APU Careers Careers & Learning

Teachers Can Still Teach . . . Outside the Classroom

You always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but the reality of classroom teaching isn’t quite what you hoped it would be. You’re not alone. Now you’re wondering what else you could do with that degree in education. You may be surprised at the possibilities.

Many teachers, those with less than five years experience and those that are close to retirement, wonder what other avenues are open to them outside the classroom. The most immediate and important answer is: do what makes you happy.

Transitioning from one career field to another can be a daunting task, but those with degrees and experience in education have a wide variety of career options. Teachers with good experience in the classroom can move up to the administrator level – get extra training and become a principal or work at the district level. Many teachers consider working for the myriad of education organizations out there. There’s also the option of becoming a corporate trainer – you’re still teaching, but in a different venue and with older students.  And you may consider going back to school; to earn another degree or even teach education to students interested in the profession.

If you’ve just received an advanced degree, remember that a Master of Education degree can qualify you to teach in private schools, in adult education, nonprofits, training facilities, and even children’s camps. You could even sell text books to school districts or develop curriculum for school districts or organizations.

Educators are also social workers, curriculum writers, guidance counselors, day care providers, private tutors, camp counselors and directors, and education outreach specialists for theatres, museums, zoos, and other cultural venues.

The classroom may be the best fit for a person with a degree in education, but there are other choices out there. Consider doing a Myers Briggs personality type assessment to gauge what most makes you happy. And read What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles for great advice on taking on a new career.

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