101 Alternative Jobs

for Teachers
written by Trudy Graham
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101 Alternative Jobs for Teachers

Published by: Trudy Graham
Publica3on Date: January 2015
Copyright 2015 Trudy Graham
This eBook is for informa3on purposes only and does not cons3tute advice from a career counsellor.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
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without the prior wriPen permission of the publishers, except in the case of brief quota3ons embrued in cri3cal ar3cles or reviews.
NOTICE OF LIABILITY
The author and publisher have made every eort to ensure the accuracy of the informa3on herein. However, the informa3on contained in
this book is provided warranty, either expressed or implied.
Neither the author or publisher will be held liable for any damages caused either directly or indirectly by the instruc3ons con3nued in this
book or by the soWware or hardware products described herein.
Hyperlinks to websites and addi3onal resources were ac3ve at the 3me of publica3on.

Introduction
You and I have been chatting. Well, really, youve been
talking and Ive been listening. Usually with a coffee in
hand. Ive heard you on twitter, and in forum discussions,
and on blog posts. Then in surveys, or in the media or the
latest research.
If youre confused, perhaps it wasnt you exactly, but one
of your colleagues. I may have had a wine in my hand on
that occasion.
Loud and clear. For one reason or another. Youve got to a
point where you want something different. You want
something better. Or you want out.
Educators everywhere are hurting and want solutions.
For work-life balance.
In jobsthey love.
To provide for their families.
With professional respect.
Ive written '101 Alternative Jobs for Teachers' to help you
see the options. Realise the potential. Seize the
opportunities. My hope is to give you lots of positive ideas
and possibilities to think about and therefore I havent
laboured the detail. In any case, the requirements differ
in states and countries.

Before you dive into the list, and before you pull the pin
on your current job, I plead with you to do these things
#1 Get financial advice. See a financial advisor, contact
your superannuation company, get to a retirement
seminar. Whatever is right for you. Make enquiries about
superannuation, insurances, pensions and anything else
you have or need, so you are fully informed about your
short and long term situation.
#2 Take leave before you resign. If you have long service
or can access special leave, take it. Use the time and
space to evaluate how you really feel and get yourself set
up in your next adventure. If it doesnt work out, you have
a fall-back position.
#3 Do further research on any of the job ideas I have
listed. Thoroughly check the requirements, qualifications
and legislation in your district, state and country. You need
to be fully informed of any pre-requisite qualifications
that apply.
#4 If your work situation is impacting on your health,
please seek medical support, especially if you are stressed
or depressed. Your physical and mental wellbeing is your
first priority. Trust me, Ive learned some hard lessons.
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Before you leave

Think you want out of teaching but not entirely sure? Lets exhaust all the alternative positions and opportunities available
as a teacher.
1. Consider a different year level or changing subjects Sure you will need to undertake some personal
learning, but it might just be the change or challenge
you are looking for.

6. Become a specialist - Consider Special Education

working with students with disabilities or Support
Teachers in literacy or numeracy. Perhaps Teacher
Librarian, Music or Physical Education would suit you.

2. Move to a different school - Definitely consider

changing schools. Either apply for a transfer or start
job searching to apply directly; depending on how this
works in your state. It will give you a fresh start.

7. Reduce time - Is reducing from full-time to part-time

work viable? You may be able to work with another
part-time teacher to job share a class or you may find
a stand alone part-time position.

3. Move sectors - If you have worked in primary, consider

secondary. If you teach secondary, consider primary.

8. Go for a promotion - Seriously. Youll never know

unless you try. Head of Department, Curriculum
Leader, even a Principals position in a small school are
all worth considering.

4. Move to a different system - If you work in a public

school, consider private, religious, independent or
charter schools (USA). And vice versa.
5. Consider a correspondence school - In my state they
are referred to as Schools of Distance Education and
are managed by Department of Education. The work is
very different, but rewarding and vital in meeting the
needs of students who cannot attend a mainstream
school.

