If you have a passion for helping children, then that passion may have lead you to a career as a teacher or principal. It is often assumed that if you enjoy working with children that you will end up as an educator or administrator. If you have a desire to improve youth lives, but do not necessarily want to work with them in this capacity, then there are plenty of other choices for someone with your skillset. There is also a wealth of opportunities for people who are looking to get out of the field, but who do not want to start from square one. Here are nine alternative careers you may want to pursue.
- Student counseling
Working in education does not always allow for much one-on-one interaction between student and teacher. One way to influence youth while taking a step out of the classroom is through counseling. Children need guidance throughout their educational career, and a counselor can give them the direction they need during these developmental years. To work in this field, you may need to pursue additional training.
- Writing/publishing
Education personnel have plenty of writing experience by the time they achieve their degrees, and even more if they have spent some time in the field. If you have a passion or at least an interest in writing, a career as a writer or publisher might be a nice change from education. With many government and political issues focused on the educational infrastructure of America and abroad, there are often many media companies looking for reporters or bloggers who specialize in these topics. Experience is generally a major factor when acquiring a writing or editing position with a company, but it is not bound to a formal setting.
- Tutoring
Perhaps teaching is still your passion–you are just tired of the classroom setting. A great way to feel like you are having an impact on children’s education while not being in the classroom is through tutoring. Tutoring can be done in one-on-one or small group situations. Skype and other online software enable the tutor to work with students anywhere on the planet. Both freelance tutoring and franchise tutoring are popular formats to explore. If you love educating but are tired of the classroom, one of those could be the right fit for you.
- Educational Supplier
Schools are big business domestically and internationally. Supplying schools and their students and faculty with what they need to function takes a massive effort. Thousands of companies have to supply the educational system with the tools it needs, and who better to know what an educational facility needs than someone who has worked in the business. There are several different departments that former educators can thrive in with educational supply companies: sales, marketing, product development, etc. Some additional training might be required, but a new and creative perspective will go a long way in showing your value to the company.
- Museum Educator
Engaging students is one of the trickiest tasks teachers face. Could you imagine an environment where the majority of your students wanted to be there and learn? Not only that, but in a lighthearted and fun-filled setting? If you are looking for that type of atmosphere, you might be searching for a position as a museum educator. Museums are trending towards making visitor experiences fun and interactive, while simultaneously being educational and informative. This could be the right move for people still wanting to teach, just not in the classroom setting.
- Entrepreneur
This one can really be tied into several other careers on this list. Take the knowledge and passion you have for education and turn it into your own company. Start a tutoring company, write blogs to help school systems, start your own educational supplies business, or think of a new and inventive way to stay in the field. The sky truly is the limit with the skills you have acquired and the information you have to share.
- Librarian
One of the positions in a school that does not work directly with students, but influences their education both directly and indirectly, is a librarian. If the process of sharing information interests you as much as the information itself, becoming a librarian might be the right alternative to teaching for you. Organizational skills, an ability to locate materials easily, and managerial skills will benefit anyone seeking to make this their profession.
- Curriculum Design
If you have ever been involved with education, then you are aware that a fair percentage of your time is dedicated to establishing curriculum for your students. If you loved the developmental stages as much as the execution of what you were teaching, then a curriculum design position may be an exciting opportunity for you. The position demands a thorough understanding of teaching theory and technique in a specific subject. Standardized tests are another avenue to explore when working in this field. If you have a love for developing course standards, this might be the field you want to work in.
- Corporate Education and Growth
Just like the academic world, businesses are constantly trying to figure out new ways to improve training for their employees. Once again, there are a variety of aspects associated with corporate education, from coaching to mentoring to e-learning based courses. If you have ideas you think could help companies improve their business model, this might be the occupation you want to pursue.
There are plenty of opportunities for teachers and principals wanting to pursue other jobs. Think of your desires and strengths, and put them into practical application when deciding your career choice.
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