Introduction
If you’re a teacher feeling the weight of stress, exhaustion, and a growing sense that something’s got to change – you’re not alone. We hear from teachers every week who love teaching, but simply can’t keep doing it. Whether it’s the relentless workload, constant behaviour battles, unrealistic expectations from leadership, or just a lack of clear, meaningful progression — you might be realising that something needs to shift. There’s huge number of potential new careers for teachers; it’s just a matter of finding the one that’s right for you.
At Thriveherd, more teachers come to us for career change support than any other profession. And for good reason: teaching demands courage, care, organisation, and leadership. When you’re ready to explore something new, those same strengths can unlock fulfilling, well-paid, values-aligned opportunities.
This isn’t just a list of jobs for teachers. It’s a guide to understanding your skills, recognising your value, and finding a path that works for you.
Why Teachers Change Career (Even When They Still Love Teaching)
Recent studies reveal a growing trend of teachers in the UK exploring alternative career paths. A 2023 National Education Union survey indicates that 44% of teachers plan to leave the profession within the next five years.
Still, we know this isn’t a decision you take lightly. Most teachers who come to us don’t hate teaching per se — they hate what teaching has become, or how it makes them feel.
- You’re exhausted, working 60+ hour weeks, and constantly chasing your tail. 67% of teachers reporting work-related stress impacts their mental health.
- Behaviour is getting worse, but support is thin.
- Rewards are low for what you put in.
- You’re stuck between government mandates and leadership strategies that don’t feel right.
- There’s no clear path forward unless you want to be a headteacher (most don’t).
- If you’re already a head or other senior teacher, either it’s consuming you or you don’t know where to go next.
- You’re passionate, committed, and have more to give — just not like this.
Sound familiar? It’s OK to want more for yourself. And it’s possible to get it.
Many teachers find their skills are highly valued across various sectors, making a career change both practical and rewarding. The educational sector’s challenges have created a pool of skilled professionals ready to contribute their expertise to different industries, leading to successful career transitions in corporate training, educational technology, and management roles.
You Have More Transferable Skills Than You Realise
One of the biggest blockers we hear from teachers is this:
“But I don’t know what else I can do.”
Let us reassure you: teaching is one of the most skills-rich professions out there. You have:
- Communication mastery: You explain tough concepts daily. That’s gold in sectors like consulting, training, content design, marketing.
- Organisation under pressure: Planning, juggling tasks, dealing with last-minute changes? Every employer wants this.
- People skills: You manage difficult conversations, motivate reluctant learners, and work with diverse teams.
- Problem-solving: You spot issues early, adapt quickly, and find creative ways to get results.
- Leadership: Even if you don’t have a title, you lead every day—from behaviour management to mentoring colleagues.
These skills can be applied in various professional settings. For example, a teacher’s ability to manage a classroom can be beneficial in leading teams within corporate environments. Their experience in designing engaging lessons can also be valuable in roles such as content creation or project management. Additionally, the skill of simplifying complex subjects can be essential in consulting or training positions.
The flexibility required in teaching – such as accommodating different learning styles or dealing with unexpected circumstances – means you’re often able to excel in fast-paced workplaces – if you want to, of course. This makes former teachers particularly appealing to employers across industries, including technology companies and business consulting firms, although you should consider whether this is what you need. Balance and wellbeing are often top priorities for teachers leaving the sector, so make sure you’re not going to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Top 10 New Careers for Teachers
Let’s get practical. Here are 10 career paths where former teachers often thrive.
Remember, everyone looking for a career change is best placed for the career they want to move away from. This skills loop means there will almost always be gaps to fill.
So don’t set yourself up for failure in your career search. Try not to aim for a perfect career you can simply step into. Instead, find the sweet spot – an exciting career move with known gaps you can fill with the right upskilling, stepping stone role or side experience. There is always a way out; it’s just about mapping the transition, step by step.
1. Instructional Designer
TL;DR: Create engaging digital learning materials and courses. Ideal for creative educators who love crafting learning journeys.