9. Undertake further study - guidance counsellor, speech

or occupational therapist require specific
qualifications. If its your passion, it will be worth it.
10. Be a relief teacher - Also known as supply or substitute
teachers. Commitments can vary from day-to-day work
to contracts. Some departments have permanently
employed relief teachers.
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As an employee
The following jobs rely on being employed by government, business, or not-for-profit organisations. Some are teaching
roles, others will allow you to make a difference in the lives of kids in different ways, and then some will transfer your
experience and skills into new careers.
11. Tutoring - Search for local tutoring companies in your
area to make contact. Enquire about their recruiting
procedures.
12. Teaching Abroad - Teachers of English are highly sought
after in many countries. (South Korea, China, Thailand
and Japan) If you have few obligations and love an
adventure, this could be you. If Jessica at
CuriosityTravels.org can do it without a qualification,
theyll love you.
13. International Schools - If youd like your teaching
experience overseas to be more structured and secure,
research teaching in international schools. Recruiting
usually occurs at International Teaching Fairs. Search
for the fairs closest to your location.
14. Teaching in Prisons or Youth Detention Centres - There
are resoundingly positive anecdotes documented about
teaching inmates. Often teachers are working one-onone or with small groups of willing participants under
close supervision of a guard. Think about it no
discipline or respect issues.

15. Teaching in Hospital Schools - An important and special

role in the lives of sick kids and teens. In my state this
falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of
Education.
16. Academic Roles in Universities - Do your research (no
pun intended) Check which roles you can hold with
your qualification and what long term study
commitments are required. This is also a great option
closer to retirement. A cautionary note that working
within academia may not be any better than primary
and secondary school settings.
17. Administration or Project Work in Universities (not
requiring a Masters or high level qualifications) - Look
for alternative positions with universities for example
placement officers.
18. Teaching in Technical and Further Education Colleges/
Community Colleges - Check the necessary
qualifications and possible fields that would suit your
experience. Also a great possibility for part time work.
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19. Trainer with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) Specifically providing training programs to adults in
industry. To find out more about RTOs in Australia start
with this Australian Government website.
20. Learning & Development Co-ordinators - Large
corporates such as banks, law firms, accounting firms,
mining companies and retail chains all have reasonably
sized L&D departments with lots of opportunities. The
role may include developing programs, face-to-face
facilitation or sub-contracting trainers.
21. eLearning Instructional Designer - eLearning design is
in demand, uses core teacher skills and is well paid.
Understanding how to design learning for adult
learners is the biggest requirement, especially being
able to translate face to face interaction into
meaningful interaction with a screen. Some visual
design skills would also be an asset. Often people start
as L&D coordinators and work their way into
eLearning. Explore the Rapid eLearning Blog.
22. Assessment Officers - Authorities and companies
responsible for assessment may be looking for qualified
teachers for developing standardised test materials,
checking item validity, marking and grading papers.
This is also a great option for part-time work.
23. Public Servant - Scan for vacancies matching your skill
set, expertise and interest. Policy roles require writing
and communication skills. Similarly positions relating to
children and families would be worth investigating.

24. Community Educator or Youth Worker - Look for

positions with local councils, government departments
or non-profit organisations offering programs for
youth. Think about after school programs, community
enrichment classes, YMCA programs, Police Citizens
Youth Clubs or Boys and Girls clubs.
25. Positions in Education Companies - Think of all the
amazing websites, books and teaching resources you
use. Its likely a team of educators are creating those
curricular materials for the company. The roles are
varied, some are full time, others are part time online.
Start with the jobs board of the companies that make
your favourite resources.
26. Education Salesperson - Working in sales for a publisher
of educational products. The role can involve
considerable travel. Here is a great read about Life as
a Publishing Rep. In addition you may find yourself
visiting schools and providing professional development
to compliment the products you sell.
27. Education Officer or Guide in Cultural & Civic Facilities
- Think museums, cultural centres, art galleries,
science centres, zoos, national parks, historical sites
and government houses. Former educators are sought
after for positions because they are excellent at
managing large groups of children on field trips. The
work could include facilitating short courses,
conducting school tours and creating teaching
materials. Even better if your major or specialist area
matches the institution.
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28. Educational Consulting for Other Educational

