Many teachers love being educators because they get to influence the way people learn, but that does not mean teaching is the only option available. In 2017, many people will make the decision to walk away from teaching, at least in the traditional sense. Many will turn to non-educational jobs that use the same skillset, while others may choose to develop their entrepreneurial spirit and take advantage of learning franchise opportunities.
People who make the decision to change careers often cite the heavy workload and notoriously low pay teachers receive. While teaching is a great way to help others and be deeply involved with the community, the burnout rate is unfortunately quite high.
The skills required to be a teacher are highly desirable, though, and translate to many other employment markets. Being in front of a classroom gives teachers practice presenting and communicating to large groups of people. Dealing with the ins and outs of a classroom requires creativity, meaning many teachers are highly adept at navigating difficult logistical, emotional, and interpersonal situations.
They are also knowledgeable about student development and learning. Teachers who have changed their minds about working in a traditional classroom may benefit from taking part in teaching franchise opportunities that allow them to continue to use their teaching skills without having to deal with many of the downfalls of teaching in the traditional school system.
Education
People who educate students appreciate the one-on-one or small-group nature of the work, rather than trying to manage a whole classroom at once. Instructors can work for private companies, or step out on their own and find their own clients.
Education franchises are a perfect career change for some former teachers who wish to continue using their teaching skills and also want to have responsibilities outside of the classroom. Education franchise opportunities allow people to set up their own business within a structure that has already been proven to work.
Administrative Positions
Sometimes, teachers do not necessarily love the act of teaching as much as they initially imagined, but they do love the teaching profession and want to have an impact on others. For people who feel that way, training and recruiting teachers in a behind-the-scenes job may offer more professional satisfaction.
If your school system does not do that or does not have an open role, consider finding an organization that exclusively provides teacher training. Alternatively, you could work in an administrative role that influences how teachers are trained. Many schools need someone to manage communications between schools, ensuring consistency in training and procedures.
Traditional administrative roles, like counselors, advisors, principals, and more are also great choices for people who love being involved with the education system but do not necessarily want to be in a classroom every day.
Corporate Development and Training
The skills you learned from being in front of a classroom have probably prepared you to help teach and train adults as well. You understand how to deliver information so people can learn, which can be extremely useful in the corporate world.
In the corporate environment, you could train people in their new jobs, conduct mandatory trainings, and more, even if you do not already know the material. People who do corporate development and training jobs sometimes work in-house for larger companies, or they may work for a company that others hire to train their employees. If you are looking for more flexibility, you can freelance as a corporate trainer, getting the opportunity to dig into lots of different fields.
Museum, Library, or Community Educator
If the corporate environment does not appeal to you, but teaching and training outside of the school system does, then working as a museum, library, or community educator may be a good fit. A lot of the skills teachers possess can also be used in community environments, helping to create a meaningful and memorable learning experience for visitors. As an educator, you may use your skills to conduct classes, or you may design interactive displays and informative sessions modeled after classroom lessons.
Learning Center Operator
If your heart is in teaching and the education system, but you do not want to be in a school, a learning center franchise opportunity may be exactly what you need. As you well know, there are many different ways to teach students, and many educators have built independent learning models based on specific teaching theories. These learning center franchises can be a perfect blend of what you love about teaching, autonomy, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Teaching franchises may be subject-specific, like math teaching franchises, or may be more general and offer several subjects. Math franchise opportunities, for example, can offer a structured set of materials and lessons with the support of an established company, allowing you to own your business but not have the added stress of stepping out completely on your own.
Former teachers have many options beyond the above list as well. When 2017 rolls around, investing in a franchise could be a great move, as could finding a job where you can utilize your teaching skills without being a teacher. Some jobs may require additional education or experience before you begin, so it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research your options.
These opportunities can give you the autonomy and freedom you need to exercise what you love about teaching while not having the restrictions you dislike. Eventually, you may even decide to return to teaching. With the above jobs, your skills will stay sharp, and you can bring your added knowledge with you back into the classroom.
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