When teaching is no longer what you want to do, there are many career alternatives for teachers that make use of your education degree and experience. These second careers for teachers are some of the most rewarding.

With teacher burnout on the rise, it is important for educators to know there are options out there for a career change.

Outdoor Educator

When many people think about education, they picture a conventional classroom environment with desks facing a marker board. While this learning setting has withstood the test of time, it’s not the only way that education can occur.

For example, in outdoor education, students learn through experience instead of through lecture. This approach gives them the opportunity to immerse themselves in lessons and truly engage with academic content.

As part of their training, outdoor educators are taught how to facilitate group decision-making and problem solving, and they also work on resolving conflicts with participants. These skills are vital when working in the field, whether you’re a trip leader at a summer camp or in a non-profit leadership position.

During an Outdoor Educator course, you can gain a better understanding of what career path is best for you and get the skills and confidence to start your journey in the field. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with an invaluable resume-building portfolio and a plethora of new life experiences.

Museum Educator

Museums have educational departments that seek to make art and artifacts more accessible to the public. This can take many forms, from finding ways to interact with visitors or using the collection to inspire activities and lectures.

These professionals often work a full-time schedule and may also have other administrative duties as well. With experience, they can move to higher management positions such as education coordinator or director.

One of the emerging trends in this field is a focus on inclusion and diversity in museum collections and programs. These changes can be a great way to reach a wider audience and increase museum attendance.

Regardless of their specialty, all museum educators should have extensive knowledge about pedagogy and lesson plan design. They should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to be a team player. They should also be comfortable with interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Homeschool Consultant

Homeschooling is an educational option that’s growing in popularity. Some parents choose to home school their children because of religious convictions, while others simply seek more flexibility in scheduling and academic expectations. Whatever the reason, these parents often seek support and guidance from fellow homeschoolers.

A knowledgeable consultant can assist a family in finding the right curriculum and extracurricular activities to make homeschooling as smooth and enjoyable as possible. They may also be able to direct families to a homeschool group or co-op in their area that fits their family’s needs.

At HomeWorks by Precept, our consultants are experienced homeschoolers who utilize BJU Press materials to help families in their homeschooling journey. They offer advice in areas like curriculum selection, state curricula and resources, and high school graduation requirements. They are also available to answer questions, listen to concerns and provide spiritual encouragement for their clients.

Education Pod Leader

As schools return to normal, some educators are finding new ways to teach. A new kind of school has sprouted in some communities: the learning pod. The pods, sometimes called micro-schools or pandemic pods, allow a small group of families to work together to teach their kids from home.

Pod leaders check in with students daily via text, phone or video chat and provide one-on-one support and tutoring. They also track student progress and attendance. The community-based model is working so far, district officials say, as it provides socialization for students and boosts morale among teachers.

But critics say learning pods are a way for parents to avoid paying hefty school fees and will produce more inequality in education. They're largely the domain of middle- and upper-class families who can afford to hire teachers or create a group with their own tutors. Educators need to find ways to address these concerns. They might start by surveying parents to determine whether learning pods meet real educational needs and putting an emphasis on placing low-income students with educators who can meet their students in person.