Consultants - Successful educational consultants often
find they cant meet demand and employ ex-teachers
to deliver programs on their behalf. Start looking at
the programs you love using and know well, there may
be vacancies with the company.
29. Social Work - If you have an inherent drive to make a
difference exploring the academic discipline and
professional opportunities in the field of social work is
worth your time. You may discover roles you can step
into with your current qualifications and experience.
30. Educator in Not-for-Profit Organisations - Worldwide,
education is viewed as a cornerstone for changing
peoples lives. While there are thousands of teacher
volunteers, paid positions exist. Also look for other
roles where you could transfer your skills. Here is a list
of 50 Non-Profit Organisations that Educate People in
Need.
31. Nanny - If Early Childhood Education is your thing,
looking after children part-time or full-time as a nanny
could be perfect. If you have special education
certification or experience, working for families of
children who have autism or disabilities could attract
higher pay rates. Being with kids, helping with
homework and co-ordinating out of school activities
will fill your days. Traveling with the family to exotic
vacations could be a nice perk.

32. Centre-Based Child Care Provider - A great option for

those with Early Childhood experience who want to
stay in classroom teaching positions and work with
babies, toddlers or preschoolers. Youre likely to have
smaller classes and an assistant. Check the pay rates
and that your qualifications are applicable. A playgroup supervisor is a variation on this theme.
33. Home-Based Child Care Provider - This option would be
like having your own day care business at home, but
set up under the auspice of a governing authority such
as Family Day Care Australia. Child care fees are high
and there is a demand for places. Keep in mind if your
own children are still toddlers/preschoolers they are
counted in your numbers.
34. Adult Literacy - There will be adults in your community
seeking qualified educators to improve their literacy
skills in reading and writing or basic English language
skills as new immigrants. Licensing requirements for
adult literacy may apply. Also consider General
Educational Development (GED) teaching.
35. Librarian - If you love books, this is a no brainer.
36. Child Welfare/Safety Officer - Consider positions with
the authorities in your area responsible for child
welfare and safety.
37. HR Management - Truly, people skills are the strength
of our profession. HR guru, Tim Sackett thinks so too.
Read his Elementary Teacher vs HR Manager post.
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38. Project Manager - Project Managers manage projects.

Duh! Dont you think you do that on multiple levels
everyday? Look for project management work within
education and across other industries.
39. Market and Survey Researcher - Combining research
and people skills makes these jobs appealing. The role
involves product research, marketing surveys and
gathering information to help companies improve their
services and customer satisfaction. Consumer product
firms, university research centres, financial
organisations, government agencies, health care
institutions and advertising firms employ researchers.
40. Journalist - Want some inspiration? Start with exteacher, Christopher Calnan.
41. Textbook Author - Consider being a textbook author in
your field of expertise. The role involves researching,
writing and verifying information for student
textbooks. Major book publishers offer full-time jobs
on a salary, however some authors work on a freelance
or contract basis.
42. Content Marketer - Not sure what content marketing
is? This post gives a good introduction to content
marketing. Not convinced you could do it? 7 Reasons to
Hire a Former Teacher for a Content Marketing Job

44. Personal Assistant (P.A.) - Your people, organisational

and communication skills would be a good fit as a P.A.
But youll also need to love administrative type duties
and have an extensive knowledge of the organisation in
which you work. Efficiency, confidentiality and
discretion are non-negotiable.
45. Swim Teacher - Ensure your relevant certificates and
qualifications are up-to-date and look for vacancies
with swimming schools.
46. Sports Development Officer - Usually employed by
sports governing bodies to provide school and
community programs to increase skills, interest and
therefore participation in their given sport. Coaching
and managing roles are also worth exploring.
47. Politician - If you are politicly active you may consider
running as a representative in local, state or national
government.
48. Union Representative - Again if you are active in union
matters, a position within your teachers union is worth
exploring.
49. Minister of Religion - If you play a leadership role
within your congregation could you turn it into a
paying career?

