Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our free collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this article, we look at the ten best remote jobs for former teachers. Each role leverages your unique strengths, offering flexibility and the opportunity to truly thrive outside the traditional classroom.
Here are the key points and top jobs we explore in this article:
Top Remote Career Paths for Former Teachers
- Online Tutor
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Designer
- Educational Consultant
- Academic Coach
- Content Writer
- Virtual Learning Coordinator
- Test Preparation Specialist
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
Top Remote Career Paths for Former Teachers
Former teachers that want to transition from the classroom to a flexible, remote role have a wide range of career options that leverage their skills. Here are some top remote careers that offer both flexibility and fulfillment.
Online tutoring allows former teachers to use their expertise while working from home. Tutors typically work with students one-on-one, helping them understand subjects like math, science, or languages. The job outlook is strong and expected to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030, with many parents seeking additional help for their children.
Key responsibilities include lesson planning, assessing student progress, and providing constructive feedback. Excellent communication skills and the ability to simplify complex topics are important for success in this teaching job. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to set your own hours, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments effectively.
Curriculum developers play a big role in shaping educational programs for schools and online platforms. This position has a favorable job outlook, especially given the increasing demand for high-quality educational materials.
Your responsibilities will include researching current educational standards, designing engaging lesson plans, and evaluating student learning outcomes. Creativity and attention to detail are essential, along with experience in instructional design.
While many projects have deadlines that require focus and dedication, the role often allows for flexible work hours, making it easier to manage alongside other commitments.
As an educational consultant, you'll have the chance to influence how schools improve their teaching methods and academic programs. Your responsibilities will involve conducting needs assessments, providing professional development for educators, and offering strategies for improvement.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential for education consultants. Work hours can vary significantly based on client needs, but many consultants appreciate the flexibility that allows them to design their schedules around their personal lives.
Instructional designers focus on creating engaging online courses and training materials for educational institutions or corporate clients. With the rise of e-learning, this role is increasingly in demand, expected to grow by 11% through 2030.
Your main tasks will include developing course content, selecting appropriate technology tools, and assessing the effectiveness of the programs you create. Familiarity with instructional design theories and strong project management skills will be very important in ensuring your success.
Many instructional designers enjoy flexible work hours, allowing them to balance their workload while meeting project deadlines.
Academic coaches play a transformative role in helping university and high school students reach their educational aspirations. Unlike traditional tutoring, this position focuses on building students' confidence and independence by providing personalized guidance tailored to each learner's unique needs.
As an academic coach, you will set specific, achievable goals with your students, helping them develop structured study plans that cater to their learning styles. Key responsibilities include tracking student progress, adjusting study strategies as necessary, and communicating with parents.
To excel in this role, you need excellent interpersonal skills, a passion for inspiring others, and a good dose of patience. The flexibility of work hours allows you to adapt your coaching sessions around the busy schedules of both students and parents.
Content writing offers a former teacher a chance to share their knowledge in various formats, from blog posts to educational articles. The job outlook is good, expected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, with demand for quality content across industries. Responsibilities include researching topics, creating engaging content, and editing work for clarity.
In this role, your responsibilities will include researching topics thoroughly to ensure accuracy, crafting content that resonates with your target audience, and editing your work. You may also collaborate with subject matter experts and editors to refine your pieces.
Excellent writing skills and an ability to adapt your tone to suit various audiences are essential for success in this field. Moreover, the flexibility of work hours allows you to juggle multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
In this role, you will be responsible for organizing course schedules, training teachers on effective online teaching strategies, and providing technical support to students using education technology. Your tasks may also include monitoring student engagement and performance, collecting feedback, and making data-driven adjustments to improve the program's effectiveness.
Strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of online learning technologies, and the ability to communicate clearly with both educators and students are very important for success. While work hours may vary based on program demands, many positions offer flexibility, allowing you to maintain a good work-life balance.
Test Preparation Specialists play a big role in helping students maximize their potential on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE. The job outlook for this profession is solid, as many students seek expert guidance to boost their scores and improve their chances of college admission.
In this role, you will create personalized study plans that address each student’s strengths and weaknesses, conduct focused review sessions, and provide constructive feedback to help them refine their test-taking strategies. You’ll also help students build confidence by teaching them test-related skills such as time management and stress reduction techniques.
In this role, your responsibilities will include evaluating various educational tools and technologies, providing training and support to teachers, and ensuring that the implemented solutions effectively meet educational goals. You'll also be tasked with troubleshooting issues and continuously assessing the effectiveness of the technologies used in the classroom.
To thrive as an Educational Technology Specialist, strong technical skills and a solid background in education are essential. You’ll need to communicate effectively with teachers and administrators, helping them work through the rapidly changing landscape of educational technology. While work hours can be flexible, you may often need to align your schedule with school hours to provide necessary support during the school day.
Grant writers play a key role in helping educational organizations secure funding for programs and initiatives. In this role, you’ll research potential funding opportunities, write proposals, and manage the submission process.
Strong writing and research skills are essential, along with the ability to understand the needs of various stakeholders.
Work hours tend to be flexible, allowing you to focus on deadlines while managing other commitments. Many grant writers operate on a freelance basis, providing the opportunity to work with diverse organizations.
Tips for Transitioning to Remote Work
Transitioning from the classroom to a remote job can be a smooth process with the right strategies. Here are some actionable tips to help former teachers make the leap:
1. Leverage Your Network
- Reconnect with Colleagues: As a former teacher, you each out to former coworkers and fellow educators who have transitioned to remote work. They can provide valuable insights and potential job leads.
- Join Professional Groups: Participate in online forums and groups focused on education and remote work, such as LinkedIn groups or Facebook communities.
2. Explore Online Job Platforms
- Popular Job Boards: Use platforms like FlexJobs, Remote.co, and We Work Remotely to find remote opportunities tailored for former educators.
- Education-Specific Sites: Websites like EdSurge and HigherEdJobs often list remote positions in education, making them a great resource.
3. Tailor Your Resume
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like communication, organization, and adaptability, which are essential for remote work.
- Customize for Each Role: Adjust your resume for specific job applications, focusing on relevant experience and aligning your skills with the job description.
4. Consider Online Courses
- Skill Development: Enroll in courses that enhance your tech proficiency or specialize in areas like instructional design to increase your marketability.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from teaching to a remote career opens up exciting new opportunities. Your skills as an educator are highly valuable in many remote roles. The flexibility and autonomy offered by remote work provide a chance to create a balanced and fulfilling career, allowing you to thrive both professionally and personally. With the right mindset and preparation, your teaching experience can be a powerful asset in carving out a successful remote career path.
