Teaching is a noble and impactful profession, but educators may explore alternative career paths for various reasons. Transitioning from teaching to a different field can be challenging yet stimulating. 

This comprehensive article will explore nine rewarding jobs for former teachers, highlighting the skills and experiences that make educators well-suited for diverse roles in various industries.

Educational Consultant:

Description: Educational consultants provide expertise to schools, districts, or educational organizations in curriculum development, teacher training, and educational technology.

Salary Range: Educational consultants typically earn between $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and the scope of their consulting services.

Corporate Trainer:

Description: Corporate trainers design and deliver training programs for employees, leveraging their teaching skills to enhance professional development within organizations.

Salary Range: Corporate trainers earn an average of $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, company size, and geographic location.

Instructional Designer:

Description: Instructional designers create engaging learning materials for various platforms, combining pedagogical knowledge with technological expertise.

Salary Range: Salaries for instructional designers range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for those with extensive experience.

School Counselor:

Description: School counselors support students' educational journey by guiding academic and personal development, career choices, and social issues.

Salary Range: School counselors earn an average salary of $55,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on their level of education and experience.

Corporate Learning and Development Specialist:

Description: Learning and development specialists in corporate settings design and implement training programs to enhance employee skills and professional growth.

Salary Range: Salaries for corporate learning and development specialists range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, influenced by industry and organizational size.

Educational Technology Specialist:

Description: Educational technology specialists assist teachers in integrating technology into the classroom, training educators on new tools, and enhancing digital learning environments.

Salary Range: The average annual salary for educational technology specialists is $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience and the organization's size.

Human Resources Specialist:

Description: Former teachers can transition to human resources roles, utilizing organizational and interpersonal skills to handle recruitment, employee relations, and training initiatives.

Salary Range: Human resources specialists earn an average annual salary of $50,000 to $70,000, with variations based on industry and location.

Entrepreneur in Education:

Description: Education entrepreneurs may launch consulting firms, develop educational apps, or establish tutoring services, utilizing innovative ideas to create impactful ventures.

Salary Range: Entrepreneurial income varies widely, with potential earnings ranging from $50,000 to well into six figures, depending on the success and scale of the venture.

Utilizing Your Teaching Credentials for a Different Career

When contemplating a career shift away from teaching, it's essential to articulate the qualities that make you a strong candidate. First, let's explore why emphasizing your degree and transferable skills is crucial in your resume and cover letter, followed by strategies for seamlessly incorporating these aspects into your application materials.

Degree:

Your teaching degree communicates valuable attributes about you. From an employer's perspective, an individual holding a teaching degree is perceived as capable of fostering and maintaining structured environments. Moreover, academically, it signifies that your intellectual prowess and expertise in a specific discipline are well-established and intact.

Transferable Skills:

Former teachers commonly possess transferable skills and versatile abilities across various roles and professions. These skills benefit your prospective employer and enhance the overall work environment. Critical transferable skills held by former teachers include:

• Active Listening
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Independent and Collaborative Working
• Team Coordination
• Critical Thinking
• Decision-making
• Conflict Resolution

Effectively showcasing and structuring these skills in your resume is instrumental. This approach helps articulate your past responsibilities, highlight your impact, and convey how you aim to apply your talents in the next phase of your career.