If you've been working as a teacher, you probably don't know how many jobs for ex-teachers are out there.
Keep an open mind. There are many alternative career paths for teachers and those currently working in the public service may want to stay in it.
In this guide, we'll look at the roles within the public sector, roles both inside and outside of schools, and a few jobs outside of the public sector for teachers who'd really like a change.
Why Remain in the Public Sector?
The public service is Australia's largest employer and there are many benefits to working in the public sector.
defence, law enforcement and safety
education
employment
foreign affairs
health
housing
transport
We could add more to this list, but those already in education will likely understand how some of it works. This makes a career shift much easier for them. Public sector jobs are typically more stable with increased job security and other benefits.
Public sector jobs aren't immune to downsizing, austerity measures, or restructuring during economic downturns, but they tend to be more resilient than private sector roles.
There are plenty of jobs available for teachers leaving teaching with many in the public sector.
This doesn't mean you have to rule out jobs in the private sector, but here, we'll mostly focus on the public sector options as there are a number of benefits that teachers already enjoy that they'd likely want to hold on to.
Public Service Roles for Teachers in Education
Before you leave teaching and we look at the roles in the public service outside of education, there are educational options for teachers that aren't necessarily classroom-teaching roles.
There are plenty of teaching-adjacent roles that a teacher may want to consider before leaving education altogether. Here are some of the best roles for teachers wanting to remain in education and the public service.
Curriculum Coordinator
Experience in teaching is incredibly useful for anyone looking to be a curriculum coordinator. As the name suggests, you'd be responsible for developing and implementing the curriculum in a given subject, area, or level.
As a teacher, you'll be familiar with the curriculum you had to teach from and likely aware of many ways that it could be improved or changed.
As a curriculum coordinator, you could implement positive changes for both your fellow teachers and the students who have to learn from a certain curriculum.
For teachers dreaming of making an even bigger difference, this could be a very rewarding role.
Education Administrator
Education administrators include roles like school principal, assistant principal, department head, etc. These are the administrative roles within schools and education that don't necessarily involve classroom teaching but are nonetheless essential to the day-to-day running of each school.
Many of these roles see teachers promoted into them and come with increased seniority and salary. While we'll get onto political careers for teachers in just a moment, there's quite a bit of politics involved when it comes to landing these kinds of roles.
If a lack of progression has been bothering you, it may be time to start looking towards these kinds of roles and promotions.
Education Consultant
An education consultant makes their money offering their expertise to the department of education, schools, and teachers. You'll be employed to develop the curriculum, assessment strategies, and education policies.
This can affect everything from what happens in classrooms to state-wide education policy. If you felt like you weren't making as much of a difference as you would have liked in the classroom, education consultancy could be the solution.
Education Technology Specialist
Technology can be effectively integrated into education, but it needs to be done right. As an educational technology specialist, your job could include advising on how to use educational software and digital tools in education as well as providing the necessary training to teachers and administrators.
This role is certainly a good fit for those who are excited by the potential of technology within education and teaching and have a knack for getting the most out of tech in the classroom.
Language or Literacy Coach
Language or literacy coaches can work in the classroom alongside teachers. They develop and teach language and literacy teaching techniques.
They can work with both young students in primary education as well as older students and adults, especially those having difficulty with language or literacy.
This role is a particularly good change for English or foreign language teachers who already have a decent understanding of literacy and language acquisition.
Mentor Teacher
A mentor teacher will guide new teachers through the early stages of their careers. Unlike teacher trainers, who tend to work with groups and entire departments or schools at a time, a mentor teacher will work with fewer teachers.
A mentor teacher won't likely be completely free of their classroom-teaching duties, but there may be opportunities to reduce the number of classroom hours to accommodate the time taken to mentor a new teacher.
School Librarian
You could go from the classroom to the library. Generally, this role is more relaxing than teaching in the classroom and if you find that your organisation skills are exceptional, this could be a great choice.
A school librarian has to manage school libraries as well as help students and staff members with research. They may also have some teaching roles involved in promoting literacy.
