Teaching is a fulfilling job path that influences kids’ lives and minds, which is why many individuals choose to pursue it. However, a worldwide pandemic, staffing shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and budget cuts have forced many educators to reassess their careers in recent years.
The good news is that with a B.Ed. in Pre and Primary Education, your expertise and abilities may be used for a variety of in-demand positions outside of the classroom if you’re a teacher thinking about changing careers. Many of them can make good use of your teaching degree (and even increase your income), while some may require you to go back to school. This list of 8 alternative professions for teachers can help you consider your possibilities, whether you’re ready for a significant career shift or want to progress in your current one.
6 Alternative Careers In Education For Teachers Looking For A Career Change
If you are someone who wants to work in the field of education but traditional classroom teaching is not for you, then here are some alternative roles for you to consider:
1. Education Policy Expert
A career in education policy is something you should think about if you have a strong interest in education and want to help make improvements that will benefit both teachers and kids. Experts in education policy assess the effectiveness of current policies and forecast their effects on districts, teachers, budgets, and students. They also examine issues that districts, regions, or schools confront and provide policy-based solutions.
School boards and districts, state education agencies, the federal government, advocacy organizations, lobbying firms, think tanks and education consulting businesses are among the organizations that frequently employ education policy specialists. Although some districts may demand a master’s or PhD, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree to function in this position. As an education policy expert, you can expect to earn around $76,019 per annum.
2. Curriculum Specialist
Do you want to work in curriculum development to contribute to the creation of the educational future? If so, you may make the most of your teaching experience by designing relevant, captivating learning activities that raise student achievement. After testing learning data and tactics, curriculum professionals suggest changes to the curriculum and instruction. They also provide teachers with training on new materials and activities.
Curriculum experts might be employed by government organizations, NGOs, public or private schools, and more. Although schools and colleges usually need a master’s degree in curriculum and teaching, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree regardless of the industry you select. Better prospects and compensation are also associated with prior experience as an instructional leader or instructor. The average annual salary of a curriculum specialist is $68,118.
3. Program Director For Exceptional Children
A person with a history in special education and knowledge of pertinent teaching techniques and methodologies is known as a program director for exceptional children or PDEC. To guarantee that students receive the support and instruction they require to succeed, this position is essential. Among their many responsibilities include departmental supervision, curriculum development, and keeping abreast of the most recent findings in education research.
Usually, a PDEC should have a few years of special education experience. Gaining a master’s degree in teaching can also help you become more knowledgeable and proficient. You should work to improve your administrative abilities in whatever manner you can because the job itself demands more than academic and classroom skills. The average annual salary of a program director is $61,500.
4. Guidance Counsellor
Guidance counselors provide students with advice on both personal and academic matters. Additionally, they help students who have mental, emotional, or behavioral problems that affect their academic performance. Guidance counselors collaborate with parents and school personnel in addition to working with kids to help them realize their full potential.
Organizing and organizing internships and orientation programs, investigating study programs and suggesting them to students, and finishing student assessments are just a few of the duties that come with this position. Guidance counselors can serve in both private and public schools at any educational level, including elementary, middle, high, and college. A guidance counselor can ear around $58,120 annually.
5. Academic Advisor
Because they already know what students need to effectively manage their academic responsibilities, former instructors are frequently an excellent choice for academic advising. From helping students with the admissions process to suggesting classes, these experts are involved in almost every stage of a student’s education. Additionally, they monitor student progress and update student reports.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree, usually in education, is one of the educational prerequisites for starting a career as an academic adviser. You can think about obtaining a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction to further your profession and pursue a job in academic advising. You will have a better understanding of curriculum, high school and college schedules, and student needs with this kind of degree. The average annual salary of an academic advisor is $45,965.
6. Instructional Designer
You can have a strong start as an instructional designer if you have prior classroom teaching experience and a thorough understanding of the academic environment. These experts assist educators, school officials, and educational establishments in utilizing the potential of emerging technology to raise the standard of instruction for every student.
After evaluating a range of learning resources and technologies, instructional designers determine which ones can aid particular instructors or students. They then collaborate closely with educators to support the implementation of curriculum and teaching techniques. Both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in education are normally required for instructional designers. Additionally, businesses may favor applicants who have worked in a relevant academic subject for at least a few years. The average salary of an instructional designer is $80,182 annually.
Bottom Line
Learning as much as you can about the field is the greatest method to prepare yourself for a new job move, regardless of your professional preferences. If you have no inclination toward traditional classroom teaching but have a B.Ed. in Primary Education,then you can try out any of the job roles mentioned above.