According to a report released by the Alliance for Excellent Education, between 40 and 50 percent of teachers leave their jobs in education within five years. In some cases, teachers leave the profession due to layoffs when budget cuts reduce the number of teachers in a district, while others report dissatisfaction with administrative support or isolated working conditions. This statistic surprised many people as many people believe that teachers remain in their profession for many years before retiring. However, some teachers have found more lucrative positions outside of education that still provide them with the ability to nurture young lives and use the skills they learned before becoming teachers.
Instructional Technology Specialist
Technology has grown significantly in the education field so that individuals with knowledge of the education system who also have a knack for technology are well-suited for work as an Instructional Technology Specialist. As a specialist in instructional technology, individuals who hold a teaching certificate consult with faculty and help them choose technology best suited for their needs. They also develop plans for implementing technology and evaluate new technology to determine its value. Although these types of positions are still jobs in education, they are not teaching positions, providing those with a degree in education the ability to stay in the education field without requiring them to teach a classroom.
Corporate Trainer
For those who prefer a non-education profession, corporate training may be the best option. Individuals with a degree in education may prefer to teach professional development to adults or keep employees informed on new technology or processes. The job demand for corporate trainers is growing and certified teachers may find that they enjoy jobs in education dealing with adults rather than children. A corporate trainer delivers both classroom and online training for staff members. They are also responsible for the training of newly hired employees as well as coaching all employees throughout the company.
Life Skills Instructor for Incarcerated Individuals
The National Education Association recently reported on the Princeton Teaching Initiative at Princeton University where an all-volunteer group formed to teach for-credit college courses in New Jersey State Prisons. According to the National Education Association report, the volunteers all reported what a rewarding experience it was to provide education to those who are incarcerated. In some states, teachers are hired to provide the education, and like those who volunteered in New Jersey, those teachers report that the inmates were willing to learn at a greater rate than some of the students they dealt with in traditional school settings. There are challenges such as restrictions on what can be worn into the facility and occasional cancelled classes due to issues in other parts of the prison, but for individuals who have a teaching certificate, providing education to incarcerated youth and adults can be extremely rewarding.
Educational Consultant
The world of education changes rapidly and with that change comes a need for consultants who can help guide local districts, schools or childcare facilities through the necessary steps. Also known as instructional coordinators, education consultants help districts meet federal and state standards as well as helping develop the ways to assess the effectiveness of current curriculum. The job outlook for education consultants looks promising as it is expected to grow by 13 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tour Guide
For individuals who hold teaching certificates in history or other social sciences, becoming a tour guide at a local museum or other attraction is an excellent non-teaching education position. Because teachers have experience managing large groups of people, especially children, they are highly sought for guide positions at museums, aquariums, zoos and other similar attractions. The best way to locate such positions is by contacting historical sites or other locations nearby that use guides.
Camp Counselor
Many local governments and non-profit agencies offer camp opportunities for children which need adult supervision. If you have a degree in education, you could put your skills to use coordinating after-school, summer or holiday camps that are planned for when students are not in school. If you have an aptitude for sports, you could start a camp specific to that sport. If you enjoy the outdoors, begin your own hiking or canoeing camp for youth over the summer. This is a way to tie jobs in education with a hobby you enjoy as well.
Although many teachers remain in the classroom for a long time, there are a growing number of teachers who are leaving the profession, either due to dissatisfaction with the governmental interference in the classroom, a lack of support by administration or simply because they have become burnt out in the classroom. For these teachers, there are many non-teaching education positions available that have high job demand and the potential for advancement.