Written By:  Robyn Shulman

Alternatives to teaching.

There are so many teachers outside of the classroom right now. 

This post is about all of the incredible skills and alternatives teachers have to use in other various roles.

It is my opinion that teachers can perform and find success in any  of the alternatives listed below.

From Management to the Stage

1.  Managers

Who else can manage a room full of 30 or more kids (all different academic levels, behaviors, cultures, etc.) all day, every day?  Teachers are some of the best managers on Earth.

2.  Caregivers

Who zips up jackets, breaks up fights, wipes runny noses, and ties shoelaces, in addition to teaching all day, and then catches a cold?  Teachers….

3.  Curriculum Designers and Evaluators

Who plans lessons for 30 (or more) children at different levels, with different learning styles, and implements these lessons across various content areas?  You know it…we do… After the lesson, who re-evaluates, steps back, and plans again for success?  Yes, we do that too.

4. Communication and Public Relations

Yes, communication is required..between the parents, the administration, the community, the students, co-workers, and support staff…I think teachers would make great social media managers!

5.  Writers

Writing never ends…..from developing projects, planning lessons, grading papers, professional development requirements…teachers are writing all of the time…see..I am writing right now!

6.  Editors

Who spends half their life correcting the mistakes of others?  Oh…..I know…it is…your teacher..

7.  Academic Advisors

Yes, we do advise…we share what we think is best for our students…we recommend the best teacher for his/her learning style….we share our views with parents…

8.  Counseling

When our students are sad, we are too..we listen, we talk, and we try and make things better…and talk about the DRAMA…we are counselors all of the time….especially those of us that care….

9.  Administration

This simply does not end. Period.

10.  Entertainers

Who is on stage all day?  Yes…we are..and if we want our students to learn…we must be engaging, relate to their world, and speak their language…If you know what BRB and BFF stand for..you probably teach 3rd-6th grade…We must keep their attention…or learning does not occur…

Therefore, teachers, if you cannot find a job in the classroom right now….keep going because your alternatives to teaching are endless.

To view a list of companies that hire teachers, please click here.

alternatives.