Thinking about a Career Change? Career Moves for Teachers

Many teachers leave the profession within three to five years of entering it due to teacher burnout. Teaching is much more demanding and stressful than it appears. Many people think that teachers teach a couple of classes, get off at three o'clock, go home, and relax.

Such education myths are not true. Many teachers are responsible for teaching anywhere from three to six classes a day, leave campus sometime after three, go home, work until eight or nine, and spend restless hours in bed thinking about their upcoming parent conference, misbehaving class, or list of upcoming work-related obligations.

Did I mention that in addition to teaching three to six classes a day, a teacher has to prepare for these classes, plan for these classes, grade student work, and prepare students for life?

Let's face it -- after teaching for any length of time, you are qualified to be a ring leader, a police officer, a counselor, a psychologist, a curriculum developer, and a warden. Teachers have a variety of options even if they have a degree in education, and this article will explore some possibilities that teachers can pursue if they are interested.

1. Textbook Companies

Such companies employ individuals to write materials for their textbook as well as individuals to visit schools to sell and promote their textbooks.

2. Writers

Many teachers write educational articles for publications, whether Bright Hub, newspapers, union publications, or somewhere else.

3. Testing Companies

Many teachers do not want to have anything to do with state testing after teaching, but many testing companies hire former teachers to develop test questions, materials, etc.

4. Consulting Firms

If you are an experienced teacher, you may wish to work as a consultant who helps improve the quality of public education.

5. Tutoring Institutions

Sylvan Learning Centers employ teachers to tutor students. Private tutoring sessions are also a way to earn good money, though such sessions need to take place at a public place.

6. Promotions within the Education Realm

Look for non-teaching positions within your current school district. You could seek jobs as a Lead Teacher, a Curriculum Developer, or other positions within a school district

7. Career Change

Some teachers decide to go back to school, take some classes, and embark on a new career altogether.