Jobs for Former Teachers and Leaving Teaching Jobs Successfully: Time We Discuss
Watch/Listen to this Episode Jobs for Former Teachers and Leaving Teaching Jobs SuccessfullyThinking about leaving teaching jobs and wondering what’s next? You're not alone, AND you're not out of options. There are many high-paying jobs for former teachers that allow you to use your existing skills in exciting new ways. In this episode of the Time We Discuss podcast, host Dan explores five practical and rewarding jobs after teaching—each offering the potential to earn over six figures while finding renewed purpose and professional satisfaction.
5 High-Paying Jobs for Former Teachers
Are you a former teacher wondering what's next? In this episode of the Time We Discuss podcast, Dan shares five high-paying jobs for ex-teachers that leverage your existing skills and open the door to new, fulfilling opportunities.
School Administration
Moving into a role like principal or district-level administrator is a natural transition for many educators. It keeps you in the field of education while focusing more on leadership, operations, and strategic planning. Elementary school principal salaries range from $100,000 to $200,000+, depending on location and school district.
Check out Dan's interview with Leroy Slanzi, a seasoned principal who shares real-world insights into this career path.
Higher Education
Former teachers with advanced degrees can thrive as professors, academic advisors, or in student affairs. These roles offer both flexibility and high earning potential. Tenure professor salaries can exceed $200,000 and salaries for higher education administrators can be higher, especially at major universities.
Educational Developer
If you enjoy creating lesson plans and training materials, a role in educational development might be your calling. These positions exist in corporate training, ed-tech, and higher ed. Remote work is common, and education developer salaries range from $85,000 to over $250,000 based on experience and sector.
Dan features Mark Morton, a former teacher who successfully made this career pivot and now works in educational development. Check out the interview with Educational Developer, Mark Morton to see how how transitioned successfully out of teaching.
Professional Speaker or Corporate Trainer
Great communicators can turn their classroom skills into a six-figure speaking business. Think keynote speeches, workshops, and DEI training. In this space, successful speaking professionals earn around $200,000+ per year.
Dan's conversation with Michael Hingson, a renowned keynote speaker, breaks down how to enter and excel in this exciting industry.
Real Estate
Surprisingly, many former teachers thrive as real estate agents. With strong communication and organization skills, you're well-suited to guide clients through major life decisions. While income is commission-based, six-figure earnings as a realtor are common in active markets.
Listen to Dan's interview with Dan Gomer, a teacher-turned-realtor, to learn how he made the leap and built a successful business.
Final Thoughts
There's life—and serious opportunity—after teaching. These high-paying careers for former teachers prove that your experience and transferable skills can open the door to fulfilling, financially rewarding work outside the classroom.
If one of these paths speaks to you, explore further by watching the full interviews linked in the podcast episode. And don't forget to subscribe, comment, and share with another educator who might be ready for a career change.
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