30 Career Options for Former Teachers Who Want More

If you’re a former teacher, you’ve probably heard this before: “But you’re so good with kids!” That may be true, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay in a classroom to use your skills. Whether you’ve already left teaching or you’re planning your exit, you’re likely asking the same question many others have: What other jobs can teachers do that actually feel sustainable and fulfilling?

Here’s the reality, more teachers are leaving education than ever. A 2022 survey by the National Education Association found that 55% of educators were considering leaving the profession earlier than they had planned. That’s over half. And it’s not just a post-pandemic blip. Teachers are burned out, underpaid, and looking for work that values their experience without draining their mental health.

The good news? There are plenty of jobs for former teachers that use your communication skills, leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re building on a foundation that’s more versatile than you might think.

Let’s go over the career paths where former teachers are not just welcome, they’re thriving.

1. Instructional Designer

This is one of the most natural transitions for teachers. Instructional designers create learning content for businesses, schools, and online platforms. You already know how to build a lesson plan. Now, you’ll use that skill to design corporate training modules or eLearning content.

Former teachers tend to excel here because they already understand how to break down information into digestible pieces. Companies love that. It’s one of the best jobs for teachers leaving education because it blends creativity, structure, and purpose, all without the chaos of a classroom.

2. Corporate Trainer

If you enjoyed professional development days more than teaching math on a Monday morning, corporate training might be your thing. In this role, you’ll train employees, facilitate workshops, and lead onboarding sessions.

You already know how to explain new ideas clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and keep people engaged. That’s what corporate training is all about. Plus, it often comes with better hours, a higher salary, and the chance to work remotely.

3. Academic Advisor

Academic advising is a great option if you still want to work with students but in a more structured, low-stress environment. Colleges, universities, and private education companies hire former teachers to help students choose courses, plan careers, and navigate challenges.

Your understanding of education systems and your empathy for student struggles make you a great fit. It’s one of those jobs teachers can transition to without needing another degree, especially if you’re coming from a secondary or post-secondary teaching background.

4. Education Consultant

Some teachers step into consulting and never look back. Education consultants work with schools, education companies, or government agencies to improve learning outcomes, develop strategies, or implement new programs.

You already know what works and what doesn’t in the classroom. Now, you can apply that insight on a broader level. It’s a great option if you still want to be involved in education without being tied to one school or district.

5. Content Writer or Editor

Teachers write constantly. Lesson plans, emails, newsletters, reports, writing is baked into the job. That’s why so many former teachers find success as content writers or editors. Whether it’s education blogs, parenting sites, health articles, or product guides, your ability to write clearly and informatively is a huge asset.

You can work freelance or full-time, from home or in an office. It’s flexible, creative, and pays well once you get established. If you’re looking for alternative jobs for teachers that still let you educate, just in a new format, this is a solid move.

6. Project Manager

This one might surprise you, but teaching is basically one long project. You plan, execute, manage deadlines, and coordinate with multiple people. That’s exactly what project managers do in the business world.

If you’re organized, communicative, and good at juggling multiple tasks, you’ll likely thrive in this role. It’s one of the best jobs for teachers leaving education, especially for those who enjoy logistics and problem-solving.

7. Human Resources Specialist

Teachers often transition well into HR roles because they’re already pros at managing conflict, coaching others, and understanding human behavior. HR specialists handle everything from hiring and onboarding to employee support and engagement.

You’ve worked with students, parents, and administrators, handling tough conversations and complex dynamics. That people-centered experience transfers well to HR. And the pay and benefits are often a step up from teaching.

8. Customer Success Manager (Especially in EdTech)

If you’re looking to stay connected to education without teaching, EdTech companies are hiring former teachers in droves. Customer success managers help schools and teachers use software and tools more effectively.

You already know what teachers need, what frustrates them, and how they think. That insight makes you incredibly valuable in this space. Plus, many of these roles are remote and come with competitive salaries.

9. Nonprofit Program Manager

Many former teachers move into the nonprofit sector. If you care about social causes and want to make an impact, this is a meaningful direction. Program managers help design, implement, and run education- or youth-focused programs.

You already know how to build curriculum, run events, and work with different stakeholders. That experience translates well. It’s one of those jobs for former teachers that still feels mission-driven but offers a better work-life balance.

10. Online Tutor or Test Prep Coach

Not ready to give up teaching completely? Tutoring might be your sweet spot. You can work independently or with a company, and you can choose your subjects, schedule, and rates.

Many tutors make more per hour than classroom teachers and have full control over their time. Some specialize in SAT/ACT prep, while others focus on elementary reading or college applications. It’s a flexible, focused version of teaching, without the meetings and paperwork.

11. Real Estate Agent

It’s a big jump, but some teachers go into real estate and absolutely thrive. If you’re outgoing, organized, and good at explaining things clearly, this could be a surprisingly natural fit.

Real estate requires strong communication and people skills, two things teachers have in spades. The flexibility and earning potential are attractive, especially if you’re looking for something new and entrepreneurial.

12. Curriculum Developer

This one’s a no-brainer. If you loved designing your own materials or tweaking district-provided ones, curriculum development is right up your alley.

You’ll create resources for schools, publishers, or online platforms. The work is often remote, and you get to shape how students learn, without dealing with classroom management.

13. Life Coach or Career Coach

Teachers are natural coaches. You help people grow, overcome challenges, and reach goals. Some former teachers take that strength into life coaching or career coaching.

You’ll need some additional training or certification, but it’s not as time-consuming as going back to school. And it can be deeply rewarding. You still get to guide people, just in a different context.

14. Sales Representative (Especially in Education or Publishing)

Believe it or not, sales can be a great path for teachers. You know how to read people, respond to objections, and present ideas. If you’re interested in selling educational tools, books, or tech, you already speak the buyer’s language.

It might not be for everyone, but it’s one of those jobs teachers can transition to that can pay very well if you’re comfortable building relationships and working toward targets.

15. Entrepreneur

Many former teachers decide to build their own thing, whether that’s launching a course, starting a tutoring business, creating educational products, or opening a daycare.

You’ve got discipline, creativity, and people skills. You’re used to wearing 10 hats. That’s half the battle in business. If you’re tired of bureaucracy and want full control, this could be your path.

More Career Options for Former Teachers

Teaching builds a wide range of transferable skills, and those don’t disappear when you leave the classroom. If you’re still exploring your next step, here are more career options for former teachers that align with your strengths and experience.

16. College Admissions Counselor
17. Editor or Proofreader
18. Library Technician or Archivist
19. Museum Educator or Program Coordinator
20. Grant Writer
21. Technical Writer
22. Training and Development Specialist
23. Youth Program Director
24. Instructional Coach
25. Podcast Producer or Host
26. Standardized Test Developer
27. Early Childhood Program Director
28. Community Outreach Coordinator
29. Translator or Language Services Provider
30. Career Services Specialist

Still Making a Difference, Just Elsewhere

Here’s the thing, leaving teaching can mess with your sense of identity. For years, your job was your purpose. So stepping away isn’t just about finding another paycheck, it’s about figuring out who you are without a whiteboard and a bell schedule. But the truth is, the world doesn’t need you to stay a teacher to keep making a difference. It needs your brain, your grit, your people skills, just in new places. So don’t get stuck asking “What now?” Ask “Where else can I show up and matter?” Because you’ve got more options than you think, and honestly, you’ve earned the right to choose better.