Best Careers for Teachers to Make an Impact Beyond The Classroom

Considering leaving teaching but want to ensure you still have meaningful work? Keep reading to explore the best careers for teachers that still make an impact beyond the classroom.

Many teachers dream of another career but not just any career — one that’s more flexible and sustainable yet still meaningful. They want a career where they can use their passion, skills, and experience to continue to make a difference. 

And while there’s nothing wrong with venturing into the corporate world or trying something entirely new, a lot of teachers want to stay connected to education. They want to continue making an impact in the education world, just in a different way.

The good news is you don’t have to leave your love for education behind to find a career that offers better balance and growth.

Whether you’re feeling burnt out and want to leave teaching, you’re ready for a new challenge, or you’re curious about starting a side hustle, there are so many alternative career options for teachers that let you stay in education while enjoying greater work life balance, income, and even impact. 

If you’ve been worried about leaving the classroom because you think that you’ll have to give up your teacher identity or passion, it’s time to reimagine the possibilities. 

So what are the best careers for teachers beyond the classroom? In this blog post, we’ll explore exciting, rewarding second careers for teachers to continue making an impact.

8 Second Careers for Teachers

No matter what your interests are or what kind of work environment you’re looking for, there are so many other jobs for teachers outside of the classroom and a growing number of companies that hire former teachers.

These are our picks for the best careers for teachers that make an impact:

Curriculum Development / Instructional Design

If creating lesson plans and designing engaging learning experiences is one of your favorite parts of teaching, curriculum development or instructional design could be a great career path for you. These roles involve creating educational materials used by students and educators. You’ll have the chance to shape what students learn on a national or even global scale.

As a curriculum developer, you might work for textbook publishers, educational nonprofits, education companies, EdTech companies or online learning platforms. It’s a great way to influence what students are learning and ensure that their lessons are engaging, meaningful, and effective. 

Education Consulting

Do you have a knack for solving problems and offering practical solutions? Education consulting could be a great fit for you. Educational organizations and companies are always looking for experts to help them improve their products and/or services. As a consultant, you might help with teacher training, professional development, curriculum development, advising on educational technology, or other improvement initiatives. 

By becoming an education consultant, you can influence education on a larger scale and use your expertise (that you already have!) to improve education, whether you’re advising EdTech product developers, educational companies, textbook publishers, nonprofit organizations, school districts, or government agencies. 

Your advice and guidance can help advocate for better educational content, policies, and experiences for students and teachers. Education consulting is a powerful way to make your mark beyond the classroom.

Education Writing and Content Creation

If you love writing, there are plenty of opportunities to create educational content. Education writing can also be one of the best careers for teachers looking to make an impact beyond the classroom. 

As an education writer, you can write articles, blog posts, or thought pieces for educational publications, websites, or blogs. Your content can cover a wide range of topics around teaching, learning, and educational policies. 

Through education writing, you have the opportunity to share your story, as well as explore critical issues in education, share best practices, spotlight innovative teaching methods, and advocate for change. 

Writing allows you to reach a global audience, and you can help shape conversations and drive change far and wide. Consider focusing on the issues that matter most to you in education, whether it's equity and inclusion, education reform, teacher support, or innovative teaching practices. Education content creation can also extend to writing grant proposals or developing marketing content for education-focused organizations.

Professional Development

If you love mentoring and helping fellow educators grow, leading professional development is a great way to share your expertise. As a facilitator, you’d lead workshops, training sessions, or webinars for teachers, administrators, or school staff. You’ll share your experience to help others refine their practices, implement new strategies, and improve student outcomes.

You can work with districts or educational organizations to deliver professional development sessions or teacher coaching that improve education practices and student outcomes.

Working in EdTech

Are you tech-savvy or interested in working for an EdTech company? The EdTech industry is booming, and companies need educators to help design products that truly meet the needs of teachers and students. It’s no surprise that EdTech jobs are some of the best careers for teachers leaving the classroom.

Whether it’s developing content, apps, software, or digital tools, your classroom experience can help guide the creation of effective products and services. As a teacher, your expertise is invaluable, as you understand classroom challenges and realities.

Education Nonprofit Careers

Nonprofit organizations focused on education need passionate educators to lead programs and initiatives, manage projects, raise awareness, and advocate for change. 

These organizations often focus on improving access to quality education, supporting underprivileged communities, or advocating for systemic change. Your work can have a direct and meaningful impact.

Educational Policy and Advocacy

Have you ever been frustrated by educational policies? By stepping into the world of educational policy and advocacy, you can work to change the system from within. 

Your firsthand experience as a teacher gives you a unique perspective on the challenges facing students and educators. Use your voice to push for meaningful reforms, such as increased funding, equitable resources, or improved teacher support systems to reduce burnout. 

Whether it’s through lobbying, working with nonprofit organizations, or serving on education boards, your voice can drive meaningful and systemic change.

Starting Your Own Education Business

Have you dreamed of starting your own education business? There’s no one better suited to create positive change in the education system than teachers, and starting an education business gives you the power to make the change you want to see and truly solve problems. 

Whether it’s starting an online teaching or tutoring business, creating a digital course that thousands of people benefit from, or creating an education consulting business, the possibilities are endless. As a business owner, you can design your work around your passions and expertise while making a direct impact on the education world.

Ready for an impactful career beyond the classroom?

Leaving the classroom doesn’t have to mean leaving education or your identity as a teacher behind. There are countless rewarding alternative career paths for teachers that allow you to make a difference while enjoying greater flexibility, balance, and opportunities for growth. 

By exploring your career possibilities, you can find new ways to use your talents and passions to influence education on a larger scale and shape the future of education. 

If you’re worried about taking the leap, remember: you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. At Educator Forever, we’ve helped thousands of educators reimagine alternative teaching careers. 

Join the Educator Forever Network to get the resources, support, and connections to thrive while working flexibly. You’ll enjoy:

✅ Step-by-step guidance as you discover your career possibilities, gain clarity, and learn exactly how to find and land flexible jobs in education

✅ Instant access to exciting, flexible job leads on our private jobs board (updated daily!), along with expert support at your fingertips

✅ Empowering live group calls (every week!) for career guidance and job search support

✅ Exclusive access to ongoing wellness, creativity, skill growth, and co-working sessions, along with special career-related workshops designed for transitioning teachers

✅ An incredible, supportive community of like-minded educators cheering you on as you expand your impact and income in education

Sign up now to empower yourself and start creating the career and life you deserve!

It’s time to reimagine what’s possible, and take the next step toward a career that fulfills your goals and aspirations — both professionally and personally.