Teachers looking for a break from regular classroom teaching are searching for online college teaching jobs, and there is a good enough reason for it. There comes a time in every job when you start wondering whether you are in the right profession. A teaching job is no exception. Although you may think there are no career options for teachers outside of school and teaching, technological advancements and job enhancements have opened up many new career options. Then, there are careers in education that don’t involve classroom teaching. We call them second careers for teachers.
Whether you have realized that teaching is not your cup of tea or you are just looking for a break, we have listed out some exciting career options in which a teaching background is a plus, and these jobs pay handsomely as well:
Second Careers for Teachers
For those who think there aren’t any exciting and well-paying jobs for ex-teachers, we list four jobs that don’t involve traditional classroom teaching, but your teaching background can be a huge asset. These are the second careers for teachers:
1. Education Business Development Manager
Digital learning platforms and knowledge-based systems also need business managers to help sell their supplemental items, curriculum, and library reference material to academic institutions. A person with great marketing and sales skills and a teaching background in a particular subject is ideal for this position. Some platforms suggest that education business development managers can make up to $89,135 to $2,63,399 annually.
2. Educational Content Writer
Many robust digital platforms create guides and test-preparation material for high school students on diverse topics, such as Literature, Music and Biology, History, Maths, etc. They often require writers, content editors, and test prep editors to develop study materials, which is ideal for those with relevant teaching experience. According to GlassDoor review, a content writer of this type can make $5 – $16 hourly.
3. Quality Assurance Tester
Learning app and software developing companies look for software testers to test their products’ quality and point out bugs and kinks. These jobs might not pay well and are periodical, but they are flexible, work-from-home positions. QA testers can make about $10.00 an hour and earn bonuses for quality work.
4. Educational Consultant
Educational consultants work with school leaders and teachers to develop them professionally. They analyze data, coach and support teachers in their learning endeavors. These kinds of job openings require one to have prior teaching experience and other skills. These jobs are flexible and on a need basis and require one to travel around. According to the job board Indeed, academic consultants can start earning from $26.56 per hour.
Alternative Careers for Teachers
There are careers in education other than teaching that focus on improving the educational system, schools’ performance, and students’ learning outcomes. There are alternative jobs for teachers where having some teaching experience is a huge asset. However, the teacher must sometimes get a specialized degree, additional certifications, and a license.
1. School Superintendent
Like a company needs a CEO at the helm of affairs, a school needs a superintendent to manage its affairs, implement policies, improve quality, outline and implement the budget, hire and manage staff, and liaise with the stakeholders. Teachers can work up and become school superintendents, but a specialized degree in school administration and management is needed. Some job platforms estimate the salary range for this position to be anywhere between $145,178 to $214,454 annually.
2. School Principal
A school principal is a key figure in the institute who develops, administers, and executes policies and procedures to maintain education standards. The principal manages the teaching, support staff, and students. Teachers can work their way up to become principals. A specialized degree is not required in the private sector; however, the public sector requires a bachelor’s or master’s in education or educational management and a license. The salary range for school principals can vary from $104,203 to $132,714.
3. Chief Academic Officer
These administrative experts make sure that their educational institutes run optimally. They ensure that courses and programs are developed per the curriculum and that standards are maintained. Teachers can extend their existing academic repertoire, i.e., earn a Master’s degree in educational leadership or a Ph.D. and start working as chief academic officers. The average salary range is between $96,429 to $166,511.
4. Academic Dean
An academic dean is an administrative professional who takes care of the academic aspects of the educational institute and the administrative ones. The person tries to enrich the curriculum, enhance programs, enroll students, hire teachers, arrange for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, seek accreditation, and supervise the budget. Academic Deans, for instance, make between $129,862 and $212,111 annually.
5. School Guidance Counselor
School guidance counselors act as a connection between the students and the staff. They listen to the students’ problems and try to resolve them; they help the students develop themselves personally and professionally and guide them in reaching their academic goals. Teachers with bachelor’s in counseling, education, and psychology can become guidance counselors. However, a master’s degree in educational psychology would be the ultimate requirement. They can expect to earn nearly $76,590 annually.
6. Academic Coordinator
Academic Coordinators are also known as curriculum or instruction specialists. They develop the curriculum and choose textbooks and appropriate teaching materials. They also train new teachers and ensure they implement the curriculum properly in the classroom. Teachers with a particular language, mathematics, or science specialization can become academic coordinators. Training in curriculum development is needed, while practicing in public schools requires a license. According to GlassDoor, academic coordinators make approximately $58,001 per year.
Conclusion
The above-given list merely points out a few alternative jobs for teachers. Teachers can do so much more because their skills are diverse. If you have decided that teaching is not your thing, then updating your resume is first. Top resume writers can help you fill the gaps creatively if you feel stumped. Try to apply your knowledge, experience, and transferable skills to a wide number of domains other than education, and you will be able to find alternate domains and professions suitable for you. Whether you are burnt out or bored in your current teaching profession, you should keep your eyes and mind open to newer career dimensions and possibilities. A quick look at the table below will give an idea of jobs to consider if you will take up a new job.
| Second Careers for Teachers | Salary Estimates (per hours) |
|---|---|
| Education Business Development Manager | $58-$76.00 |
| Educational Content Writers | $42.00 |
| Quality Assurance Testers | $32.00 |
| Educational Consultants | $53.00 |
| School Superintendents | $85.00 |
| School Principals | $50-$64.00 |
| Chief Academic Officers | $81.00 |
| Academic Dean | $46.00 |
| School Guidance Counselors | $29.00 |
| Academic Coordinators | $25.00 |