Many educators are considering a career change, driven by a desire for new challenges or to escape burnout. The skills honed through teaching are applicable and sought after in many industries, and this article explores viable career paths that build upon that unique skill set.
Why Teachers Succeed in New Careers
Educators find success in new professional environments because their experience is built on high-value, transferable skills. The daily demands of teaching cultivate a blend of abilities applicable to the corporate, tech, and non-profit sectors. These skills center on management, communication, and adaptability.
A primary strength lies in planning and organization. Teachers are masters of curriculum development, which is long-term project planning. They design year-long, unit-based, and daily instructional arcs, managing timelines and resources to meet specific learning objectives. This experience translates into the ability to handle complex projects and ensure goals are met on schedule.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also hallmarks of the teaching profession. Educators are skilled public speakers, accustomed to presenting complex information in a clear and engaging manner to diverse audiences. They are also adept at stakeholder management, regularly liaising with students, parents, and administrators to resolve conflicts and work towards common goals.
Teachers are proficient in data analysis and adaptation. They use performance data, such as grades and assessment results, to inform their strategies and personalize their approach. This data-driven mindset allows them to identify areas for improvement, adjust tactics in response to new information, and make informed decisions to drive better outcomes.
Popular Career Paths for Former Teachers
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create learning experiences and materials for corporate or organizational training. They analyze learning needs, design curriculums, and develop e-learning modules and in-person workshops. This role is a natural fit for teachers, leveraging their experience in curriculum development to design effective training programs. They work in corporations, non-profits, and higher education, often using authoring tools like Articulate 360.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer enhances the skills and knowledge of a company’s employees. They identify training needs, develop educational materials, and lead workshops on topics ranging from new software to leadership development. Teachers excel in this role due to their experience in public speaking and adapting their teaching style to different learning needs. This position exists in virtually every industry, fostering professional growth within an organization.
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources (HR) specialists manage various aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, which teachers have honed through interactions with students, parents, and colleagues. Their experience in conflict resolution and managing diverse groups makes them well-suited for a career in HR. HR specialists can be found in nearly every sector and serve as the bridge between management and employees.
Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. A teacher’s skills in long-term planning, organization, and resource management are directly applicable to this field. The ability to lead a team, manage timelines, and communicate with stakeholders are all part of a teacher’s daily responsibilities. This career path is available in industries like technology, construction, and healthcare.
Editor or Content Writer
Editors and content writers create and refine written materials for platforms like websites, blogs, and educational publications. Teachers with a background in English or humanities possess strong writing and communication skills for this work. Their ability to break down complex topics and present them clearly is a significant advantage. These roles can be found in marketing, publishing, and media, with many opportunities for freelance work.
Customer Success Manager
Customer success managers (CSMs) work to ensure that clients are achieving their desired outcomes while using a company’s product or service. This role is built on relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills. Teachers are adept at guiding individuals toward a goal and managing relationships, which is the essence of customer success. This career is common in the tech and software-as-a-service (SaaS) industries.
EdTech Specialist
An EdTech specialist helps facilitate the use of technology in educational settings. They work with teachers and administrators to integrate new software, tools, and platforms into the curriculum. Many EdTech specialists begin their careers as teachers, giving them a deep understanding of classroom needs. This role requires a blend of pedagogical knowledge and technical skills and can be found in school districts, universities, and private companies.
Non-Profit Program Coordinator
Non-profit program coordinators plan and manage the programs and services offered by an organization, including community outreach, fundraising events, and educational workshops. Teachers are well-suited for this role due to their experience in planning, organization, and working with diverse communities. The work is mission-driven and offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community.
How to Plan Your Career Transition
Making a successful career change requires a strategic approach. For teachers, this involves translating their classroom experience into a language that resonates with corporate recruiters. It also means identifying skill gaps and building a professional network outside of education, essentially rebranding your expertise for a new audience.
The first step is to translate your experience on your resume. Instead of using “teacher-speak,” rephrase your accomplishments in business terms. For example, “managed a classroom of 30 students” can become “led and managed a team of 30 individuals, tailoring communication to diverse needs.” “Developed a new curriculum” can be framed as “designed and executed a year-long strategic plan, resulting in a measurable increase in performance metrics.”
Next, focus on strategic upskilling. Review job descriptions for roles that interest you and identify any required skills or software you may not have. This could involve learning industry-standard tools like Salesforce for customer success roles, Articulate 360 for instructional design, or project management software like Asana. Pursuing professional certifications, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or a SHRM certification for HR, can also demonstrate your commitment.
Finally, prioritize networking and research. Use platforms like LinkedIn to find and connect with former teachers who have successfully transitioned into new careers. Reach out for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and gather advice. Joining professional organizations in your target industry is another excellent way to make connections and stay informed about opportunities.