Instructional designers create engaging learning experiences by developing educational content, training materials, and e-learning programs for various organisations. This role combines creativity with pedagogical expertise to design effective learning solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analysing training needs and learning objectives
- Developing interactive course materials and multimedia content
- Creating assessment tools and evaluation methods
- Collaborating with subject matter experts
- Managing learning management systems (LMS)
How Your Teaching Experience Adds Value:
- Deep understanding of learning theories and methodologies
- Experience in breaking down complex concepts
- Ability to adapt content for different learning styles
- Practical knowledge of student engagement techniques
- Expertise in assessment and feedback methods
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, or related field
- Knowledge of e-learning software and authoring tools
- Proficiency in learning management systems
- Understanding of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM)
- Portfolio demonstrating course design capabilities
Many organisations value teaching experience as equivalent to some formal qualifications, making this transition particularly accessible for educators. The role offers competitive compensation, with UK-based instructional designers earning an average salary of £66,000 annually.
Professional development opportunities include certifications in specific e-learning tools, advanced degrees in instructional technology, and specialisations in areas like gamification or mobile learning.
2. Corporate Trainer
TL;DR: Deliver training to adults in workplaces. Think CPD for grown-ups, minus the marking.
Corporate trainers exist across a range of industries. Their role focuses on employee development, making this career path a natural progression for teachers seeking new challenges. Duties include designing and delivering training programs to enhance workforce skills and productivity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting needs assessments to identify training requirements
- Creating engaging training materials and presentations
- Facilitating workshops and seminars
- Evaluating training effectiveness
- Managing learning management systems
Your classroom management experience becomes invaluable in corporate settings. The ability to adapt teaching methods for diverse learning styles transfers directly to adult education, while your presentation skills help deliver impactful training sessions.
Required Skills:
- Strong public speaking abilities
- Proficiency in digital learning tools
- Business acumen
- Project management capabilities
- Performance evaluation expertise
Yes, there are gaps to fill here, too. The transition to corporate training often needs you to get familiar with business practices and industry-specific knowledge (depending on the industry, of course). Many companies provide on-the-job training, making this role accessible to teachers without additional qualifications.
The average salary for corporate trainers in the UK stands at £45,000, with opportunities for advancement into senior learning and development positions. So it will be enough as-is for some people, but if not, there are routes forward.
3. Human Resources Manager
TL;DR: Use your people and development skills to help companies grow their teams and look after their staff.
Teachers have natural skills that make them great HR managers. The abilities you hone in managing a classroom – such as solving conflicts and building positive relationships – provide a strong platform for success in human resources.
Key Teaching Skills That Transfer to HR:
- Active listening and empathy
- Conflict resolution expertise
- Performance evaluation experience
- Team building capabilities
- Professional development planning
HR managers are responsible for important tasks in the workplace, including:
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Employee relations and engagement
- Training program development
- Performance management
- Company policy implementation
- Benefits administration
You’ll almost certainly need to do additional learning here, in addition to moving through the bands. This role requires a deep understanding of how people interact and how organisations function – areas where teachers excel but may not yet have the pieces of paper to prove it.
Many HR positions accept education degrees along with relevant certifications like CIPD qualifications, so this is a good place to start.
With competitive pay averaging £80,000 per year in the UK, HR management gives teachers a chance to use their people skills while moving forward in their careers. This job offers stability, opportunities for growth, and the ability to make a positive impact on company culture. So yes, some gap-filling required – but this could be the promised land.
4. Educational Consultant
TL;DR: Support schools, local authorities, or families with everything from curriculum to inclusion.
Educational consultants transform teaching expertise into valuable guidance for schools, educational institutions, and families. This role allows former teachers to shape educational practices while maintaining independence and flexibility in their work schedule.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analysing educational programs and recommending improvements
- Advising schools on curriculum development and implementation
- Providing guidance on educational technology integration
- Supporting families in educational planning and school selection
- Conducting workshops and training sessions for educators
Building a Successful Consultancy Practice:
- Establish a strong professional network through:
- Educational conferences and seminars
- Social media presence
- Professional associations
- Local education authority connections
- Develop a specific niche based on your teaching expertise
- Create case studies from successful projects
- Build an online presence through blogging and thought leadership
The average salary for educational consultants in the UK stands at £50,000, with experienced consultants earning significantly more through private practice. Many consultants combine traditional consulting with online services, expanding their reach and income potential.
