Those with a passion for teaching opt for a career in education. However, regardless of how motivated and dedicated you are to teach, you may later realize that you are not fit for the role.
It does not come as a surprise because being a full-time teacher and teaching in a classroom setting has many challenges. Moreover, as a teacher, you have to play more than one role while at work. You teach, counsel, and care for students as a parent, which may lead to burnout.
However, having an education degree and experience in teaching is worthwhile. You can use your knowledge and skills to pursue a different career in and outside the field of education.
So, if you are one of those who want to switch their job from teaching in a classroom setting, then read on to explore the available career options:
- Educational Consultant
You can become an educational consultant if you want to work flexible hours. As an educational consultant, you can work independently and even choose whom to work with. You can pick long and short-term assignments and work with private educational institutions, public school districts, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
As an educational consultant, you can offer insights into administrative procedures, educational policy, and in different areas of the organization you choose to serve. Besides, you can guide families in finding the right educational institute for their children or assist them in the college application process.
Many organizations and educational institutes prefer to hire consultants with a graduate degree in education with relevant experience. If you want to excel as an educational consultant and make yourself eligible for the role, enroll in an online master of arts in teaching offered by many reputed universities.
- Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers play a crucial role in enriching the skills and knowledge of employees within a company. Their primary responsibility is to provide comprehensive training programs that enhance employee abilities.
This profession demands exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to design and deliver impactful training sessions. By working closely with professionals from diverse industries, corporate trainers have the fulfilling opportunity to impact their career growth significantly.
Moreover, this career path offers stability and financial security, providing a gratifying and prosperous lifestyle.
- Standardized Test Developer
Besides teaching, education has many facets, including developing syllabi and tests. Each state has its standardized tests that students must pass at different levels. The most well-known are the SATs.
Standardized test developers are tasked with designing test questions and setting examination formats that align with the state curriculum. While creating a test paper may seem easy, it is quite a big responsibility.
Standardized test development requires an eye for detail, the ability to take on complex tasks, and a strong understanding of educational psychology. It is up to standardized test developers to ensure that fair and appropriate tests are conducted, and all questions meet the psychometric standards for each specific age group.
If you think you’d enjoy preparing tests instead of being at the front and center of a classroom, you can consider a career as a standardized test developer.
- Instructional Designer
Teachers are responsible for shaping the minds of young individuals, but who regulates how teachers carry out their job? That’s the job of instructional designers, who work with teachers, administration, and school boards to develop effective teaching material and instructional techniques.
They are also responsible for ensuring that the techniques and materials shared with teachers are being used and that classrooms have no hidden curriculum. For an instructional designer or coordinator role, you must have prior teaching or administration experience and an advanced degree in education. If you check these boxes, a career in instructional design may be the thing for you.
- School Administrator
If your passion lies in working within a school environment but you prefer not to be directly involved in teaching, consider a role in the administration. School administrators play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of a school or school district.
Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, such as overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, implementing policies, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. By obtaining a master’s degree in a relevant field and gaining several years of teaching experience, individuals can pursue rewarding careers as school administrators.
Not only can they significantly impact the education system, but they can also enjoy a financially rewarding lifestyle with the potential to earn a six-figure salary.
- Private Tutor
Giving private tuition still falls within the ambit of teaching, but it’s different from teaching in a classroom setting. A huge difference exists between being a school teacher and a private tutor.
Starting your work as a private tutor, you get to choose your hours and your students. You don’t have to work at a specific time.
Secondly, private tuitions are generally carried out one-to-one, or at max, in small groups. It means you don’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of a classroom and can provide individual attention to each child.
The demand for private tutors is currently high, as parents recognize the value of one-on-one instruction for their children’s academic success. It’s evident that every child is unique and has varying learning needs, and private tutoring provides the personalized attention necessary to excel.
Additionally, homeschooling has gained popularity as parents seek to foster a well-rounded perspective in their children’s education. It presents a promising opportunity for private tutors to meet the growing demand and contribute to the holistic development of students.
So if you have a knack for teaching but don’t want to teach in a classroom setting, start your career as a private tutor.
Conclusion
Education is a diverse field with many career options other than teaching. In addition to the above six, there are numerous other jobs that you can pursue based on where your interest lies.
Once you research, you’ll be surprised at how many career pathways you can pursue with a degree in teaching or education. Rest assured, even if teaching isn’t your cup of tea, you can use your education degree well.