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Jobs for former teachers Outside of Education
- Cat Moon
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
Updated: 50 minutes ago
Here are some of the Top 5 Jobs for teachers to transition into - and some tips on how to make it happen.
1. Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create engaging learning experiences using technology. They design online courses, training programs, and educational resources that enhance learning.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Embrace Technology: If you are tech-savvy and enjoy using digital tools, this role allows you to integrate technology into education.
Focus on Adult Learning: Many instructional designers work in corporate training, allowing you to apply your skills in a different context.
Work Remotely: Many instructional design positions offer the flexibility to work from home. Having only ever worked on-site (COVID being the exception), a remote role could be a welcome change.
How to Do It
Learn the Tools: Familiarise yourself with instructional design software and tools, such as Articulate 360. Articulate 360 offers a free trial where you can practice using Rise, which is similiar to PowerPoint, but aimed at training employees, rather than as a presentation tool.
Understand ADDIE: Learn about the ADDIE framework (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). It’s similar to lesson planning in teaching but applied to adult learning outcomes.
Create a Portfolio: Use a free website builder such as Google Sites to build your own Instructional Design Portfolio, or if you're tech savvy, use a fancy website builder like Wordpress or Wix. Designing a portfolio definitely helped me stand out when I was applying for Instuctional Design roles. Simple is best! Take a look at some of the top ID portfolios here for inspiration.
Courses: While it's not essential to take a course, I would highly recommend exploring and adding to your resume. Check out my list of relevant courses here for transitioning from a teacher into an Instructional Designer. Some of these helped me land my first non-teaching role because I could talk about elements of this in my interview.
2. Learning Advisor
Learning Advisor roles are a natural next step for teachers because they tap directly into your ability to support, coach, and guide others in their learning journey.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Utilise Your Expertise: Instead of students, you’ll be working with adults — helping employees identify skill gaps, recommending professional development opportunities, and supporting career growth across the organisation.
Pastoral Side of Teaching: It’s essentially the pastoral side of teaching, just in a corporate setting.
Relationship-building: If you enjoy helping people reach their potential and thrive on relationship-building rather than classroom management, this is an ideal pivot.
How to Get Started
Network: Connect with Learning & Development professionals on LinkedIn and join groups focused on workplace learning or professional development. Many Learning Advisor roles are discovered through networking, not job boards. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who’ve made the transition from teaching — they’re often happy to share advice.
Learn the lingo: Familiarise yourself with terms like capability development, performance coaching, stakeholder engagement, and learning pathways. Translating your classroom experience into corporate language will help you stand out.
Start small: Look for “bridge roles” like Learning Coordinator, Program Support, or Training Assistant. These can be fantastic stepping stones toward a full Learning Advisor position while giving you insight into how corporate learning functions.
3. UX Designer (Coding)
Former teachers are increasingly moving into UX (User Experience) Design—a field that focuses on how people interact with websites, apps, and digital tools. UX designers research user needs, design intuitive interfaces, and test digital experiences to make them more accessible and enjoyable.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Empathy-Driven Work: Teachers naturally understand how people learn and process information. That same empathy helps UX designers create user-friendly experiences.
Problem Solving Meets Creativity: Designing a great interface feels a lot like lesson planning—anticipating challenges, structuring journeys, and keeping the user engaged.
Growing Industry: With more organisations investing in digital products, UX design offers strong salaries and flexibility (remote or hybrid working).
How to Get Started
Learn the Tools: Start with beginner-friendly UX and coding courses to build confidence. She Codes is a great option—especially for women making a career switch. If you use my link to sign up, you'll get 20% off your enrolment.
Build a Portfolio: Create small projects that show your understanding of user journeys and problem-solving. Add a link to your portfolio on your resume to showcase your work.
Network in Tech Spaces: Join UX design communities, attend online events, and follow designers on LinkedIn to learn how others transitioned from teaching.
4. Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers create educational programs and materials for schools and educational organisations. They design lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials that align with educational standards.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Creative Outlet: Enjoy creating resources, designing lessons and activities? Then this role allows you to be creative while still contributing to education.
Work Behind the Scenes: You can make a significant impact on student learning without being in the classroom every day.
Diverse Opportunities: Curriculum developers can work for schools, educational publishers, or even non-profits.
How to Get Started
Gain Experience: Work on curriculum projects in your current role or put yourself forward to lead a subject so that you can take ownership of the curriculum. If this isn't an option, offer to support one of your current subject leads at school to gain hands-on experience in curriculum design.
Stay Current: Keep up with educational trends and standards to ensure your materials are relevant and effective.
Build Relationships: Connect with educators and administrators who can provide insights into what schools need.
5. Learning Facilitator
Learning facilitators focus on delivery, engagement and group learning experiences.
Use Your Teaching Strengths: Your classroom experience—managing groups, differentiating learning, and keeping students engaged—translates perfectly into facilitation.
Empower Learners: Instead of “teaching at” participants, you’ll guide them to think critically, share experiences, and learn from one another. It’s all about creating those “lightbulb” moments.
Variety and Flexibility: Learning facilitators often work with adults in vocational training, community programs, or corporate workshops—so no two days look the same. Some roles even offer flexible or hybrid arrangements.
How to Get Started
Upskill in Adult Learning: Learn about adult learning principles and how facilitation differs from teaching.
Develop Facilitation Techniques: Practice skills such as questioning, group dynamics, and managing discussions. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and OpenLearn offer free facilitation modules.
Get Experience: Volunteer to run a workshop or professional learning session at your current workplace. I am SO glad I offered to do this as it's been great experience that I can refer to time and time again in interviews.
6. Education Consultant
Education Consultants work with schools, training organisations, or education technology companies to improve learning outcomes. They might design professional development, advise on curriculum alignment, or help schools adopt new digital tools.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Leverage Your Expertise: You already understand what teachers and students need—this role lets you share that insight on a larger scale.
Work with Variety: Consultants often collaborate with multiple schools or clients, so every project feels fresh.
Flexible & Project-Based: Many education consultants work part-time or remotely, making it ideal for teachers seeking better balance.
How to Get Started
Pick a Niche: Choose an area you’re passionate about—curriculum design, literacy, digital learning, or teacher training.
Build Credibility: Share insights on LinkedIn, contribute to education blogs, or offer to run short PD sessions for colleagues.
Connect with EdTech Companies: Many hire former teachers as consultants to train schools on using their platforms.
Unsure on which steps to take to exit the classroom? Take a look at my other blog posts below:
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