This role particularly suits teachers who excel at analysing educational systems and enjoy helping others implement positive changes in their teaching practices.
5. Event Planner
TL;DR: Leverage your organisational and people skills to plan and execute successful events for businesses or individuals.
Event planning offers teachers a dynamic career path where their organisational skills shine. The role spans two distinct environments:
Corporate Events
- Annual conferences and trade shows
- Team-building workshops
- Product launches
- Business meetings and seminars
Social Events
- Weddings and celebrations
- Charity galas
- Community festivals
- Private parties
Teachers excel in event planning through their mastery of:
- Multi-tasking and time management
- Budget allocation and tracking
- Team coordination and delegation
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Attention to detail
The transition to event planning uses classroom management skills in new ways. Creating lesson plans transforms into crafting event timelines, while managing student activities becomes coordinating vendor schedules. Many event planners start by assisting established professionals or joining event management companies.
The UK event planning industry offers competitive compensation, with an average salary of £35,000. Experienced planners who build strong client relationships and specialise in specific event types can earn significantly more through independent consulting.
6. Curriculum Designer
TL;DR: Apply your understanding of learning to create effective educational programmes that impact students on a large scale.
Curriculum designers play a crucial role in shaping education by creating comprehensive learning programs that benefit thousands of students. This position requires a deep understanding of educational theory, learning styles, and assessment methods to develop engaging and effective curricula.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing age-appropriate learning materials
- Aligning curriculum with educational standards
- Collaborating with subject matter experts
- Evaluating program effectiveness
- Incorporating new teaching methodologies
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Education or related field
- 3-5 years teaching experience
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of educational technology
- Understanding of diverse learning needs
The role offers opportunities to influence education on a larger scale than traditional classroom teaching. Many curriculum designers have the flexibility to work remotely or as consultants, allowing for adaptable work arrangements. The average salary for this position in the UK is £48,000, with experienced designers earning over £60,000.
Your experience in the classroom provides valuable insights into student engagement and learning patterns – and this, of course, is essential knowledge for creating practical and effective curriculum materials.
7. School Head / Principal
TL;DR: Step into educational leadership and use your experience to guide school development and support both students and staff.
OK, chances are you know about this one! And you’ve probably already ruled it in or out, for very good reasons. But it would be remiss of us not to include headships here, because they are an option.
As you’ll know, the role of a school head / principal offers ambitious teachers a path to educational leadership. This position demands a blend of administrative expertise and educational vision and this can be quite a shift away from classroom teaching.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or Administration
- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
- Minimum of 5-7 years teaching experience
- Leadership experience as a deputy head teacher
Key Responsibilities:
- Setting strategic direction for school development
- Managing budgets and resources
- Leading curriculum planning and assessment
- Building relationships with parents and community
- Supervising staff recruitment and development
- Ensuring compliance with educational standards
The path to principalship typically progresses through department head and deputy head positions. Many aspiring principals gain experience in different schools to broaden their perspective and leadership skills.
Successful principals balance administrative duties with instructional leadership, creating environments that support both student achievement and teacher development. The role offers competitive compensation, with UK principals earning a median salary of £75,000, varying by school size, location, and experience level.
8. Paralegal
TL;DR: Utilise your research, analytical, and communication abilities to support legal teams in a variety of tasks.
Teachers possess valuable skills that align perfectly with paralegal work. Their experience in research, documentation, and attention to detail creates a natural pathway into the legal field.
A paralegal’s daily responsibilities include:
- Conducting legal research and analysis
- Drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Managing case files and maintaining records
- Assisting solicitors with trial preparation
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
The analytical mindset developed through lesson planning and student assessment translates well into legal research and case analysis. Teachers’ experience in breaking down complex information helps them explain legal concepts to clients effectively.
