Discover an alternative teaching career

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career, but for some people, it simply doesn’t work. From uncooperative school boards to disruptive children, some things push any teacher over the edge. If you’re in this situation, we’d advise that you take a look at your career and ask yourself if it’s what you really want.

If it is, great! Find another school to work at or bring your concerns up with someone that you can trust. A helping hand is often all you’ll need to get back on track. If it’s not, you may want to use your qualification for something else.

That’s what this blog post aims to help with. We’re providing a bastion of information for those that want to move on from the profession. An alternative teaching career may be the right solution, so we’re here to place you on the right track.

Work in a museum

If you’re an experienced teacher, you should know how to make learning fun and appealing. Luckily, that’s also the role of a Museum educator, except they’re not stuck in a classroom all day! A Museum Educator works with students of all ages, and often adults too. As a result, you’ll generally be teaching an audience that’s interested in what you’re showing them, which every teacher craves.

From organising workshops to creating classroom-based lessons for a college, this career option is similar to teaching in many ways, with the added benefit of a foothold in a museum. Starting salaries hover around the £16,000 – £19,000 mark, dependent on experience. But it’s more than worth it if the stress of a normal teaching role is getting to you.

Become a private tutor

A busy classroom can be a sign of two things, an incredibly engaging lesson, or an uncontrollable bunch of students. As a private tutor, you should only have to deal with the former. Whether you start your own business or join an agency, you’re sure to find clients that need extra tuition. Both GCSE and A-level tutors are required across the country, but make sure to ask about the hourly rate first.

Tutors are paid by the hour, which could impact your decision to take the role. Generally, the average rate is around £30 per hour, but an agency fee will be taken from this if you choose to work for an organisation.

It does have its benefits though, as the organisation will provide clients for you, allowing you to build up your name. It’s perfect for teachers that have great organisational and self-motivating skills.

Train corporate clients

Students come in all shapes and sizes, and corporate clients are always looking to improve their skills. Mandatory and optional courses are commonplace in many industries, and they need teachers to teach them.

The best part? They’re paying for your lessons, so they want to learn! From delivering presentations to designing engaging tasks, the role is incredibly similar to that of a teacher.

Flexibility is required though, as people in this profession generally travel to various organisations, and not the other way around. A corporate trainer tends to earn around £26,000 per year, dependent on experience. If you don’t mind the travel, this could be the right option for you!

Help children overcome difficulties

Becoming a child psychotherapist isn’t for the faint-hearted, but you’ll make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people within the UK.

You must have extensive experience as a teacher to consider this role, and you must be comfortable in often difficult and emotionally taxing situations. If you’re leaving your career as a teacher due to stress, this probably isn’t the right choice for you.

The salary depends on whether you choose NHS or a private practice. Child psychotherapists start at between £26,000 – £30,000 a year, while the private sector is uncapped.

This role requires local travel, and many work multiple part-time psychotherapy jobs to maintain their lifestyle. However, it’s an incredibly rewarding career for those that make the most of it, often leading to various positions within the NHS and private organisations.

Where should you look?

Job boards such as CV-Library and Education-Jobs list various positions within the teaching profession and beyond, so they’re a great place to start your search. It’s always best to looks at case studies too – you should find these resources on the internet for most careers.

About the author: Gavin Doyle is an educational recruitment consultant at REESON Education, London’s premier teaching recruitment industry. Originally from Truro in Cornwall, Gavin now resides in Kingston-upon-Thames and has worked in recruitment for 11 years. Prior to this, Gavin spent six years teaching PE in schools across Cornwall.