Whether you still have not found a teaching position, have been laid off, or are considering changing careers, teachers have a versatile skill set that opens the door to many other professions. Check out these 20 different job options for teachers and discover one that meets your needs.
20 Job Alternatives for Teachers
1. Training Companies
Training companies who are contracted by corporations see the benefit of hiring trained teachers. Your ability to teach others in the classroom transfers just as effectively to the boardroom.
2. Testing Companies
Companies responsible for creating tests rely heavily on teachers for question creation. Use your expertise to create tests designed for your grade level of expertise.
3. Sales Reps
Everyone from pharmaceutical companies to insurance agencies see the benefit of hiring teachers. Your unique skill set includes generating excitement while educating – things that are crucial for a successful sales rep.
4. Publishing Companies
If you love to write or edit, publishing companies may be an avenue to explore. Textbook publishing companies are especially keen on hiring educators.
5. Tutoring
Start your own private practice or apply at a local or national tutoring company. The demand for these services will typically be after school hours, but some specialty tutoring companies (i.e. – those that work with special Dyslexia programs, etc.) have a need for tutors during the school day.
6. Education Program Director
Think there are not a lot of education directors? Think again! Most zoos, museums, cruise ships, resorts, and historic park programs have directors who specialize in putting together programs for school-age children.
7. Freelance Editor
Are you a stickler for details? Consider hiring yourself out as a freelance editor for print companies, local printers, and more.
8. Content Creator
If your passion is for creating curriculum and designing printables, explore online options like TeachersPayTeachers, Teachers Notebook, or creating your own blog/website to sell your wares.
9. Virtual/Cyber School Teacher
Teaching online can be just as challenging as teaching in the classroom, but it is an option to consider. Most cyber schools have state charters making them free, public education alternatives for students in that state. Start by doing a search for “online charter school” to find those that may be in your state. While this is not a different profession, it does offer an alternative to being in a brick and mortar school.
10. Real Estate Agents
Teachers are good listeners and that comes in handy when helping people house hunt. If you enjoy working with people, enjoy the challenge of finding just the right house (think of it as finding the way to make that lightbulb go off in your student’s head!), and do not mind working on weekends, consider taking real estate classes.
11. Teacher at a Children’s Hospital or Prison
Many children’s hospitals and prisons hire full-time teachers to work with their respective populations. While each poses different challenges, the rewards of teaching can definitely be felt.
12. Teach at the College Level
Adjunct faculty positions are generally filled 6-10 months in advance, so start planning ahead. You can change the lives of undergraduate teachers-in-training which will, in turn, change the lives of future generations.
13. Study Groups
Are you familiar with the requirements of the PSATs and SATs? Consider starting (and charging for!) study groups that focus on those tests. If testing is not your thing, math or science study groups can also be popular with local families.
14. Kids’ Classes
Let your passion for cooking, photography, crafts, music, or STEM enrichment activities turn themselves into a small business. Many local parks and recreation organizations are always looking for new classes and instructors for the summer months. If you decide to do it on your own, network with other small businesses, moms’ clubs, and more.
15. Activity Directors
Nursing Homes and Retirement Communities are always looking for high-quality, people-oriented directors for their activities department. Patience, a love for learning and teaching, and an enthusiasm for life are key requirements for a successful director.
16. Teach Adults English
Whether you decide to go abroad and teach English or travel to your local library to do one-on-one language tutoring, you can get the satisfaction of helping others learn to communicate in English. Be sure to check out certification requirements.
17. Academic Advisors
Colleges need academic advisors and who better than teachers to fill those roles. Online advisors, as well as in person advisors are key to student retention and success.
18. Specialized Dyslexia Tutor and/or Advocate
If you want to help make the difference in the lives of students and families by helping them navigate the IEP process and advocate for their needs, becoming a specialized Dyslexia tutor or advocate can be the answer. Check out places like the Dyslexia Training Institute that offer online certification and training programs.
19. Party Planning for Kids (or Adults)
Is decorating and planning creative units one of your favorite parts about teaching? If so, party planning may be right up your alley. Planning parties for children (or adults!) can incorporate all of your organizational skills, creativity, and enthusiasm in one job. Theme parties are especially popular, but you might want to offer science experiment parties or theater parties depending on your areas of interest.
20. Nanny
Many families would love to have a teacher as their children’s nanny. Not only would you get to work with children, but most full-time nannies get paid a decent salary and have somewhat flexible hours. If you are searching for a nice interim position, nannying might be worth considering.
What is your ideal alternate career? Share with us below!
Tutoring has been great income for me! I also like doing summer day camps. Thanks for giving such great ideas-I’ve heard that Constant Contact likes to hire teachers to teach others how to use social media.
Social work is also an option – this past year I took a position with a Children’s Home and it is so fun. Still get lots of kid time, but the context is more flexible and liberating. Most social work openings will consider Bachelor Degrees from similar, compatible fields and the starting pay was on par with my teaching after 10 years of experience!
I liked your article but am kind of sad you said an alternative to teaching would be cyber education. I am a cyber school teacher and have been in the physical classroom prior. It is actually more work than teaching in a school building. It is not an alternative career choice.
