In 2025, many teachers in the US are making a big change in their careers. They’re leaving the classroom to explore new opportunities that better match their skills and aspirations. The reasons for this shift include high levels of teacher burnout, dissatisfaction with stagnant salaries, and a desire for better work-life balance.
According to recent surveys, a significant number of educators are looking for new paths due to heavy workloads, understaffing, and limited career growth opportunities. However, the good news is that teachers possess a wealth of transferable skills, like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, that make them valuable assets in various industries.
Industries such as education technology (EdTech), corporate training, customer success, and content development are actively seeking former teachers. These roles allow educators to leverage their expertise while exploring new challenges. This article highlights the best companies that hire former teachers in the US, offering competitive salaries, flexibility, and room for growth.
Why Are Teachers Transitioning?
Teachers are transitioning out of the classroom for several reasons:
- Burnout: The teaching profession is demanding, with long hours and high stress levels.
- Limited Career Growth: Traditional teaching roles often have limited opportunities for advancement.
- Transferable Skills: Teachers have skills that are highly valued in other industries, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
These skills are in high demand across various sectors, making companies that hire former teachers eager to recruit them.
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Criteria for Selecting the Best Companies that Hire Former Teachers in the US
To identify the best companies that hire former teachers in the US, we used the following criteria:
Active Recruitment: Companies that specifically seek out former educators for their expertise.
Role Alignment: Positions that utilize teaching skills such as instructional design, curriculum development, and communication.
Work Environment: Competitive pay, remote or hybrid work options, and opportunities for career advancement.
10 Best Companies That Hire Former Teachers in the US
Here are 10 best companies that hire former teachers looking to transition into new careers in the US:
1. Pearson
Pearson is the world’s largest education publisher, known for its extensive range of educational materials and digital learning tools. In recent years, Pearson has shifted its focus towards digital-first strategies, moving away from traditional print textbooks.
Pearson offers roles like content developers, assessment associates, and instructional designers, which align well with teaching skills. The company has a large community of over 15,000 employees who are former educators, providing a supportive environment. Pearson also offers remote work options, allowing for better work-life balance.
Additionally, the company provides competitive salaries and benefits, making it financially appealing. With its emphasis on digital learning tools, Pearson allows former teachers to contribute to innovative educational projects while staying connected to the education sector without being in a classroom.
2. Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a leading provider of digital textbooks and educational content used by schools worldwide. They are one of the companies that hire former teachers as curriculum developers, partner success managers, and professional learning specialists.
The company emphasizes leveraging teaching expertise to create impactful products that improve student learning outcomes. By valuing the insights and experience of former educators, Discovery Education creates a more engaging and effective learning environment for students.
Discovery Education’s products, such as the Discovery Education Experience, offer a comprehensive platform for K-12 classrooms. This platform includes interactive lessons and virtual field trips, connecting students to real-world content, making it an attractive option for former educators looking to continue making a positive impact in education.
3. Guild Education
Guild Education partners with companies to provide upskilling opportunities for employees, offering a platform that connects workers with educational programs.
Former teachers thrive here as student success coaches or advisors, leveraging their ability to guide learners effectively. Guild prioritizes professional development for its employees, allowing former educators to continue growing and enhancing their skills.
By acting as a bridge between employers and educational institutions, Guild supports employees in pursuing education while balancing work commitments, making it an attractive option for former teachers looking to continue making a positive impact in education.
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4. Newsela
Newsela is an EdTech platform that provides engaging instructional content for K–12 students by adapting real-world articles into various reading levels. Former teachers can transition into roles like customer success managers, curriculum specialists, or content creators, leveraging their teaching experience to help design personalized learning tools.
Newsela values teaching expertise when creating educational materials, making it an attractive option for former educators looking to continue making a positive impact in education.
The company’s platform is designed to support differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to tailor content to individual students’ needs, which aligns well with the skills and experience of former teachers.
5. McGraw Hill
McGraw Hill has evolved from a traditional textbook publisher into a leader in digital education solutions, offering a range of career opportunities for former educators. They can find roles such as software engineers, implementation managers, or portfolio managers, combining their educational background with technical skills.
The company supports career growth by providing diverse positions that leverage both technical and educational expertise, allowing former educators to contribute to innovative digital learning platforms while expanding their skill set.
McGraw Hill’s commitment to digital learning and global reach provide a dynamic environment for professional development and growth, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition out of traditional teaching roles.