This could be a great career change for teachers who enjoy the environment of a school but no longer want to continue teaching in the classroom.
Special Education Teacher
Shifting from general classroom teaching to special education may be a rewarding shift for any teacher looking for a change.
Special education teachers work with students with special needs, disabilities, and learning difficulties. In some ways, this is a more challenging type of teaching but in many ways, it can be very rewarding and different to other types of classroom teaching.
This could be an excellent opportunity for teachers who feel like they could offer so much more as a teacher.
Teacher Trainer
Teachers who still love being able to pass their knowledge on may be interested in teaching the next generation of teachers. Teacher trainers could run workshops and training sessions for both new and experienced teachers.
After all, a teacher never stops developing professionally and even experienced teachers can benefit from additional training.
As a teacher, you'll have likely attended workshops and professional training sessions and probably have some ideas of your own on how these could be improved.
Why not try it for yourself?
Don't forget that many of these roles may require further qualifications, more training, or even experience. Carefully research which roles would be right for you and what you'd like to do and even talk to management at your school for information on the best ways to go about transitioning to a new role.
Jobs for Teachers in Defence, Law Enforcement, or Safety
Not every job in the public sector is a desk job. While there are certainly plenty of administrative roles that involve a lot of sitting down, there are also more active roles.
Defence force and emergency service roles are certainly more active than desk jobs. A teacher could certainly bring their interpersonal skills to these roles.
Just remember that SES, Defence Reserves, or volunteer firefighting all include intensive training. You can do these roles part-time while gaining experience if this is an area that interests you.
While roles in defence might feel like a big change from teaching, you'll see that many of the transferrable skills you developed as a teacher are particularly useful for these kinds of roles.
Jobs for Teachers in Politics
Teachers are also great communicators. In high-pressure environments, this can come in handy.
A career in politics could put these skills to good use. Teachers can communicate clearly and are likely well-connected to their local community.
You'll likely be familiar with the issues that local families have to deal with and you could put yourself forward as a member of your chosen political party.
While it's common for politicians to come from backgrounds in law or business, you'll find that experience in education can also help you move into politics.
Jobs for Teachers Elsewhere in the Public Service
While not every teacher may be drawn to a career in politics, many find fulfilling opportunities within the Australian Public Service.
The public service works on many different projects, ranging from advising government institutions to managing community programs. Job roles include correctional officers, community support coordinators, and educational managers.
Many roles don't require specialised training or credentials. For those that do, there are often on-site training opportunities.
So what should you do first?
You can join the public service through the APS Graduate Program initiative. This provides graduates with opportunities in public service jobs while also offering on-the-job training and mentorship.
If you're not eligible for the program. Don't worry. You can always apply to roles as you would any other job.
Public Service agencies do their own recruitment and advertise in the Public Service Gazette, their websites, through recruitment agencies, and job websites.
Typically, you'll download an information pack for the role. This will tell you what you need to provide for the application. More often than not, you'll need a resume, cover letter, and selection criteria statement. Highlight your relevant experience in your application including the skills you've developed through teaching.
If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview where you may be asked about your experience, complete tasks relevant to the role, or participate in group activities and hypothetical scenarios.
Agencies create a merit list. This lasts for 12 months and means that if you don't get the job, you may still be contacted for similar roles or better roles in the following year.
Don't forget to ask for feedback if you don't get it. There might have been something very simple and easily fixed that you can keep in mind for your next interview.
Jobs Overseas for Teachers with the Public Service
Public service departments like DFAT, Austrade, and AusAID have international postings and missions.
At any given time, there are usually around one million Australians living and working abroad and it's quite common for Australians to move abroad for professional reasons.
Some Australians are worried about taxes, job security, and their re-employment opportunities once they return to Australia. However, if you work with the APS, this shouldn't be a concern.
Generally, working overseas for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) ensures that you and your family will be looked after both at home and abroad.
So what does DFAT do exactly?
