Skip to Content

The Top 14 Best Career Change for Teachers in 2024

Remember the time when you first decided you wanted to be a teacher? You perhaps have loved a specific subject and wanted to share your passion with the world.

Unfortunately, the reality of the teaching profession may have turned out to be so different. So different to the point where you are not enjoying what you’re teaching anymore. You’re not alone—many classroom teachers are looking for ways to either stay in the education field but not as a teacher, or are looking for a whole new shift in professional development.

If you feel the need to make a career change, fear not. As a teacher, you’ve developed plenty of transferable skills in order to interact with students, and you can utilize them in other professions, whether you’ve worked in a private school or public schools.

Your teaching degree, master’s degree, and the teaching skills you’ve learned are still so valuable. Here are some job ideas below just in case if you’re looking for a new career path.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng

Best Career Change for Teachers

1) Tutor 

Alright, I get it – tutoring is perhaps a secondary option for former teachers because it is a related field. But in reality, the skill sets required can be different. Think of it as being more of an educational consultant.

Instead of facilitating a whole class, you are providing tailored services to different students in a specialized subject. Everyone who signs up for tutoring has a different goal in mind as well, and if you find that you’re more comfortable working individually with the students, tutoring is perhaps a good option for you. 

2) After School Program Coordinator 

Since you’ve worked with children as a teacher, you can put those skills into use as an after school program coordinator. In this position, you’ll be supervising staff, preparing snacks, and doing arts and crafts activities.

You still get to interact with kids, just in a different way. And best of all – you won’t have to spend your weekends writing report cards or lesson plans.

3) Exam Evaluator/Marker 

If you prefer the administrative aspect of teaching, you can perhaps try to find a gig as an exam evaluator. The SATs and ACTs need to be marked by someone, after all. You may be able to stay within the same school districts you’ve worked in, too.

Moreover, there are plenty of subjects for evaluation, ranging from math, science, all the way to writing. So, you can utilize multiple skill sets in this position. 

4) Technical Writer 

If you consider yourself an expert in a specific subject, why not showcase your expertise through writing?

After all, you would have to utilize communication skills in order to teach your preferred subject, whether that would be to students or to a broader audience.

Technical writing is a growing field, especially in education. Technical writers are in high demand. Every classroom will need a guide or textbook for the students to learn from. And you can be the one to create it. 

5) Youth Worker 

Did you enjoy interacting with the students, but did not enjoy the formal aspect of working in a classroom?

For a more informal environment, consider becoming a youth worker. This is a great way to interact with young people more on a one-to-one basis, plan different activities with them, and learn more about current trends amongst the younger generation.

Your teaching experience will not be wasted.

6) Residence Counselor 

Similar to the youth worker position, you can also utilize your communication skills and the knowledge that you gained through teaching as a residence counselor which is different than a school counselor.

Many boarding schools will often hire for this position, as they need staff to monitor the students in residence throughout the evening.

Moreover, you get a free room to live in for a year as well. And you may also be able to eat free food from the cafeteria too. 

Photo by Taylor Flowe

7) Executive Assistant 

If you’re looking to do some admin work within the education industry, you can also consider becoming an executive assistant. In the post-secondary education world, many school administrators such as vice-principals, deans, or provosts will need an assistant to manage their bookings, schedules, and documents.

This is a good option for career changers who want a new role but don’t want to pursue a different bachelor’s degree or master degree. Although doing admin work may not have been something you envisioned, you are still able to contribute to the educational field in a different manner.

You could also transition to the corporate world be becoming a corporate trainer or working for government agencies for example.

8) Field Placement Coordinator 

For those of you who enjoyed the mentorship aspect of teaching, another option to try out is being a field placement coordinator at a local community college or university. You’ll liaise with different employers within a specific industry, and work with students to find an ideal organization or position which suits their interests.

Being able to bridge the aspects of both worlds – the academic and the professional worlds, can be impactful and fulfilling work for those who have an educational background. 

9) Student Services Advisor 

Perhaps, counseling the students instead of facilitating a classroom may be one of your strengths. And if that’s the case, there are plenty of opportunities to utilize these skills as a student services advisor.

You’ll get to play a huge role in contributing to the student’s growth within the academic world, and help them with their professional plans and goals. 

This may be one of the best jobs for high school teachers who want to continue working with younger students but want to step out of the classroom. You can still have an impact in the future!

10)  Project Manager 

If you’re passionate about children’s rights and implementing different activities, you can also consider a role in project management at a non-profit organization.

You’ll be able to use some creativity skills which you may have not had a chance to use as a teacher while still learning new skills. Moreover, you’ll be able to make an impact in your organization. 

11) Admissions Advisor

Many post-secondary and secondary institutions hire admissions’ advisors to read applications, assess program suitability, and make decisions.

If you’re collaborative and prefer to work in both group and individual settings, perhaps a job in admissions can be the next step to your education career. After all, you get to play an important part in a student’s life and their academic decision. 

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions

12) Workshop Facilitator 

Do you want to continue facilitating different topics and discussion, but just do not feel the motivation to teach in front of a classroom anymore?

Many organizations continue to hire workshop facilitators – individuals who conduct workshops focused on different topics. You’ll get to use your leadership skills and work experience to create training programs and other workshops.

Since you have gained the skills to present and communicate information to various students in front of a classroom, you will have the knowledge to conduct discussions. Moreover, you get to converse and hear different perspectives. 

13) Camp Coordinator 

If you want a summer filled with fun activities, you can also apply to work as a camp coordinator. Similar to the after school coordinator position, you’ll be supervising staff and planning games for the children.

