As an English language teacher, you might reach a point in your teaching career where you’re feeling comfortable and confident in the classroom, but you’re looking for something more. Perhaps you’re searching for new challenges, different opportunities or a way to apply your skills outside of the classroom.
But, what alternatives are there to teaching, and how can you get into them?
Transferable skills gained from your teaching career
Before exploring new options away from your teaching career, it’s important to recognise the valuable skills you’ve developed as a teacher. These transferable skills can open doors to lots of different roles.
- Communication skills: As a teacher, you can explain complex ideas clearly and adapt your communication style for different groups of students.
- Classroom management: Your experience managing groups of students and keeping them engaged demonstrates strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Cultural awareness: Teaching students from diverse backgrounds has made you more sensitive to cultural differences and skilled at navigating multicultural environments.
- Problem-solving and flexibility: In lessons, you’re constantly adapting to different student needs and unexpected challenges.
- Creativity: Designing engaging lessons and activities has allowed you to think creatively and develop innovative and unique tasks.
These skills are valuable both in the classroom and also in a range of ELT-related careers.
From teacher to …?
1) Working for a publisher
If you’re passionate about creating educational materials, why not try working for a publisher? Publishers hire experienced teachers to develop materials, review upcoming titles and give training sessions. Publishers might hire you for a permanent editorial role, or hire you on a per-project basis.
For *totally unrelated* reasons we are leaving a link to our vacancies here…
Skills and training needed: There are no specific editing, writing or reviewing courses that you must have (these will depend on the job description). However, a strong background in education and in the specific sector you want to work in is essential. You’ll also need to demonstrate you have a strong understanding of pedagogy and course design.
2) Selling your materials online
If you’re someone who loves designing worksheets, lesson plans or other teaching resources, selling your materials online could be a good idea. Many platforms, such as Teachers Pay Teachers (or your own website), allow you to create and sell digital products to teachers around the world.
Skills and training needed: As above, there’s no specific qualification you need. However, you will need to make sure your materials stand out from the competition. You’ll also need basic digital marketing skills to promote your products and reach a wide audience. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to help you design your materials in a professional way.
3) Moving into management
If you’re interested in leadership roles, moving into school management could be a good next step in your career. School management roles, such as academic coordinator or director of studies, allow you to oversee the academic operations of a language school. You get to manage staff and decide on things like the curriculum for the school.
Skills and training needed: You’ll need strong organisational skills and potentially an idea of how to manage finances (if that’s part of your role). You’ll also need to feel comfortable doing more admin-focused roles (and less teaching) and have a good understanding of curriculum development and assessment. We also create content to support leaders in education on our LinkedIn channel – check it out!
Depending on the institution depends on what qualifications you might need, but it will likely be necessary that you’ll need a DELTA, a certificate in educational leadership or a degree in education. You’ll also need to be experienced in lesson observations, training and giving feedback.
4) Becoming a teacher trainer
If you enjoy supporting other teachers, moving into teacher training could be an option. As a teacher trainer, you’ll work with both new and experienced teachers to help them develop their teaching skills, stay up to date with current trends, and improve their classroom practice.
You could start by delivering CPD sessions within your own institution, or offering free sessions online through your own website, which may lead to paid opportunities. You could also apply to speak at conferences such as IATEFL, and other online conferences that have open calls for proposals. This is a great way to get your name out there as a teacher trainer.
Skills and training needed: Many teacher trainers complete qualifications like the CELTA and DELTA, or a Master’s in TESOL. You should also have experience with observing other teachers.
Teacher trainers need to be able to give constructive feedback and model effective teaching techniques. They also need to be confident speakers and have a basic knowledge of how to design successful and engaging presentations.
5) Going freelance
Going freelance is a great option for teachers who want more flexibility and independence in their work. As a freelance ELT professional, you could offer private lessons, create educational content, or consult with schools, publishers and institutions.
Being freelance is not an easy thing to sustain, but if you have the passion and self-determination, you can make it work!
Skills and training needed: Self-discipline, organisation and strong networking skills are essential for freelancing. You’ll need to market yourself effectively, manage your own schedule and handle business tasks such as invoicing and taxes.
It is also useful to have a specialism, such as business English, online teaching or exam preparation so that your skills stand out in a competitive market.
There are many other ways to develop your ELT teaching career. If you are still deciding on what the best route is for you, you can also do some more research into career opportunities by listening to podcasts like ELTcpd, and reading books such as this one.
What other ELT career paths are there? Have you moved into any yourself?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments.
