Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be one of the most demanding. In recent years, thousands of educators across the United States have left the classroom in search of new opportunities. If you’re a former teacher, you might be wondering: What’s next?
The good news is that your skills are in high demand. Many organizations—inside and outside of education—actively seek out teachers for their strengths in communication, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. This guide explores the top companies that hire former teachers and how you can successfully transition into a new career.
Why Companies Hire Former Teachers
Before diving into specific employers, it helps to understand why teachers are such valuable hires in the corporate world.
Transferable Skills Teachers Bring
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Communication: Teachers are skilled at explaining complex ideas in simple, engaging ways.
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Leadership & Teamwork: Leading a classroom is equivalent to managing a small team every day.
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Organization & Planning: Lesson planning, grading, and curriculum development require strong organizational skills.
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Adaptability: Teachers constantly adjust to different student needs, new technology, and curriculum changes.
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Problem-Solving: From classroom challenges to student conflicts, teachers are natural problem-solvers.
What This Means for Employers
Companies see former teachers as ready-made professionals for roles in:
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Corporate training and learning & development (L&D)
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Instructional design
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Sales and customer success
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Human resources
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Content creation and publishing
Top Industries That Hire Former Teachers
Not all former teachers want to stay connected to education, but for those who do, EdTech and publishing are great choices. For those looking to pivot entirely, corporate roles in HR, sales, and training are strong alternatives.
1. EdTech Companies
EdTech is one of the most natural career transitions for teachers. These companies build tools and platforms for learners, so they rely heavily on educators’ insights.
Typical roles for teachers:
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Curriculum designer
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Instructional designer
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Customer success manager
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Training specialist
Examples:
2. Corporate Training & Development
Corporate training departments are always in need of professionals who can teach, coach, and present clearly.
Examples of employers:
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Amazon – Learning trainer and instructional design roles
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Google – Learning & development specialists, educational partnerships
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Walmart – Workforce development trainers
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Apple – Creative training specialists
3. Publishing & Content Creation
Teachers have strong writing, editing, and content development skills, making them ideal for educational publishing and content marketing.
Examples:
4. Nonprofits & Education-Focused Organizations
If you’re passionate about social impact, nonprofits value teachers for program development and community outreach.
Examples:
5. Corporate Roles Beyond Education
Former teachers are highly sought after in corporate settings that value communication, organization, and people skills.
Examples:
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LinkedIn – Customer success and learning solutions
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Salesforce – Sales and training roles
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Microsoft – Education partnerships and training divisions
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State Farm – Insurance agents and trainers
6. Tutoring & Online Learning Platforms
For teachers who still love teaching but want flexibility, tutoring companies and online platforms are an excellent fit.
Examples:
Top Companies That Hire Former Teachers (Detailed List)
Here’s a deeper dive into specific companies that are known to hire teachers for non-classroom roles.
1. Amazon
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Roles: Learning trainers, instructional designers, operations managers
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Why they hire teachers: Amazon values adaptability and training skills to help onboard employees and support operations teams.
2. Google
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Roles: Program managers, instructional designers, education partnership leads
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Why they hire teachers: Google’s education initiatives and partnerships often seek professionals with classroom experience.
3. Khan Academy
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Roles: Curriculum specialists, content developers, education partnership coordinators
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Why they hire teachers: Khan Academy builds free educational content, making former teachers an ideal fit.
4. Pearson
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Roles: Curriculum writers, assessment developers, education consultants
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Why they hire teachers: Pearson relies on former teachers to create accurate and effective learning materials.
5. Salesforce
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Roles: Sales development reps, customer success managers, training specialists
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Why they hire teachers: Teachers excel in communication, making them great for sales and client relations.
6. Scholastic
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Roles: Content editors, curriculum designers, project managers
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Why they hire teachers: Scholastic publishes books and learning resources for children and schools.
7. DonorsChoose
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Roles: Teacher outreach, community engagement, program management
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Why they hire teachers: The nonprofit connects donors with classroom projects, so having teachers on staff builds trust.
8. Duolingo
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Roles: Curriculum designers, learning scientists, community managers
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Why they hire teachers: Duolingo needs experts in pedagogy to refine its language-learning app.
9. Microsoft
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Roles: Training and education program leads, instructional designers
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Why they hire teachers: Microsoft’s education division values teaching expertise for its technology in classrooms.
10. VIPKid
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Roles: Online instructors (remote teaching)
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Why they hire teachers: Teachers can work from home and set their own schedules while still teaching online.
How to Transition Successfully from Teaching to Corporate Roles
Leaving teaching can be overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can transition smoothly into a new career.
Resume Tips
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Translate teaching skills into corporate terms:
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“Lesson planning” → Project management
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“Classroom management” → Leadership & conflict resolution
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“Grading and assessment” → Data analysis and reporting
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Networking Strategies
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Use LinkedIn to connect with other former teachers in new industries.
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Join Facebook groups like Life After Teaching or Teachers in Corporate Careers.
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Attend local networking events or virtual job fairs.
Additional Certifications That Help
FAQs About Companies That Hire Former Teachers
1. What jobs can former teachers get at Google?
Former teachers at Google often work in program management, learning and development, or educational partnerships. Many start in customer-facing training roles.
2. Is instructional design a good career for ex-teachers?
Yes. Instructional design is one of the top career paths for former teachers because it builds directly on curriculum development and lesson planning skills.
3. What companies let former teachers work from home?
Remote-friendly companies include VIPKid, Outschool, Varsity Tutors, and Khan Academy.
4. How much can former teachers earn in corporate roles?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for training and development specialists range from $55,000 to $95,000 annually, often higher than average teacher pay.
5. Do I need a new degree to switch careers?
Not always. Many former teachers transition with their existing degree by reframing their experience. However, certifications in project management, instructional design, or HR can open more doors.
Final Thoughts
Leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving your skills behind. Former teachers are in demand across industries like EdTech, corporate training, publishing, nonprofits, and corporate sales. Companies from Amazon and Google to Pearson and Duolingo are eager to hire educators for their unique skill sets.
If you’re considering a career transition, start by identifying which industry excites you most, update your resume to highlight transferable skills, and explore openings at the companies listed above. With the right approach, you’ll find that there are countless companies that hire former teachers and value the experience you bring.
