers to streamline your job search.
Key Takeaways:
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The top three alternative jobs for teachers are substitute teacher, librarian, and school administrator.
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Essential skills to highlight on your resume include communication, organization, and leadership/management.
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Most of these roles require at least a high school diploma or GED, with many necessitating a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications.
21 Alternative Jobs for Teachers
If you’re contemplating a career change, embrace your creativity and pursue your passions. For those seeking inspiration, continue reading for a range of options.
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Substitute Teacher
Average Annual Salary: $33,000Becoming a substitute teacher offers flexibility while allowing you to remain in the educational environment without full classroom responsibilities. This role can also help you explore other career interests.
Requirements: A GED or bachelor’s degree, a substitute teaching license if mandated by your state, and a successful background check.
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Librarian
Average Annual Salary: $50,000Working as a librarian, whether in a school or community library, allows you to support learning and growth without traditional classroom responsibilities. You will collect, organize, and manage library resources.
Requirements: A master’s degree in library science accredited by the American Library Association.
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School Administrator
Average Annual Salary: $57,000If you want to stay connected to a school environment without teaching, consider becoming a school administrator. This role focuses on overseeing the administrative functions of educational institutions.
Requirements: Typically requires a master’s or doctoral degree and teaching experience.
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Personal Trainer
Average Annual Salary: $38,000As a personal trainer, you can apply your teaching skills to coach individuals toward their health and fitness goals. This role is perfect for those seeking part-time opportunities.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED, AED/CPR certification, and a fitness specialty certificate.
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Guidance Counselor
Average Annual Salary: $47,000Guidance counselors work in educational settings but focus on supporting students on a personal level. This role enables you to interact with students without traditional teaching responsibilities.
Requirements: Typically requires a master’s degree and a counseling license.
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Non-Traditional Teaching
Average Yearly Salary: N/AIf you’re seeking a new pace, consider teaching in alternative settings, such as online courses or adult education programs.
Requirements: Completion of an alternative teacher preparation program may be necessary in most states.
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Community Center Class Instructor
Average Yearly Salary: N/ALocal community centers often seek instructors for various classes. If you have a talent or skill to share, this can be a fulfilling opportunity.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED and possibly an associate’s or bachelor’s degree depending on the employer.
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Museum Tour Guide
Average Annual Salary: $28,453For those with a background in history, art, or science, working as a museum guide allows you to educate others while utilizing your expertise.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED, relevant work experience, and a degree in a related field may enhance your prospects.
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Writer
Average Annual Salary: $57,000Transitioning to a writing career is a natural choice for English teachers. You can explore various genres, including novels, blogs, and articles across multiple industries.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism is typically required, along with writing samples.
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Camp Director
Average Annual Salary: $40,000Managing a summer camp calls for strong organizational and communication skills, making this an ideal fit for former teachers.
Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in camp management or a related field, along with relevant experience.
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Life Coach
Average Annual Salary: $38,105As a life coach, you can guide individuals toward achieving their goals. This role allows you to continue mentoring others while working independently or within an agency.
Requirements: While formal qualifications aren’t mandatory, many life coaches have backgrounds in mental health or counseling.
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Senior Human Resources Representative
Average Annual Salary: $70,000Human resources involves training and problem-solving, skills that translate well from teaching. You’ll interact with job applicants and employees, assisting them as needed.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is usually required, and some roles may ask for office experience.
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Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: $56,000Sales roles, particularly in wholesale, allow you to leverage your organizational and motivational skills. This sector provides opportunities for growth and financial rewards.
Requirements: Previous experience in sales and strong customer service capabilities.
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Instructional Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: $48,000As an instructional coordinator, you’ll oversee and enhance educational curriculums and teaching methodologies, allowing you to impact education from a different perspective.
Requirements: A master’s degree and teaching experience are typically necessary.
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Curriculum Designer
Average Annual Salary: $57,000Curriculum designers create educational programs that facilitate learning, drawing on their teaching experiences to produce effective and organized materials.
Requirements: Many positions require a master’s degree and a teaching certificate, along with classroom experience.
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Test Developer
Average Annual Salary: $82,000As a test developer, you will design assessments that accurately measure student progress, contributing to the improvement of educational systems.
Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field is often necessary.
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Radiologic Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Dental Hygienist
Average Annual Salary: $49,023These healthcare roles involve educating patients about their health and treatment options, making it a suitable fit for former teachers.
Requirements: Each pathway has its own training program that typically requires one to two years to complete, often only necessitating an associate degree.
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Postsecondary Teacher
Average Yearly Salary: N/ATeaching at the postsecondary level can be a natural progression for teachers, though it often requires an additional degree. This role offers more flexibility and opportunities for research and higher-level education.
Requirements: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is typically required, while some community colleges may accept a master’s degree.
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Psychologist
Average Annual Salary: $72,000Becoming a psychologist requires further education but opens up numerous opportunities to help individuals, including working as a school psychologist.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in psychology is generally required, with many positions needing a master’s or doctorate.
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Social Worker
Average Annual Salary:$51,000Passionate about helping others? Social work provides a variety of opportunities to assist individuals in need, whether in a community center, nursing home, or school.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in social work is typically needed.
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Corporate Trainer
Average Annual Salary: $54,000Corporate training roles involve engaging and motivating employees, often requiring travel to different company locations.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is generally expected, with some positions requiring advanced degrees.
Marketable Skills Teachers Have
As a teacher, you possess numerous skills that are highly sought after by employers. Be sure to showcase these on your resume, in your cover letter, and during interviews to demonstrate your value.
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Communication: Your ability to convey information effectively to diverse audiences is invaluable in any industry.
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Organization: Your experience in managing time, space, and workload makes you a reliable employee capable of meeting deadlines.
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Continual Learning: Your commitment to personal and professional growth is appealing to recruiters looking for motivated candidates.
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Management/Leadership: Skills in conflict resolution, team creation, and motivation set you apart as a leader.
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Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues and students demonstrates your ability to be a team player.
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Self-Motivation: Your ability to manage your own workload and initiatives is highly valued in the workplace.
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Subject Expertise: Your specialized knowledge can lead to opportunities in related fields, such as tutoring or educational consulting.
Alternative Jobs for Teachers FAQ
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What can teachers do besides teach?
Teachers can transition into roles such as school administration or guidance counseling, allowing them to remain in educational environments. Additionally, careers like writing and corporate training leverage their communication skills effectively.
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How do you get out of teaching and into another career?
Identify your transferable skills and explore how they apply to new careers. Research the qualifications needed for your desired role and ensure you meet them before transitioning.
Author
Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.