Hi Amy!
I am actually a HUGE fan of cyber education – all 3 of my children attend one and they have THE BEST teachers ever! I included it, because a lot of people forget that it’s something they can look into. I agree, cyber teaching is just as much work as being in a physical classroom. For those who are just graduating or are victims of downsizing, it’s an option they should consider. Thanks so much for commenting!
Kindly,
Brandi
A nanny? Are you serious? Most teachers hold a master’s degree or national board certification. Suggesting that a nanny is comparable to a teacher is outrageous. Teachers are not babysitters!
kristine,
Are you too good to Nanny? I think it is a great addition to this list. the writer of this article was trying to cast a wide net to cover all the possible avenues a teacher a go with the skills they have acquired. a nanny is quintessential to this list, masters degree or not.
This is a pretty good list, but I’d like to add a 21st option: online homework companies! What I do is kind of like cyber education, and kind of like content creator, but it’s not really either. I help instructors create their online homework sites, create whatever content they need that isn’t already in our question library, and provide general support to instructors throughout the semester. We deal mostly with science education. Having teaching experience is really great, because you can understand how to create questions that students will understand, and you can provide better support to teachers because you also understand them. This field I think is a little smaller and less well-known, so I wasn’t surprised when I didn’t see my job on the list.
Dear Kristine,
I am appalled that you would call a professional nanny a babysitter. Many nannies are highly educated women. This just proves your lack of knowledge regarding the field. Perhaps you should learn more about a field before you bash it.
Sincerely,
A former nanny who is considering going back into the field.
Ambit Energy is a business that starts off small & grows & grows. Network marketing is easy & I enjoy all the people I meet. I help people all over the country save money & make money. I’ve been a baseball coach for 16 years & I teach people this business just as I teach kids baseball. I honestly feel teachers can succeed in this business because teaching is what you do.
If you know numbers – you will jump at this opportunity once you see it.
Megan, Can you tell me what company? I am interested!
I am really considering a job as a nanny seriously- I think other should at least consider it. There is an elite sector- perhaps governess/ governor would be a better title. Families already have one or more nannies. The pay is considerably more than teaching- and accommodation food etc all in. Main countries with opportunities are the Middle East and Russia. One friend had an amazing time- travel with family all over the world etc. Salaries are about ÂŁ1000 GBP a week! ( Tax free for UK) US citizens may still have to declare this. As a Head of department I usually take home about ÂŁ2,500 month and still have living expenses- so I say do not rule it out. It is also a high status job in these countries. No long holidays though. I was a nanny for 3 months- lovely job. I also got paid more due to languages spoken and masters degrees. Go for it!
I am currently a nanny and while this is a great option for teachers who can’t find jobs it isn’t exactly a lifetime career. The hours aren’t ideal and depending your family situation it may not be the right choice for you. I am getting married in just a few months so I am looking for something new because not knowing when I get to come home every night or not having any benefits but two weeks of paid vacation is not cohesive to having a family of my own. I would not consider myself a babysitter by any means I take care of the whole family and assist them in their daily lives and routines. I use my degree to make sure the kids stay on par with their grade level and fill in the gaps the public school system is leaving behind. How rude of you to belittle someone’s job when you obviously know next to nothing. I have a hard time believing that you are a teacher or a very good one when you post things with so little knowledge. l
So many great ideas!  I taught special education for 14 years and now I have started my own business creating resources for teachers and selling digital files online.  I do miss working directly with children, but I enjoy helping  other teachers in this way.
Curriculum writing for some of the online technology companies is also a great idea!
How could I get into cyber teaching, I would like to explore this option.
@Kristine sorry to burst your bubble… but yes we are.
lauracarr100 I really like this idea. Â Do you have any suggestions of companies that I could approach?
5Linx is recognized as one of the fastest growing direct sales businesses all over the world. Our goal is to help people save money or make money on products and services we use everyday. A fantastic source of income! I love it! The perks are phenomenal! http://Www.5linx.net/mhubbard
@Meagan  Great Idea, Meagan! I can see this working at home, also!
lauracarr100Â bmurph621 Thank you so much for the idea. I just signed up. I have a background in public relations and journalism; a lot of the jobs are closely related to what I am looking to supplement a substitute teacher income. Thank you!
@Adrianne Meldrum In order to tutor, must you get a business license? Also, I checked out Constant Contact – what a great company, so far. I am using it to promote my tutoring.
@Pam Emmert Hi Pam. Â How did you get into this? Â Through Volunteering first? Â I am a teacher and I am looking at alternative employment. Â Many thanks
Same list every time. It would be great to have a list of alternative jobs for teachers without teaching jobs on the list. After nearly a decade working with special needs children I am at a point where I don’t want to do it anymore. I’ve done publishing but once you leave it’s hard to get back in and sales, training and real estate they want you to have sales experience and a car in order to get hired (I don’t drive). The others I am not so interested in. And starting your own business is great if you have a family ot spouse that can support you while you build your business. If anyone has solutions they’ve tried not on this list please share those, thanks.