6. GoGuardian
GoGuardian provides software solutions for classroom management and student engagement, offering tools that help educators create safe and focused learning environments.
Former teachers can transition into roles like product managers, account executives, or education strategists, leveraging their teaching experience to develop tools that meet classroom needs. Teachers’ input is integral to GoGuardian’s product development, ensuring that solutions are effective and user-friendly for educators.
This makes GoGuardian an attractive option for former educators looking to continue making a positive impact in education while expanding their skills in technology and product development.
7. Amplify
Amplify develops data-driven K–12 curricula in literacy, math, and science, focusing on improving classroom outcomes through innovative educational tools.
Former teachers often work as instructional coaches or curriculum developers, leveraging their teaching experience to design and implement educational materials that meet the needs of students and educators.
Amplify’s emphasis on data-driven instruction allows former educators to contribute to creating tools that provide teachers with practical insights to improve student learning. By working at Amplify, former teachers can continue to make a positive impact in education while expanding their expertise in curriculum development and educational technology.
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8. Panorama Education
Panorama Education helps schools gather insights through surveys to improve student outcomes, offering a platform that supports educators in understanding student performance across various areas.
Former teachers can transition into roles like customer success representatives, product managers, or researchers, where their teaching experience is valued in decision-making processes. The company provides a remote-friendly work environment, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance, and prioritizes professional development to help employees grow and enhance their skills.
By working at Panorama Education, former educators can continue to make a positive impact in education while contributing to data-driven improvements in student outcomes.
9. Paper
Paper provides virtual tutoring services to school districts across the US, offering former teachers roles as tutors, partnership associates, or data specialists. These positions allow educators to continue working closely with students while enjoying flexible schedules, which is beneficial for those seeking better work-life balance.
Paper’s platform supports personalized learning by connecting students with tutors in real-time, helping them develop problem-solving skills and build confidence.
By working at Paper, former educators can maintain a strong connection with students without being tied to a traditional classroom setting, making it an attractive option for those looking to transition into new careers.
10. Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform offering courses from top universities worldwide. Former teachers can contribute as content creators, instructional designers, or partnerships managers, leveraging their teaching expertise to develop engaging educational materials and support global learning initiatives.
Coursera’s flexible platform allows students to learn at their own pace, providing former educators with the opportunity to work on a flexible schedule.
By working at Coursera, former teachers can expand their skill sets in areas like digital education and project management while participating in efforts to make high-quality education more accessible globally.
Key Benefits of Working at These Companies that Hire Former Teachers in the US
These companies not only hire former teachers but also provide numerous advantages:
Flexibility: Many offer remote or hybrid work options (e.g., Pearson and Paper). Part-time roles are also available for those transitioning gradually into new careers.
Career Growth: Clear pathways to leadership positions exist within these organizations (e.g., VP of Customer Success at EdTech firms). Employees can also learn new skills like data analysis or project management.
Competitive Salaries: Many positions offer higher pay compared to traditional teaching jobs, especially roles in customer success or instructional design.
Purpose-Driven Work: Former teachers often find fulfillment working on projects that improve education systems or support lifelong learning.
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How Teachers Can Transition Successfully
Switching careers can feel daunting but is achievable with proper planning:
1. Highlight transferable skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving on your resume.
2. Pursue certifications in high-demand areas such as project management (e.g., PMP) or data analysis.
3. Tailor your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your teaching achievements and career aspirations.
4. Explore job boards specializing in education-related careers (e.g., FlexJobs).
5. Network with other former educators through LinkedIn groups or professional associations.
6. Consider further education or certifications if required for your desired role.
Conclusion
Teaching skills are highly valued across industries beyond education. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, better pay, or new challenges, there are many companies that hire former teachers actively seeking educators in 2025.
By leveraging your unique expertise and exploring these opportunities with confidence, you can build a fulfilling career outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are so many teachers leaving the profession?
Many teachers cite burnout from heavy workloads, low pay compared to other professions requiring similar qualifications, and limited career advancement opportunities as reasons for leaving.
2. What companies hire former teachers?
Companies like EdTech (e.g., Pearson), corporate training (e.g., Guild Education), customer success (e.g., Newsela), and content development often seek out former teachers.
3. How do I highlight my teaching experience when applying for non-teaching jobs?
Focus on transferable skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and adaptability on your resume and during interviews.
4. Do I need additional certifications to transition out of teaching?
Not always, but certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or Google’s Project Management Certificate can boost your chances if you’re entering fields like project management or data analysis.