DFAT has 109 overseas posts. These roles include liaising on trade and policy matters while providing aid and consular assistance.
DFAT roles could include:
- advising the Government on foreign, trade and development policy advice
- working to coordinate global, regional and bilateral interests
- negotiating agreements between Australia and other countries
- coordinating and managing aid programs
- maintaining high standards in consular affairs, and the provision of assistance.
So how could teachers work with DFAT?
Language teachers have an advantage as they already speak a foreign language. DFAT often needs to deal in one of the 31 working languages.
Maths, economics, or computing teachers could also be well-suited to many different public service departments including DFAT.
Specialisation in a particular subject may work well with certain roles. Be sure to include these subjects and skills when searching for jobs.
DFAT recruits from a range of cultural and educational backgrounds.
"DFAT recognises the importance of valuing diversity and promoting inclusion. Moreover, as the department that represents Australia to the world, it is important we reflect the diversity of the Australian population." - (DFAT Diversity and Inclusion page.)
Jobs Teaching English Overseas
While the English language isn't spoken natively by as many people as Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, it's the most spoken language in the world.
English is a global lingua franca and whether it's for business or tourism, English is taught almost everywhere in the world with one-quarter of the world's population speaking English at a functional level.
In countries like China and Japan, teachers are highly respected. This culture could be a nice alternative for teachers looking for a change. If you're still passionate about teaching but feel like teaching in Australia isn't working, take your teaching to another country.
In Australia, the retention of teachers isn't great. Half of teachers don't make it five years in the profession. Instead of leaving teaching altogether, consider teaching English in a foreign country.
You mightn't be able to do this immediately without some further training, but you can get some basic TEFL or TESOL qualifications quite quickly and easily, at least in comparison to your other teaching qualifications.
The biggest advantage of this career change is that you already know how to teach. While you mightn't be fully versed in teaching English, you already know how to speak the language and once you learn more about how to teach it, you can very quickly make the switch.
So what are the other advantages of teaching English abroad?
- Reduced face-to-face hours: at most schools, you'll only be needed in class for a few days. There may be other tasks and duties like helping with conversation clubs, homework groups, and meetings, but these are great opportunities to meet people, get to know your students, and learn the local language.
- Increased autonomy: Generally, as long as you're speaking English and the students are enjoying the class, you're doing your job. A lot of teaching English as a foreign language is about ensuring the students are engaged in the language-learning process and changing how they see learning the language. That's why they get native English speakers into classrooms.
- Accommodation is provided: For many English teaching roles abroad, you may be provided with accommodation. This isn't true of every single role, but it's quite commonly done. Make sure that you check first, though.
- Mentors or supervisors: You'll often get help navigating your new country from a local. Typically, another teacher or the head of English will help you get set up in your new country including opening a bank account, finding accommodation (if it isn't provided), and even help you with the local language if you don't know it already.
What about the personal benefits of teaching English abroad?
- Cultural immersion: Teaching abroad is a great opportunity to learn more about foreign cultures. It's also a wonderful chance to meet new people and discover different ways of thinking.
- Learn another language: This could just as easily be a professional benefit. By living and working in another country, you get plenty of opportunities to practice and learn a new language.
- Travel opportunities: Not only do you get to travel to another country and live there, but from your new home, you can travel to other places. Depending on where you are, it may be much easier to travel to certain places than it would from Australia.
- Reignite your passion for teaching: Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. If you felt like you needed a break from teaching, it may have been simply that you needed a break from where and how you were teaching. Teaching in a new place may reignite your passion for teaching, allowing you to return to Australia and dive back into teaching with a renewed passion.
- Gain experience: These kinds of opportunities look great on your CV. Make sure that you highlight them.
What's not to love?
You might be thinking that teaching English abroad isn't something you can do if you have a family. However, you might find that there are teaching opportunities where you can bring your partner and your children.
In some cases, the kids can enrol in a local school or a local English school. It's up to you whether you want them to learn within the local school system or get an international education.
What about safety?
