If you’re thinking about leaving the classroom and exploring alternatives to teaching, this guide offers practical ideas and directions to begin brainstorming a new career. Many of the skills you developed as an educator—curriculum design, instructional delivery, assessment, communication, and project management—are highly transferable to other fields. Below you’ll find a range of roles, organizations, and tips to help you make a successful transition.
Updated list of companies and resources as of 3/31/2023.
Alternative careers for teachers — practical options
Corporate Trainer / Training Specialist: Design and deliver employee training programs for companies, translating classroom pedagogy into professional development and adult learning.
Instructional Designer: Create online courses, instructional materials, and blended learning experiences for schools, universities, and private companies.
Educational Consultant: Advise schools, districts, or educational organizations on curriculum design, teacher coaching, program evaluation, and policy implementation.
Education Technology (EdTech) Specialist: Help develop, test, and implement digital learning tools and platforms; bridge educator needs and product development.
Learning & Development Specialist / Manager: Oversee corporate learning strategies, design employee upskilling programs, and manage professional development initiatives.
Human Resources Specialist: Use communication, interviewing, and coaching skills to recruit, onboard, and retain staff, or to run internal training programs.
Content Developer / Educational Writer: Produce curriculum, textbooks, online course content, teacher guides, and assessment items for publishers and EdTech firms.
Museum Educator / Program Coordinator: Design and lead educational programs at museums, science centers, parks, and cultural institutions.
Communications Specialist / Corporate Communications: Manage internal or external communications, marketing content, and community engagement for education-focused organizations.
Education Policy Analyst: Research and analyze education policy, evaluate programs, and recommend improvements for government agencies, think tanks, or nonprofits.
Social Media Manager for Education: Build and manage social channels, create content, and engage communities for schools, educational nonprofits, or EdTech companies.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Develop and run community-based education initiatives, partnerships, and after-school programs through nonprofits or government bodies.
Librarian / Information Specialist: Organize resources, support information literacy, and manage collections in schools, public libraries, and research centers.
Adult Education Coordinator: Design and lead programs for adult learners in community colleges, workforce development centers, and continuing education providers.
Career Counselor / Advisor: Help students or adults make informed career decisions, build resumes, and develop job-search strategies.
Health Educator: Plan and deliver programs that promote healthy behaviors in schools, healthcare organizations, or community settings.
Curriculum Sales Representative / Education Sales: Use classroom experience to present and sell curriculum, instructional products, and EdTech solutions to schools and districts.
Online Course Instructor: Teach subject-matter or professional development courses on e-learning platforms and virtual academies.
These roles allow education professionals to leverage classroom experience in new environments while continuing to make an impact on learners and organizations.
Alternatives to teaching: companies that hire people with education backgrounds
Many organizations actively recruit former teachers for their training experience, content knowledge, and communication skills. Examples include:
Fidelity Investments
Larson Texts, Inc.
Paper
Nearpod
BrainPOP
Kahoot!
Discovery Education
IXL Learning
ParentSquare
Illuminate Education
Other organizations and EdTech employers that frequently hire educators include NWEA, The New Teacher Project, Edison Learning, Panasonic, BP, Encyclopedia Britannica (Learning Resources), WestEd, Language Stars, Shmoop, Teach For America, k12, Clarity Consultants, Connections Academy, and Education Pioneers.
Quick tips for making the transition
- Identify transferable skills: instructional design, lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, communication, differentiation, and data analysis.
- Gain targeted skills: consider short courses in UX for educators, learning management systems (LMS), project management, instructional design tools, or basic marketing and communications.
- Network strategically: connect with former teachers who have transitioned, join LinkedIn groups, and follow hashtags like #teachersoflinkedin to discover opportunities and contacts.
- Showcase relevant work: build a portfolio with sample lessons, training modules, curriculum units, or content you’ve created for students or professional development.
- Be open to entry-level roles in a new sector: lateral moves can lead quickly to growth once you demonstrate your impact and transferable expertise.
Where to find opportunities and community
If you’re looking for EdTech roles or freelance assignments, job boards and industry sites focused on education and technology are useful starting points. You can also find paid opportunities pairing teachers with product teams for feedback and pilot work. Join professional communities—LinkedIn groups, private Facebook forums, and teacher networks—to receive job postings, career advice, and peer support.
Final thoughts
Changing careers is a big decision but it’s entirely possible with planning, networking, and a willingness to learn new skills. Teachers bring meaningful strengths that employers value across sectors. Stay positive, be strategic, and use your experience to open new doors. There are many fulfilling careers beyond the classroom, and with the right steps, you can make a smooth and rewarding transition.