43. Games Designer - Jesse Snyder has a degree in

Computer Science and a Masters in Teaching, but hes
been designing games for over a decade. Go figure!
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In Your Own Business

50. Freelance Tutoring - Establishing your own tutoring
business, tutoring children individually and in small
groups can match your income as a classroom teacher.
People hire private tutors to help their children make
better grades at school or prepare for examinations.
Get started by asking family, friends and local schools
for referrals. Tutor House has great resources to help
you get started.
51. Educational Consulting - There are so many different
avenues to explore - conducting professional
development in local schools, working with teachers
one-on-one through instructional coaching, creating
online courses or webinars. Carefully research current
trends and professional development needs to match
with your expertise. Also consider working as an
independent consultant and as a freelancer for other
consulting companies. Angela Watson offers advice on
Becoming an Educational Consultant and look out for
her How to Transition Into Educational Consulting
Webinar.
52. Training Company - Establish a business to help
corporate organisations train their staff to cope with
changes and innovations in industry, for example new
software programs, policy and procedures, or induction
programs.

53. Create an Educational Program - Focus on your talents,

passions or hobby and turn it into a profitable business
by creating programs to educate children or adults. Do
your research to establish if it should be a touring
program (going to schools) or centre based (schools
visit you). The following are variations on this idea.
54. Arts, Dance or Drama program - You could provide a
performance with a moral to the story (e.g. bullying)
or provide workshops to teach a skill. Demonstrate
how your program gives depth to the curriculum or
provides learning in an area most educators are not
comfortable teaching.
55. STEM Programs - If you possess a level of expertise in a
field thats highly desirable, but not broadly held by
the majority of teachers you could create a very
lucrative offer for schools. Robotics, coding courses
and maker workshops have potential.
56. Arts and Craft Programs - As above, but if you are the
creative type, take a look at the Arts Curriculum. You
could be the artist-in-residence offering tie-dying,
printing or pottery. I once had a traveling artist offer
free-form candle making. It was a hit with the kids at
school during the week and with the adults at the
markets on the weekend.
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57. Social and Emotional Programs - Be clear on your

target audience, age group and topic. Build a learning
experience that is as unforgettable as it is essential. As
examples, Enlighten Education has been designed for
teen girls and Goodfellas for the guys.
58. Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Programs - Find
creative, engaging ways to get the message across.
Dont forget there is a market to teach parents and
educators about what kids are doing online, as much as
educating the kids to keep themselves safe.
59. Health & Safety Programs - Anti drug and alcohol,
personal safety, defensive driving for teenagers, and
healthy eating are just the start.
60. Travelling Animal Educational Programs. They say never
work with animals or kids. Combine the two and you
have a dynamic business opportunity. Old MacDonald's
Farm visits my school annually for younger students.
For something more exotic what about Roaming
Reptiles?
61. Farm Stay or Eco Tourism - If you are privileged to have
property you can share with others, consider
establishing an experience for kids and adults alike.
Peppermint Ridge Farm was established by exteachers.
62. Cooking School for Kids - Who would have thought? This
is a thing. A very successful thing. Weekly classes,

birthday parties and school holiday programs. Gourmet

kids.com.au is just one example in Australia.
63. Educational Guide - Are there intriguing locations in
your area that don't have tour guides or education
officers? Create learning experiences and programs
(and a business) for children to learn about the sites in
your district. Consider museums, historical sites
including cemeteries, modern civic buildings, tourist
attractions and natural phenomenon. It may also
attract interested adults and tourists.
64. After-School Programs - Rent a space at the local
school or other community venue to offer an afterschool program teaching sport or any another activities
you have a passion for. You could start as a teacher or
coordinator at an existing after school program and
then branch out and create your own business.
65. Educational Camps - Adventure, Environmental, STEM,
or Leadership Camps attract school groups. If you have
the facilities, set it up well and you will also attract a
corporate market for team building or leadership
programs.
66. Event Planning - You could eventually replace your
annual teachers salary by organising and hosting one
phenomenal educational conference. Aside from
conferences, consider expos, festivals and corporate
events for educators or any other industry.