Every country is different, but most of the countries advertising roles for English teachers abroad are politically stable and very safe. Teaching in China, Japan, and Thailand are all options, but there are many countries around the world where teaching English is a great choice.
There are important cultural differences to be aware of, though. For female teachers, for example, living and working in places like Dubai come with certain rules and expectations in terms of what you can do and wear in public. The culture for women is very different to that of Australia.
Make sure you do some background research on the school you intend to go to. Talk to former teachers if you can find them or even ask the consulate for more information.
We've all heard horror stories of scams and teachers who've had to work in terrible conditions. The best way to avoid this is simply by being vigilant and doing your homework!
Jobs for Teachers Outside of Education and the Classroom
Instead of remaining with the Department of Education, you might want a break away from the classroom and education altogether.
Your skills as a teacher can be put to good use across many different sectors and roles.
Think about your many areas of expertise:
- ambition
- drive
- teamwork
- working independently
- understanding people and behaviours
- strong work ethic
- resilience
- coping under pressure
- lifelong learning
The qualities that make you a good teacher will also make you good at so many other things. Carefully consider why you want to get away from teaching as well as the reasons that you'd like to stay.
What are you still passionate about? Do you still enjoy working with the younger generation and providing advice and assistance?
Would a leadership role work for you and could you see yourself managing a team?
There's a clear need and demand for mental health professionals in education from primary school to higher education. You might want to remain working in schools while transitioning to more of a pastoral role.
This also means that you'll stay in the system and potentially retain some or all of the benefits.
You may also want to think about teaching teachers. After all, this is still teaching and you know how to do it.
Beyond that and outside of the classroom, you may be interested in the Department of Education or ACARA. Roles could include being involved with policy and strategy decisions, management, etc. The change could be refreshing and maybe even exactly what you were looking for.
Charity or Community Work
Another incredibly rewarding line of work could be for charities or community endeavours. Teachers are already naturally very caring individuals and this is usually the aspect of the job that they miss the most when they leave.
Charity or community work could see you working with youth, the elderly, or people with disabilities. All of these groups could benefit from the qualities an experienced teacher could bring.
Across Australia, many of these kinds of roles will ask for a national police check and/or a working with vulnerable people (WwVP) card. There are also working with children checks (WWCC or WCC) in certain states that are a requirement. Not only do these checks and credentials provide employers with peace of mind when hiring individuals, but they're often an obligation.
Different states and territories have different versions of the working with children checks and other requirements.
Be sure to check which is recognised where you live or work.
Charity and community work can be very challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Many teachers may already be adept at dealing with difficult situations since both in-class and external support in many schools leaves a lot to be desired.
Interpersonal skills will again be put to good use and you'll leave with the same satisfaction of knowing that you're helping to make a difference in people's lives.
So how can you find community or charity work?
Qualifications vary according to the area you work in. Your typical charity doesn't normally require too many academic qualifications, but in the public sector, some may be required.
Aged care roles, youth workers in the public sector, etc. will likely need to look for further study.
Local government organisations are usually the biggest employers of youth workers. These roles generally include helping with community events and fundraisers, and supporting kids in schools.
If this sounds a lot like what you were doing as a teacher, it's probably because it was. The roles naturally have a lot of overlap, making them great for teachers looking for a change. All the skills developed as a teacher can be put to good use.
Look to see if you'll need any extra qualifications. Your education or teacher degree will likely help you to land roles, but you may also need an associate degree, advanced diploma, or diploma in a particular field.
The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) website lists accredited courses for youth work and other community work, with most courses requiring at least a year.
After gaining the relevant certification, the next step is to start applying for work.
Are you a teacher? See jobs available for teachers leaving teaching.
Go From Teaching to Counselling Students
Every teacher should make their classroom a supportive and nurturing space for their students. This means treating your students with compassion and respect, listening with an open mind, and offering advice and assistance.
This means you could go from teaching to counselling. You can't go directly from one to another as there are qualifications that you need. The Bachelor of Counselling is recommended but not necessary.
