Five Alternative Careers for Elementary School Teachers

My teaching career was almost exclusively at the middle school level, with one summer-long stint teaching fifth grade and a couple years teaching in a GED program. I know from experience how tough middle school can be. Since I left teaching, my flexible schedule allows me to volunteer in my daughter’s elementary school.  I have one observation to share about elementary teachers.

You people rock.

Whenever I mentioned my work in middle school, peoples’ eyes would often get very large, and they’d say something like, “Wow, you’re brave. I could never teach middle school.” But here’s the truth: I could never have taught in an elementary classroom. My daughter’s teachers are among the most organized and patient people I have ever met. Her classroom hums along, with different groups working on different things, and it amazes me. It looks so easy, but I know it’s not. So if you’re an elementary school teacher, you’re probably super-organized, patient with kids and adults, and a fast learner. If you’re ready to look at new career fields, here are some ideas:

·         Sales: Before you say, “I’m not a salesperson,” think about some of the tasks and responsibilities you have as a teacher. Chances are, you’re very persuasive. And other skills you likely have, including speaking and writing well, coping with pressure, and managing deadlines, may also help you ease your way into a new career. Educational technology or textbook companies could be a great fit, as your classroom knowledge and insights will make you very valuable. This article from Forbes has some helpful tips, and might help you decide if the field is a good fit for you.

·         Educational Publishing: If you want to remain connected to education, but want to apply your knowledge elsewhere, educational publishing might work. Your skills and knowledge will help you transition, especially if you possess strong writing skills. The changes brought on by the Common Core mean that publishers are creating new materials to align with the standards. Don’t rule this possibility out if you don’t live near a publisher, especially if you decide to seek part-time or freelance work. Many publishers are happy to hire remote workers. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Prentice Hall are the largest and most well-known companies.

·         Corporate Training: A couple years as a staff developer showed me that adults can be as difficult to work with as kids, but I still think corporate training is an option with potential.  Your ability to speak well and present complex information with clarity will serve you well. This article provides some useful information to help you research the field.

·         Administrative Assistant: It may feel like a step down, but transitioning to a career as an administrative assistant will allow you to get in at a company and work your way up as you learn more. Since you probably have strong computer skills, great people and organizational skills, and are good at multi-tasking, administrative work could be a great option for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be average growth in the field. The link will also provide additional information about getting into the field.

·          Self-Employment: If your finances and personal circumstances allow you to explore entrepreneurship, you should. The pluses: you won’t be at the mercy of a hiring manager and you’ll have flexibility you may not have had as a teacher. The minuses: unsteady income and the challenges of being your own boss. If you’re not daunted by the challenges, you may find that setting up a tutoring business or a freelance writing business is the perfect fit for you. Or you may have another passion you can monetize. The Internet has opened up so many possibilities. If this sounds interesting to you, a lot of research will be in order. But to begin, this Wall Journal Street article will give you some good background information and help you determine if entrepreneurship is right for you.

It’s important to point out that no transition is going to be easy. This post is simply intended to point you in the direction of some ideas you may not have thought of.  And chances are, you’ll probably have to take a pay cut, at least at first. But if you’re unhappy enough to be looking for a new career, chances are you’ll be able to figure out the financial end. Look for a series of posts beginning next week on how to organize your finances before changing careers.