You’ll get to play an integral role for a child’s summer. This is great for someone who enjoys curriculum development but wants to move away from the education sector.

14) Student Case Management Specialist 

Mental health is becoming more of a priority amongst many academic institutions. And as a result, schools are responding by implementing more support services for students.

One of the services include case management for student care; workers ensure that students feel supported mentally and emotionally through identifying their goals and empowering them. If you want to work with students on a more holistic level, you can consider becoming a case manager. 

Here are 13 tips for changing careers as a teacher:

If you’re a teacher looking to change careers, you’re not alone. Many educators transition into different fields successfully. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

  1. Self-Assessment: Take some time to reflect on your skills, interests, and strengths. Consider what aspects of teaching you enjoy the most and what transferable skills you have.
  2. Identify Transferable Skills: Teaching imparts a wide range of transferable skills such as communication, organization, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. Highlight these skills on your resume and in interviews.
  3. Research New Fields: Explore different industries and roles that align with your interests and skills. Consider industries where your teaching experience could be an asset, such as training, education consulting, instructional design, or content creation.
  4. Networking: Reach out to your professional network. Connect with former colleagues, attend networking events, and engage with online communities related to your target industry. This can lead to valuable insights, job leads, and referrals.
  5. Further Education or Training: Depending on your desired career path, you may need to acquire additional skills or qualifications. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications relevant to your new field.
  6. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the relevant skills and experiences you gained as a teacher. Emphasize your ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and work with diverse groups.
  7. Utilize Career Services: If your previous employer offers career transition services, take advantage of them. They may offer resources, workshops, and counseling to help you with your career change.
  8. Consider Part-Time or Contract Work: Starting with part-time or contract work in your new field can be a good way to gain experience and test the waters before making a full transition.
  9. Stay Positive and Persistent: Changing careers can be challenging, and it may take time to find the right fit. Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and persevere through any setbacks.
  10. Stay Informed About Job Market Trends: Research the job market in your desired field. Identify in-demand skills and knowledge areas, and work on acquiring them.
  11. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss how your teaching experience has prepared you for your new career. Showcase your adaptability, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
  12. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in your desired field who can provide guidance, advice, and insights as you navigate the transition.
  13. Be Open-Minded and Flexible: Your ideal job may not look exactly like what you initially envisioned. Be open to exploring different roles and industries that align with your skills and interests.

Remember that changing careers is a process that takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals and believe in the value that your teaching experience brings to your new career path.

And here are 14 considerations to keep in mind:

If you’re considering changing careers as a teacher, there are several important factors to take into account. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Reasons for Change: Reflect on why you want to change careers. Understanding your motivations will help you make a well-informed decision and articulate your goals to potential employers.
  2. Transferable Skills: Recognize the skills you’ve gained as a teacher that are applicable in other fields. These might include communication, organization, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and more.
  3. Interests and Passions: Identify your interests, passions, and strengths. Consider what activities or subjects you’ve enjoyed teaching the most, as well as any hobbies or pursuits that bring you satisfaction.
  4. Research Potential Fields: Investigate industries and roles that align with your skills, interests, and values. Look for positions that value the skills and experience you’ve acquired as a teacher.
  5. Further Education or Training: Determine if additional education, training, or certifications are necessary for your desired career path. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops, or pursuing professional development opportunities.
  6. Financial Considerations: Changing careers can potentially impact your income. Evaluate your current financial situation and create a budget to understand how a career change might affect your finances.
  7. Networking and Building Connections: Leverage your professional network to explore potential opportunities. Connect with former colleagues, attend networking events, and engage with online communities related to your target industry.
  8. Informational Interviews: Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your desired field. This can provide valuable insights into the industry, help you understand the skills required, and potentially lead to job leads.
  9. Job Market and Demand: Research the job market in your desired field. Identify in-demand skills and knowledge areas, and ensure that your skill set aligns with industry needs.
  10. Adjusting Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the relevant skills and experiences you gained as a teacher. Emphasize your adaptability, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
  11. Starting Part-Time or Contract Work: Consider starting with part-time or contract work in your new field. This can be a way to gain experience and test the waters before committing to a full-time role.
  12. Mentorship and Guidance: Seek out a mentor in your desired field who can provide guidance, advice, and insights as you navigate the transition.
  13. Staying Positive and Persistent: Changing careers can be a challenging process that requires patience and persistence. Stay positive, be open to learning, and persevere through any setbacks.
  14. Work-Life Balance and Lifestyle Considerations: Consider how a new career might impact your work-life balance and overall lifestyle. Different industries and roles may have varying expectations in terms of hours, travel, and flexibility.

Remember that changing careers is a significant decision, and it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and strategically. Take the time to thoroughly research and plan your transition to increase your chances of success in your new career path.

Before making a big change, map out the pros and cons of your options and consider what will work best for your goals and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts If You’re Looking for The Best Career Change For Teachers

As a teacher, you’ll have gained a diverse set of interpersonal skills which will help you to implement them in different settings.

Some of these skills include administrative, facilitation, and communication skills, and all of them will help you develop great interpersonal relationships.

Therefore, if you feel that teaching is not a good fit for you, you do have other doors that are already opened, even if you may not notice them.

There are new jobs out there for your career transition that will take what you learned from your teaching career and allow you to thrive in a second career.


About the Author

Avatar

Candice is currently attending school for social service work. One of her passions is helping others through my writing. In her downtime, you'll find her listening to music, watching random YouTube videos, and writing about career goals and resumes. She hopes to start freelancing for writing and obtain a leadership position in a public services sector.