The UK legal sector offers competitive compensation for paralegals:
- Entry-level positions: £22,000 – £25,000
- Mid-level roles: £30,000 – £40,000
- Senior paralegals: £45,000+
Many law firms provide training programs for career changers, making the transition smoother. Professional certifications through organisations like the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) can enhance employment prospects and earning potential.
9. Marketing Manager
TL;DR: Employ your communication and engagement skills to develop and manage marketing strategies and campaigns for businesses.
Teachers have a natural talent for crafting compelling messages and engaging diverse audiences – skills that translate perfectly into marketing management roles. The ability to break down complex concepts into digestible information creates a strong foundation for developing marketing strategies and campaigns.
Marketing managers lead teams in:
- Creating targeted advertising campaigns
- Analysing market trends and consumer behavior
- Developing brand messaging and content strategies
- Managing social media presence
- Coordinating with design teams for visual content
- Setting and tracking marketing KPIs
The role requires strong presentation skills, creative thinking, and adaptability – qualities teachers develop through classroom management and curriculum delivery. Marketing managers also use data analysis skills to measure campaign success and adjust strategies accordingly.
Many companies value teachers’ experience in:
- Building relationships with stakeholders
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Working within budgetary constraints
- Creating engaging presentations
With an average UK salary of £52,000, marketing management offers teachers an opportunity to apply their communication expertise in a dynamic business environment. Entry-level positions often start at £35,000, with potential for significant growth based on performance and experience.
10. UX Designer
TL;DR: Combine your educational insights with technology to design user-friendly digital experiences, especially in the education sector.
UX design is a great career choice for teachers who want to combine their knowledge of education with technology. As a teacher, you have a deep understanding of how students learn and process information, which gives you an advantage in creating user-friendly digital experiences.
Key Teaching Skills That Transfer to UX Design:
- Empathy and understanding user needs
- Breaking down complex concepts
- Creating engaging learning journeys
- Problem-solving abilities
- Research and analysis skills
Skills to Develop for a Successful Transition into UX Design:
- UI/UX design tools (Figma, Sketch)
- Basic coding knowledge
- Wireframing and prototyping
- User research methodologies
- Design thinking principles
Many UX design roles focus on educational technology, making former teachers particularly valuable in this space. Your classroom experience provides insights into creating intuitive interfaces that enhance learning experiences.
The UK job market offers promising opportunities for UX designers, with an average salary of £60,000. Entry-level positions start around £35,000, with senior roles reaching £85,000 or higher in major tech hubs like London.
Practical Steps to Enter UX Design:
- Complete a UX design bootcamp
- Build a portfolio focusing on educational technology projects
- Join UX design communities and networks
- Participate in design challenges
- Consider specializing in educational technology platforms
Steps to a Successful Career Change from Education
Making a successful career change requires strategic planning and dedicated effort. Here’s your actionable roadmap to navigate this transition:
1. Self-Assessment and Research
- Identify your core strengths and transferable skills
- Research potential careers that match your abilities
- Connect with professionals already working in your target field
- Join relevant professional associations
2. Professional Development
- Take online courses or certifications in your chosen field
- Work with a career change coach or mentor
- Attend industry workshops and seminars
- Learn industry-specific software or tools
- Consider part-time study while teaching
3. CV and Personal Brand Enhancement
- Rewrite your CV to highlight transferable skills
- Create a compelling LinkedIn profile
- Develop a professional portfolio showcasing relevant projects
- Use industry-specific keywords in your applications
4. Strategic Networking
- Attend industry events and career fairs
- Join professional groups on LinkedIn and Facebook
- Participate in online forums and discussions
- Schedule informational interviews with professionals
5. Practical Experience Building
- Volunteer in roles related to your target career
- Take on relevant side projects
- Consider internships or part-time work during holidays
- Shadow professionals in your desired field
Remember: A successful career change takes time and very often involves more than one step. Start planning now, while still teaching, to create a smooth transition. Set realistic timelines and financial goals. Many teachers find success by making gradual transitions rather than sudden moves.
Pro Tip: Create a support network of other teachers who have successfully transitioned careers. Their experiences and advice can provide valuable insights and encouragement during your journey.
