25 alternative jobs or income streams for a former teacher who has left traditional school teaching. These options leverage common teaching skills like communication, organization, leadership, subject expertise, and creativity:
Education-Adjacent Roles
-
Curriculum Developer – Design lesson plans and materials for educational publishers or edtech companies.
-
Educational Consultant – Advise schools or companies on instructional strategies or educational tools.
-
Tutor (Online or In-Person) – Offer one-on-one academic help; can be more lucrative and flexible than classroom teaching.
-
Test Prep Instructor – Teach standardized test strategies (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.).
-
Homeschool Consultant – Help parents build curricula and support their homeschool journeys.
-
Online Course Creator – Build and sell your own courses on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.
-
Instructional Designer – Create training materials for corporations or educational platforms.
-
Education Writer or Blogger – Write articles, blogs, or books about education or your subject area.
Corporate or Professional Careers
-
Corporate Trainer – Teach adults workplace skills like leadership, communication, or compliance.
-
Human Resources Specialist – Leverage communication and organizational skills in hiring, training, or onboarding.
-
Project Manager – Use planning and leadership experience in managing corporate projects.
-
Sales Representative (EdTech, Publishing, etc.) – Sell education-related products with authority as a former teacher.
-
Client Success Manager – Help customers use a product effectively (especially for companies targeting educators or schools).
Freelance or Entrepreneurial Paths
-
Freelance Writer or Editor – Write or edit content for blogs, companies, or publishers.
-
Virtual Assistant – Offer administrative help remotely (email management, scheduling, customer service).
-
Proofreader or Copy Editor – Use your language skills to refine written content.
-
Life Coach or Academic Coach – Guide clients in personal or academic development.
-
YouTube Creator or Podcaster – Share expertise or interests to build an audience and monetize.
-
Etsy Shop Owner – Sell educational materials, printables, or handmade goods.
-
Resume Writer or Career Coach – Help others navigate career changes or job searches.
Creative and Service-Oriented Work
-
Librarian or Archivist – Especially in educational or community settings.
-
Museum Educator – Lead tours and design programs for visitors.
-
Nonprofit or Community Program Coordinator – Organize events, workshops, or educational outreach.
-
Grant Writer – Write funding proposals for nonprofits or schools.
-
Tour Guide or Travel Planner – Combine storytelling and planning with a love for history, culture, or travel.