20 transferable skills: Alternative career choices for teachers

[Monirul Islam]

One of the most rewarding careers is being a teacher. These dedicated individuals work every single day to shape future generations, create meaningful connections and make a lasting impact on people's lives. But it is easy to feel burned out or want a different challenge beyond the classroom. Check out this list of valuable transferable skills and alternative career choices for teachers.

Our List Of Top 20 Skills
Educators have many skills and abilities that are transferable and applicable in positions and industries outside of the traditional classroom setting. The skills and abilities outlined are typical of teachers and education professionals found in job descriptions, O*Net, and other education career resources. Review the skills and abilities outlined below:

Transferable-Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Diagnostic Tests
Interpreting, screening, placing, needs identification, diagnosing

Grading
Evaluating, examining, assessing performance, monitoring progress

Instructing         
Effectively teaching others how to do something, training, coordinating, coaching and facilitating

Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things

Lesson Plan Development 
Designing curriculum, incorporating learning strategies, problem solving

Brandman offers a wide variety of certificate programs, both for academic credit and professional development (non-credit).


Management
Coordinating and guiding others to meet objectives and goals

Monitoring
Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action

Multitasking
Juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities while remaining composed and meeting deadlines

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Relationship Management
Conflict resolution, motivating, organizing, troubleshooting, establishing rapport

Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively

Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do

Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
Alternative Career Choices For Teachers
So after reviewing these skills, are you motivated to start job hunting for your next career? Well we are one step ahead of you! Here are some alternative career choices for teachers to consider:

Corporate Trainer
Companies need corporate trainers to keep employees updated on new technologies, processes and protocols. Teachers are ideal candidates for these positions because of their instructional capabilities, desire to actively help others, and their ability to analyze people's different learning strategies.

Museum Docent
Former teachers are highly sought after for filling positions as museum educators or guides because of their excellent experience at managing large groups of children on field trips or during different activities. Explore historic sites or museums that are in a specific area of interest that you may have. It's a great way to still teach others while expanding your knowledge as a subject matter expert.

Instructional Coordinator/Curriculum Specialist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators work in schools and various education institutions. These roles oversee school curricula and teaching standards, and develop instructional material and assess its effectiveness. Instructional coordinators typically have master's degrees to prove their specialized knowledge and skills. If you are thinking of pursuing this career path, consider these five questions to determine if you should go back to school to obtain a master's degree.

Program Director
As a teacher, your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for any opportunity that involves children. Educational program directors work at organizations such as the YMCA which offers child care centers and day camps, museums, national parks, and zoos. These positions plan, direct, and coordinate the academic and non-academic activities.

Administrator
Administrators provide direction and day-to-day management of schools, day care centers, colleges, and universities. If you are looking to have less interaction with students and start utilizing your leadership and communication skills in the education world, then this path might be for you.

So whether you want to stay in the education field or start a career in a different industry, teachers have a variety of alternative career pathways to choose from to ensure continual success.  Another option is to further your career by advancing your degree.  Check out the Master's and Doctoral programs offered by Brandman University; sometimes changing perspective and re-engaging yourself in learning can be the best way to gain motivation.

Source: https://www.brandman.edu/news-and-events/news/2017/08/17/13/13/20-transferable-skills-alternative-career-choices-for-teachers