One of the hardest parts about leaving the classroom is deciding what career to pursue next. When I was looking for my exit strategy, I applied to every job I could find, even if I didn’t meet every requirement for the role. As a teacher, you’re in demand and the hiring process tends to be simple and quick. But when you start to look for jobs outside of education, it can feel like you’re back to square one. Which is a really incredible place to be—even if it feels scary. Especially if it feels scary.
As someone who has successfully left the classroom and built a virtual assistant business from the ground up, I’m here to assure you that 1. You’ve got this, and 2. You have some of the most sought-after transferable skills. So whether you’re just considering new career options or are ready to make the switch this year, here are six jobs for teachers looking to leave the classroom.
Account Manager
Teachers have the best interpersonal skills. Not only can we handle conflict but we are experts at classroom management. Many of us have worked with 25+ students at a time, managing a room of different personalities, backgrounds, and needs. As an account manager, you’ll use those same skills to foster client relationships, serve as the liaison between the client and the company, and ensure that the project deliverables go according to plan.
Corporate Trainer
Creating and executing lessons is kind of our jam as teachers. As a corporate trainer, you’d be responsible for developing training materials and programs for new and existing employees. The best part? You’d still be teaching but rather than giving a lesson on Romeo and Juliet, you’ll create inspiring programs on a variety of professional growth topics. And as an expert public speaker who knows how to create engaging content, you’d be highly valued in this role.
Curriculum Developer
If you were ever given a curriculum that didn’t excite or resonate with you, then this is your opportunity to make a difference. Teachers make exceptional curriculum developers because nobody gets it quite like the person who has to teach it. This role is fantastic for teachers wanting to stay close to the field and use their skills in challenging new ways. It’s important to note that some curriculum developer roles require you to have a master’s degree to be considered for hire.
Content Writer/Editor
Writing and editing are huge parts of the day-to-day job of teachers. There are so many opportunities to expand that skill into a full-time career. You could find a content job in education, writing for textbooks, educational websites, or instructional videos. But if you’re ready to leave education in this chapter of your life, consider exploring content writing or editing jobs for marketing agencies, nonprofits, or technology companies. Writing and editing are two skills not everyone has—you have the chance to capitalize on your skills.
Educational Consultant
Going from the classroom to consulting can feel like a natural career progression. As an educational consultant, you’ll provide expertise to guide schools and districts to improve their current systems and promote positive outcomes for students, teachers, and staff. Some responsibilities of this role include data analysis, instructional support, policy compliance, and more. If you’ve ever wanted to provide strategic support to schools, this is your opportunity.
Virtual Assistant
Now I know I’m biased, but I had to save the best for last. Becoming a virtual assistant has absolutely changed my life. I started building my company and clientele list while I was still teaching and within three months, I made my year’s worth of salary. This has given me a sense of freedom, both financially and socially, that I never knew existed. I believe so firmly that teachers make the best virtual assistants that I created an entire self-paced course to help you build your VA business.
Saying goodbye to a career in education is not a decision to be made lightly. While we know teachers are continuing to leave in droves, your next career step should be something that fulfills you, brings you joy, and pays you what you’re worth. So take your time finding the perfect fit, and if you have any questions, I’m a DM away.