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67. Party Planner - If youve ever co-ordinated a large

school fair, you could organise just about anything
else. Weddings, corporate events and fundraisers all
need planning and co-ordinating.
68. Childrens Play Venue - This is the kind of space where
parents take their kids to play while the adults have
some down time. Include a coffee shop. They are often
booked for kids parties. Create party rooms. Also great
for access visits and vacation programs. Think about a
unisex theme and sourcing unique play and climbing
equipment.
69. Uniform Supplies - Start a uniform supply business.
Research manufacturers and supply requirements.
Grow the business by establishing contracts with
schools across your district.
70. Translation Services - If you speak, read and write two
or more languages you could start by charging people
for converting documents and taking bookings for
translating spoken language.
71. Dance, Music, Performing or Martial Arts School - If you
have achieved high level qualifications in any of these
areas consider providing private tuition. As student
enrolment grows recruit more teachers.
72. Swim School - Creating a swim school at an existing
pool. Check legislative requirements and
qualifications. If successful, employing other staff will
be necessary.

73. Homeschooling Contract Teacher - As homeschooling

becomes more popular, the market grows for
specialists to teach the subjects parents cannot. A
group of homeschoolers could hire you once a week to
teach PE, art, and music or advanced concepts in math
and science.
74. Freelance Writing - For flexibility and convenience of
working from home, you could become a freelance
writer. It will be easier to market yourself as
specialising in writing for particular purposes or on
defined topics.
75. Book Writing - Do you have the potential of writing
books on the subjects you teach or create fiction and
non-fiction books for children. Perhaps youre aware of
a gap in whats available in particular education topics
within the curriculum. There are numerous websites to
help you write, publish and sell your own books.
76. Resume Writing - You could establish a professional
resume writing business to help job applicants write
winning resumes. Consider specialising in particular
fields - resumes for first time job applicants or
promotional positions in education.
77. Scholarship Consultancy - You could establish a
business to help students find and access scholarship
opportunities and educational grants.

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78. Grant Writing - Similar to above, except establish

yourself as a professional grant writer for not-for-profit
organisations. Consider designing a sliding fee
structure so you are paid more based on your success.

83. Marriage Celebrant - There are courses you will need

to complete to be qualified. Research the
requirements in your region. Civil Celebrant, Susanna
Jose is an ex-Principal.

79. Editor - If your expertise is English or Languages, you

could establish yourself as an editor just as this exCollege English Teacher has.

84. Not for Profit Organisation - You can create your own
job by starting a Not for Profit Organisation. Exteacher, Abigail Thomas set up a community-based
social enterprise called Essential Skills, which engages
with young people between the ages of 16-24 to
prepare them for work.

80. Software Development - There are examples

everywhere of educators co-founding companies to
build software and apps to solve problems in
education. Julian Miller at LearnMetrics is but one
example.
81. Book Shop - Seriously is this not the dream for every
teacher? A bricks and mortar store for new or second
books. Also consider specialising in educational
resources if this is not available in your area.
82. Real Estate Agent - There are licences you will need to
acquire to operate as an agent. Janet Wundersitz, a
name associated with Real Estate in Adelaide
(Australia) is a former teacher.

85. Publisher - Gillian Hund is a former special education

teacher who started the Child Magazines on her
kitchen table. They are now the largest parent
magazine in Australia.
86. Marketer - Consider specifically marketing for schools.
Dr Linda Vining who founded Centre for Marketing
Schools has multiple education degrees.
87. Florist, Ice Cream or Coffee Shop - Really, how
stressful could any of these be? Just the thought of it
gets me through a rough day.

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Go Online
88. Online Universities Its worth investigating the
opportunities, but also check out the pay rates and
make sure its worth your time, as some pay as little as
$1,200 per semester-long course. Worth considering for
part-time work.
89. Instructor for Online K-12 Schools - The demand for
online teachers is growing. While it is a competitive
industry and a lot of work, it allows you to do what you
love and work flexibly from home.
90. Online Tutoring Business - Online tutoring companies
are becoming more popular. Choose to start your own
online tutoring company, hiring other teachers to be a
part of your team or sign up as an online tutor on one
of the existing online tutoring platforms. Skype also
has great potential to reach people in remote places.
91. Educational Videos or Podcasts - Recording and selling
educational videos or podcasts online could be a very
lucrative business. Consider topics in high need and
create products to help exam preparation. The
convenience of anywhere-anytime learning (even on a
mobile phone with earplugs) is where its at.

