If you don’t plan to have—or don’t want—a traditional classroom position in August, March is an excellent month to begin searching for work. The education sector offers many alternatives beyond the standard school calendar. Remote roles, curriculum development, edtech positions, and freelance work can all make use of your teaching experience while providing flexible hours and supplemental income.
Below are reputable companies, organizations, and career paths that value educators’ skills. Each entry highlights the kinds of roles commonly available and what to consider as you apply. Keep an open mind: your classroom experience is transferable to many education-related jobs.
VIPKID
VIPKID connects native English-speaking teachers with Chinese children for short, one-on-one lessons. Lessons follow provided plans but also allow teachers to bring their own creativity. Classes are typically 25 minutes, and pay averages around $20 per hour. Because peak hours align with China’s time zone, many sessions are scheduled in the early morning in the U.S. If you have a bachelor’s degree, reliable high-speed internet, and enjoy working with young learners, VIPKID can be a good fit—especially if you prefer fully remote work and flexible scheduling.
IXL Learning
IXL Learning develops online learning tools used widely in U.S. schools and beyond. They regularly hire professionals in product, sales, marketing, engineering, and customer support, and occasionally open roles for education consultants or content writers. If you’re passionate about education technology, curriculum, and supporting diverse student populations, watch their careers page for remote and on-site opportunities in locations such as San Mateo, CA and Raleigh, NC.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit dedicated to making high-quality, free education accessible worldwide. Their platform offers video lessons, practice exercises, and interactive quizzes for learners of all ages. While many positions are based in Mountain View, CA, they also recruit for fully remote and contract roles. Related organizations—such as Duck Duck Moose (early childhood apps) and Khan Lab School (in-person experimental programs)—are additional places to look for education roles and instructional innovation positions.
Demme Learning
Demme Learning produces popular homeschool curricula like Math-U-See and Spelling-U-See and often seeks help in curriculum development, sales, and customer support. Their hiring process can be unique; some application pages invite general consideration rather than listing specific vacancies. Networking or employee referrals may improve your chances. Demme is known as a family-run company with a warm workplace culture, which appeals to many educators seeking mission-driven employers.
K12
K12 operates online private schools and offers a wide variety of roles, from classroom teachers and special education paraprofessionals to instructional designers and administrative positions. Their schools and services operate across many U.S. states and internationally, and hundreds of positions are frequently posted. If you prefer working in virtual schools or hybrid programs that combine online and in-person instruction, K12 and similar organizations like Connections Academy are worth exploring.
Pearson
Pearson is a long-established provider of textbooks, assessments, and educational services with roles worldwide. Positions range from test administration and scoring to content development, product management, and technology. They hire for both on-site and remote roles across many countries, making them a strong option for educators interested in assessment, curriculum, and publishing careers.
Cengage
Cengage publishes higher-education course materials and digital learning solutions, and they frequently advertise openings in areas such as editorial, product, marketing, sales, and technology. Employees have praised the company culture in past reviews, and Cengage promotes continuous innovation in education. Create an account on their careers site so your resume is considered for new roles as they are posted.
Adult Learning
Colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and organizations serving adults often need adjunct instructors, tutors, and program facilitators. These roles can include evening or weekend classes, short-term workshops, or customized training programs for adult learners. Pitching a class idea to a local school, library, or community center can also lead to paid teaching opportunities one session at a time.
Blogs, Magazines, and Content Writing
Educational blogs and magazines pay for well-crafted articles, curriculum-related content, and how-to pieces. Rates vary, and experienced writers can earn competitive per-post fees. Freelance writing is a way to leverage classroom expertise into income while growing a portfolio that may lead to longer-term editing or content-development roles. Job boards and freelance marketplaces can help you find paying editorial opportunities.
Online Businesses and EdTech Startups
Many online learning companies and edtech startups hire educators for roles in customer support, community management, sales, curriculum development, and instructional design. These positions are often remote-friendly and value real classroom experience. Follow blogs and newsletters from companies you admire and subscribe to their updates—some roles are advertised to subscribers first or filled via community referrals.
I hope this overview opens your mind to career paths beyond the traditional classroom. If you have a recommended company or a hiring tip for fellow educators, consider sharing it with your professional network or in educator communities to help others explore new opportunities.
Ashley Nance is a freelance instructional designer and special needs advocate. Connect with her on LinkedIn or contact her by email at ashley [at] changeyourmusic.com.