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) websites both have plenty of information on the other qualifications you could get. The courses they mention are accredited and recognised by counselling providers.
There are both online and offline courses from short courses to master's degrees.
There are several different pathways into counselling so make sure to do your research. Consider your various options and see which offers the right solutions for your strengths, skills, and professional goals.
The main areas to consider are whether you work with children, teenagers, or adults, offer general or specialist counselling, and where you'll work. Once you've narrowed it down, you can start looking for training.
Again, check that the course is accredited. You don't want to complete training only to realise that it's not accepted where you want to work.
So how do you become a qualified counsellor?
Check if you're eligible for "recognition of prior learning" as a teacher with a degree. The length of the course will depend on the level. There may also be part-time or flexible learning options.
| Qualification Name | Academic Level | Course Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Counselling | Level 2 | 8-12 weeks | £220 |
| Certificate in Counselling | Level 2 | 1 year (part-time) | £490 |
| Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling | Level 4 | 2 years (part-time) | £1542 |
Most courses offer hands-on training and practical components.
Working as a Relief Teacher
What about going from full-time teaching to relief teaching? Relief teachers (also known as substitute teachers) still teach in the classroom, but they get to operate in a much different capacity.
Teachers of any age can operate as a substitute or relief teacher. The key benefit is how much easier it is to maintain a good work-life balance.
Relief teachers at the top level can earn up to $70 an hour and work an average of 6 hours a day. However, you may also have to supervise the kids during breaks, regularly find your way around new schools, and spend several days without work. You also lose out on several other benefits like sick leave.
per hour!
Thanks to your education, training, and transferable skills, teachers have plenty of alternative career options. You can either stay in a familiar environment or role or take the plunge and completely change careers.
Remember that your credentials and experience as a teacher will actually open doors and there are plenty of roles in the public or private sector waiting for you.
Going from Teaching to Private Tutoring
Classroom teaching often leaves teachers burnt out. One of the best ways to continue teaching without the stresses and workload of classroom teachers is to become a private tutor.
This will allow you to work from home, at your students' homes, or online. You can quite easily create a profile on the Superprof website and start advertising your tutoring services to potential students.
All over Australia, from Perth to Canberra, Townsville to Launceston, Darwin to Adelaide, and everywhere in between, people are choosing to apply their teaching skills to the world of tutoring.
Tutors don't necessarily need specialised qualifications to tutor privately, though they're often recommended. It's much harder to find students if you're competing against those with the right credentials and experience. Generally, the more qualifications you have, the easier it is to advertise your tutoring services.
Teaching skills and an understanding of pedagogy will certainly help. Your specialised subject knowledge is also essential and the more you know, the more you can charge.
With the right marketing approach, you can earn a good living from private tutoring while enjoying teaching in the right conditions.
More and more teachers are finding themselves drawn to private tutoring since the conditions are better, there's no upper limit on your earning potential, and it does away with a lot of the administration that teachers are sick of.
Flexible working hours, increased autonomy, and less pressure sweeten the deal, too.
The key to successfully becoming a tutor is properly marketing yourself and offering a quality tutoring service that every one of your students will recommend to their friends and family.
Remember to focus on how you help your students. Students are looking for private tutors as a solution. On your profile and when speaking to potential students, remember to highlight how your tutoring service can help.
Whether students are struggling in a particular class or are driven high-achievers looking to improve their academic performance, you have to show them how you can help and convince them it's worth the rates you charge.
Don't forget that you could also get help from a private tutor. For teachers making a big career change, there may be a lot of retraining involved. If you need to learn a new subject or some new skills, a private tutor could help.
For more help choosing what to do next in your career, you may want to look to life or career coaching from a private tutor.
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Hello I’m an Australian living in Abu Dhabi UAE
I would like to be able to work remotely from here if possible.
I have over 25 years experience in early childhood education.
However here once you are 60 you are forced to retire.
Would live to continue to contribute to this passion if you can assist please let me know
Thank you for your time