5 Non-School Jobs for Educators

If you've been an educator but working in a school full-time just isn't for you, there's hope. Don't throw that education degree away! Try to stay in the education field with one of these jobs that can utilize your teaching degree in other ways. In each of the following job descriptions, I've listed jobs that are currently posted on our job board for immediate hire.

1. Workshop/Trainer for Teachers

Think of all of the workshops that you attend as a teacher. Continuing education is mandatory for all teachers. Do you have expertise to share with school staffs across your region, state or U.S.? Start small by creating buzz in your local area then see if going broader is a viable option for your career. There are many companies that arrange workshops for schools and who employ many trainers and education consultants. Marketing yourself and your skills to existing companies could save you a lot of legwork and jump start your career in this field.

Corporations train their workers, too. Becoming a corporate trainer could put your teaching skills to good use.

2. National Education Company

If you look around your classroom, you should be able to make a long list of companies that have presence in in education. From the makers of textbooks to school supplies, there are numerous companies with a wide variety of jobs available. A background in education and teaching could be a great asset in landing a job with these types of companies. Here are just two jobs that might be of interest for a national education company:

Textbook Sales

How do you think your school system decides which textbooks to purchase? The sales team does a good job of presenting the education material to selection committee of teachers. I was on the committee that chose the textbooks for my subject years ago. The sales team from each education company sent out tons of materials and went through the process of how their materials can best be utilized by teachers. If you feel passionate about curriculum and are good with people, this job may be for you. Travel is usually involved. Applicants will do well with previous educational and sales background.

Curriculum Development

Do you have a great ideas on how curriculum should work? Curriculum development might be something that you could excel in. Many of the big curriculum companies have offices in more than one major city in the U.S. Think about your skill set and what you could offer a team of curriculum developers. Previous writing experience is probably a must as well as at least 5 years in an education related field.

3. Tutor

Do you love to teach but a classroom full of students isn't right for you? Private tutoring could be the perfect career. Teachers are not allowed to tutor students for pay in most states, but once you step out of the classroom, you can offer your services to former students. Teachers that are in the classroom are always looking for good tutors- and recommending a former teacher as a tutor for their students would be an easy sell. You can call your own tutoring hours, hold group sessions, or even work for a tutoring company, like Sylvan or Kumon. If you like working one-on-one with students, this may be a great career option and put your education background to work.

4. Private Organization/ Boys/Girls Club

Do you love working with kids but hate being tied to a curriculum? Apply your skills with children to a career with a private organization, like the Boys & Girls Club or YMCA in your area. Organizations that work with children seek employees that are reliable, creative, and responsible with children. Children need to come in contact with caring adults outside of school, too, so explore this option if you still want to make a difference.

5. Writer

Author

Are you a talented writer? Get published! Depending on your talent, you can work towards publishing articles, a resource book for teachers, or even a children's book. If you're still teaching while you start to pursue a career in writing, run your thoughts by your colleagues. If you working on a book for children, make sure to get your own students' endorsement. There's no time like the present to find your voice. Start a blog (like this one!) to find your passion and express it with the written word.

Composer

Are you a talented musician? Try your hand at writing a book for kids with music, a choir song, or even band or orchestra music. If you've taught these subject before, you know what music publishers are popular and what they're looking for. Music writing software and recording equipment is cheaper than ever before. If you're teaching while you start your composing career, be sure to get your students' input on the music you've created for their age group. If you are a choir, band or orchestra teacher, have your students perform you original work and record it to send to the publisher.