92. Professional Blogger - It doesnt have to be education

related. Start with ex-teacher, Reeree Rocket for
example.
93. Create Online Books - Write and illustrate your own
childrens iBooks to sell on iTunes. Alternatively if
youre a budding novelist there are numerous web
publishing platforms to sell your writing.
94. Create an App - An exploding field. If you have an idea
that can solve a problem for others in education or
elsewhere get busy. You dont necessarily need to be
able to code to turn your idea into reality.
95. Educational Materials & Resources - Create and sell
educational products such as lesson plans, study
questions and quizzes, interactive whiteboard games,
worksheets, classroom games, printables and other
resources, from your own website. Think of it as your
own virtual Educational Resource Shop.
96. Online Workshops - Create learning experiences and
courses for parents, teachers and children in your
chosen field. Mariah Burial, previously an early
childhood teacher, started Playful Learning in 2008 as a
resource for parents and teachers. She now has twenty
other contributors working on the site.
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97. Sell on TeachersPayTeachers - Deanna Jump was the

first to make a million dollars by selling resources on
TeachersPayTeachers, but don't be fooled into thinking
its an easy gig. You need original material, graphic
design skills and a lot of time spent marketing your
products through blogging, networking and social
media. But, do it right and you can join the growing
number of teachers who do it full time.

99. Web Design Studio - Joshua Waldron turned his hobby

for creating websites into a web design business,
StudioJWAL and has now left his full-time teaching job.

98. Online Language Teacher - There are thousands of

searches everyday for children and adults to learn
English. If you are proficient in any language, you can
start teaching it to people online. Consider different
mediums like video and podcasts. Build an email list
and have people subscribe for daily or weekly
customised language lessons.

101.Job Search Online - Search for amazing opportunities

advertised online. Look for local job listings but also
consider global positions you can manage from your
armchair on a laptop. There are all sorts of
organisations looking for experienced teachers to
contribute to products, blogs, seminars and curriculum
development projects. Try monster.com, seek.com.au
or other job listing sites. Search by industry and select
education.

100.Network Marketing - Kim and Kalee gave away their

high school math teaching jobs when they doubled
their income from network marketing completely
online. Youll find them at Aqua Blue Print.

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Helpful resources
If these 101 Alternative Jobs for Teachers havent sparked a rush of enthusiasm for you. Try these additional resources.
Education Alternatives. Published by AGCAS (January 2013)
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/students-and-graduates/resources/guides/education-alternatives.pdf
Alternative Careers for Teachers/Educators. Published by unco.edu
http://www.unco.edu/careers/student_alumni/exploring_majors/CareerGuides/
AlternativeCareersforTeachersEducators.pdf
Teaching Alternatives. Published by Florida State University
http://career.fsu.edu/img/pdf/mm/teaching-alternatives.pdf
What Can I Do With My Studies in Education? McGill University Career & Placement Service
http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/education.pdf
A Kaleidoscope of Alternative Career Choices for Teachers. Prepared by Sharon K Moss at Cleveland State University
http://csuw3.csuohio.edu/offices/career/strategies/What%20Can%20I%20Do%20if%20I%20Can't%20Find%20a%20Teaching
%20Job.pdf

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About Trudy
Age 5: It all started with 'playing school'. My kid sister and
any number of toys were my students. I was always the
teacher. Mrs Burchard, my year one teacher spotted my
potential early and informed my mother, "She'll be a
teacher when she grows up.
Age 17: There were tears. My entrance into tertiary
institutions in Queensland was unsuccessful. Though the
consolation prize was spectacular. I studied a Diploma of
Teaching interstate, at Sydney College of Advanced
Education.
Age 24: I proved a point and accepted my first principal
position in one of the most isolated and remote parts of
Queensland. I loved it. Studying by correspondence, I
completed my Bachelor of Education from University of
South Australia.
Age 39: My fascination with kids learning in real life
contexts has contributed to Knowledge Producing Schools
research, presentations at interstate conferences and
recognition with a Minister's Award for School Leader
Excellence.

Right now: With over twenty years of experience as a

school principal, I lead one of largest state primary schools
in Rockhampton, Queensland.
Im also still trying to work out what Im going to do when
I leave school

If youd like to stay in the loop for anything else I create,

you can leave your email here so I can get in touch with
you in the future.
Its easiest to connect with me on Twitter @TrudyGraham

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