7 career choices for people with a teaching background

If you’re a teacher looking to take your profession in a new direction, the following jobs will allow you to put your education background to good use outside of the traditional classroom.

1. Instructional coordinator: Also known as directors of instructional material or curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators work on the strategic side of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sample duties include selecting textbooks, assessing curricula for quality, implementing new technology in classrooms and training teachers. Most instructional coordinators have a background in education, either in teaching or administration. Median annual salary: $56,880.

2. Corporate trainer: Teachers can parlay their talent for instruction and skill development into a career in corporate training. Companies employ corporate trainers to mentor new hires, teach professional development classes and keep employees up-to-date on new technologies and processes. Most corporate training roles will fall under a company’s human resources department Median annual salary: $51,450.

3. Private tutor: Those with an entrepreneurial streak might consider starting a business as a private tutor. Like teachers, private tutors work directly with students, but on a one-on-one basis. For those who don’t want the hassle of running a business, companies such as Varsity Tutors match certified tutors with students.

Median annual salary: Salary varies by experience.

4. Administrator: A career as an education administrator is a good fit for those who wish to take on a leadership and management role in the education system. Unlike teachers, education administrators have less interaction with students and instead spend more time overseeing and managing teachers and other staff in their school or district. Median annual salary: $83,880.

5. Standardized test developer: Standardized test developers do just that — they write questions and passages for standardized tests used in education. Test developers may also verify test content and review it for accuracy and fairness. Median annual salary: Salary varies by experience.

6. Educational program director: Working in facilities such as museums, zoos and national parks, educational program directors plan and develop the learning programs used to instruct student and community groups who visit the facilities. Median annual salary: Salary varies by type of facility and experience level.

7. Textbook author: Textbook authors conduct research, write passages and verify information for student textbooks. Though full-time, salaried jobs can be found with major book publishers, some textbook authors work on a freelance or contract basis. Median annual salary: $53,070.