Not every educator has the goal of being at the front of the classroom. If you’re a teacher and looking to step away from the traditional public school setting, or you love education but can’t see yourself working with 20 elementary students every day, you have options.
Teachers possess a diverse skill set that extends beyond the traditional classroom, making them valuable assets in many industries. Their expertise in communication, curriculum development and instructional design opens doors to many career opportunities outside of public education.
Whether seeking new challenges, desiring a change of pace, or looking to impact education from different angles, teachers can find fulfilling roles in several types of companies. Here are five types of companies that hire teachers:
While public schools aren’t thought of as companies, many private schools are paid for through tuition, making it have more of a business-like
Private schools often have the autonomy to create specialized curricula, tailored to the unique needs and interests of their student body. This flexibility can be particularly appealing to teachers who wish to innovate in their teaching methods or focus on niche subjects that may not be as emphasized in public education.
Many private schools require that their teachers have teaching licenses. In these institutions, teachers might find opportunities for professional growth that align with the school's specific educational philosophy or mission.
Many corporations hire teachers for their training and development departments. These roles involve designing and delivering training programs for employees to improve their skills, knowledge and performance.
Teachers in these positions use their instructional skills to create engaging and effective learning experiences for adults. Becoming a corporate trainer can include anything from onboarding new hires to providing ongoing professional development for current employees.
Working in corporate training allows teachers to apply their educational expertise in a business context, often with the added benefits of higher salaries and diverse opportunities for career advancement.
With the rise of online learning, many teachers find employment with online education platforms. These platforms offer courses across a wide
Teachers working with online education companies might develop course content, create instructional videos and interact with students through digital platforms.
One of the benefits of working for a company with this format is that it provides flexibility for both teachers and students, allowing for asynchronous learning and a wider reach. Online education platforms also enable teachers to share their expertise with a global audience, expanding their impact beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
There are also online platforms that provide opportunities for teachers to work with students in other countries, particularly in teaching English as a second language (ESL). These platforms connect teachers with students from various parts of the world, allowing them to work remotely teaching online courses while experiencing the cultural diversity of their students.
Teaching ESL online enables educators to help students improve their language skills, often through one-on-one or small group sessions, and provides a flexible work environment that can accommodate different time zones. This global reach not only enhances teachers' professional experiences but also fosters cross-cultural communication and understanding.
Tutoring and test preparation companies frequently hire teachers to help students improve their academic performance outside of the traditional classroom. These companies offer services ranging from one-on-one tutoring to group classes focusing on specific subjects or standardized test preparation.
Teachers in these roles can work with students of various ages and academic levels, providing personalized instruction tailored to individual learning needs. This environment allows teachers to focus on the specific areas where students need the most help, often leading to significant improvements in their academic performance.
Some companies also focus on working with students with disabilities, including dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This type of work allows you to spend one-on-one time with students and truly make a difference in their education.
While some tutoring and test preparation companies offer in-person instruction, there are opportunities to work remotely with some businesses as well. You can even explore the possibility of operating your own tutoring and test preparation company in your community.
Publishing companies often hire teachers to write and edit instructional material, leveraging their expertise in education to create high-quality textbooks, workbooks and other educational resources.
Teachers bring a deep understanding of curriculum standards, pedagogical strategies and classroom dynamics, which is essential for developing materials that are both effective and engaging for students.
In these roles, teachers might collaborate with subject matter experts, graphic designers, and other professionals to produce content that meets the specific needs of educators and learners.
Beyond writing and editing instructional content, teachers can find a variety of other opportunities within publishing companies. For instance, they might transition into roles as editors, where they oversee the quality and coherence of educational publications. As editors, teachers can use their attention to detail and strong command of language to ensure that all materials are accurate, well-organized and free of errors.
Teachers also can work in roles such as project managers, coordinating the production of educational resources from initial concept to final publication. These positions often involve working with authors, designers and marketing teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
While some of these positions above don’t require that you have a teaching license, earning one can give you an advantage in landing these jobs. Getting your teacher certification also opens additional doors if someday you want to teach in a classroom setting.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, one of the quickest paths you can take to earn your Texas teacher certification is through an educator preparation program. An educator preparation program (EPP) provides you with the training, knowledge and skills needed to earn certification. If you have a four-year degree, most interns complete an EPP in just four to six months.
In Texas, an approved educator preparation program includes 300 hours of training. Texas Administrative Code does allow prior degrees, military service, paid work experience and specific training to count toward these hours in some cases.
You will also need to pass the appropriate certification exams, including content exams and the PPR, or Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. Content exams cover the subject areas and grade levels you wish to become certified in to teach.