10 Jobs for Former Teachers

Since the average person spends about seven hours every day online, it’s no surprise that technology is an important part of our lives. This figure doesn’t even account for the software and applications that run on the background of every personal and corporate machine.

Tech doesn’t just keep us connected – it keeps us running. That’s why technology is one of the best fields to examine when looking for jobs for former teachers. Read on to learn some career path options for educators looking to make a career switch.

1. Web and App Developer

Web developers create websites using various programming languages. They use a language like JavaScript, HTML, or Python to make the codes that ensure that the websites can run smoothly. After the code is finished, the developer can test it, troubleshoot any problems, and launch the webpage.

Developing mobile applications is another important web development task. Over half of web traffic comes from devices like smartphones and tablets. App developers use code to make pages compliant with iOS and Android as well as the app store requirements.

Web developers aren’t one-size-fits-all, and some program codes to make a website function from the backend. They’re ideal for teachers who want to work in technology in the long term. You’ll be great at backend development if you come from a math, science, or tech background.

Front-end developers have the chance to get a bit more artistic by designing the skin of a website that users see. While STEM teachers will of course do well here, creative types like English, art, and design teachers will also excel. It’s extremely rewarding to create an interface that others can interact with.

2. Software Engineer

Instead of working on creating websites, a software engineer creates computer software needed for machines to run smoothly. They understand the broad principles of designing technology and tech stacks and know how to use coding to make software perform its desired functions.

Their duties include designing and developing software as well as maintaining it for the duration of its use. Software engineers also test, evaluate, and tweak their designed software until it’s perfect. Then, they deploy it on the hardware system that will run the application.

Software is extremely diverse, and some of it may launch applications and run day-to-day functions. Other software may be cybersecurity-oriented or used for storing data. The possibilities are limitless.

If you’re a teacher who wants to explore a new job in software engineering, you don’t need to go back to school and get an all-new degree. You can simply enroll in a software engineering bootcamp. Full-time options get you working in your new career faster, but there are also part-time and flex options for those still teaching during the day.

3. CRM Manager

CRM managers work in a niche of software engineering focused on customer relationship management. They use systems that collect and store user data. Their aim is to create software that assesses the data and gathers useful metrics about the needs of pre-existing programs.

They then will take the programs and re-engineer the technology behind them to adjust their needs appropriately. CRM’s ultimate goal is to make customers more satisfied and boost sales (including repeat sales).

They develop, troubleshoot, and optimize tools and resources used by customer support teams to make them more efficient. They also may look into sales representative software and manage it to make closing deals easier, more efficient, and more organized.

4. DevOps Engineer

CRM goes hand-in-hand with DevOps. DevOps merges development and operations to create and deploy applications that streamline services and production.

Former teachers in this field will combine tech-related philosophies, workplace values, everyday practices, and software tools to deliver services faster. Their goal is to outpace competitors with better infrastructure management and quicker software development.

This job is great for educators because it requires an understanding of multiple fields. You need to be able to code, but you also need to understand system design, application deployment, and testing. Soft skills like communication and time management are also second nature to teachers, so you have a head start on other candidates already assuming that you excel in software engineering bootcamp.

5. Cybersecurity Expert

A single data breach can cost a company $4.43 million. That’s why cybersecurity is an in-demand investment. It can save time and money while helping businesses avoid lawsuits due to lost or stolen data.

Becoming a cybersecurity software engineer is a great career choice for former teachers. You can develop authentication technology and firewalls to keep unauthorized users out of systems. Whether you work with cloud-based platforms or those on hardware is up to you and your employer.

Coding Temple offers a cybersecurity bootcamp to help those interested in this specific path succeed. You’ll learn the ins and outs of creating, testing, and troubleshooting security-specific software.

6. Ethical Hacker

Also called security engineers or white hat hackers, ethical hacking professionals test company systems for vulnerabilities that could lead to a security breach.

These experts are a subcategory of cybersecurity engineers. They work to create testing systems and methods to make sure that the software others design is safe and secure.

After designing software that simulates a data breach on a specific company system, they deploy it to see how a data breach would look. They see whether the fake “malware” can get on the system and how they manage to penetrate the software. This allows them to identify vulnerabilities and patch them up before the end-user finds any issues.

Many former teachers will enjoy this job because it requires creative problem-solving. Most teachers are also naturally inclined to enjoy helping people, and this is a great way to “check the work” of other software engineers or developers. It’s like grading a school project that has real-world stakes.

7. 3D Rendering Professional

If you’re a teacher who ultimately wants to land an architecture or interior design job, a 3D rendering career is a great place to start. This software engineering job lets you design programs that create photorealistic 2D renditions of 3D models.

You’ll need to design and deploy the technology needed to recreate spaces to scale. You’ll need to code it to create an appropriately photorealistic image and put it online or on company hardware so people can work with the model. This is ideal for those who want the rewarding feeling of designing a physical and tangible space.

8. Video Game Designer

If you love video games and have ideas and visions for new games, this software engineering and design career is an ideal career path. You envision a story and concept before designing the environment, gameplay, and characters. This production stage requires coding knowledge and an in-depth understanding of how your software will interact with gaming console hardware.

There are several subdisciplines for video game designers. World design is similar to 3D rendering. Level design, system, design, and content design all let you flex your coding skills for a visually interesting outcome. User interface design is like front-end engineering and helps you adapt the game for players.

9. Data Analysis

Data analytics, also called data scientists, collect and interpret company data.

They look for trends in the information presented by creating tables and charts. After assessing the facts and figures, these professionals figure out how to streamline processes and workflows for more efficient operations. They also can find whether any changes need to happen to keep up with future company needs, growth, and demands.

Teachers tend to excel in these positions because they’re analytical thinkers. Education careers require a similar kind of organization to the skills needed for accurately compiling and interpreting data.

Training for data science careers is also easy when you attend a data analytics bootcamp specifically tailored to teaching you data programming languages. As a former teacher, you already have the soft skills, so you can focus on learning about segmentation and mining for data.

10. Quality Assurance

Quality assurance (QA) can refer to many things, but in the context of tech careers, it aims to prevent software defects. Those starting a new career in QA will need to test software with specially designed methods and techniques to see whether there are any issues with it. Yey can then resolve the problems and mitigate future risks.

Former teachers with a knack for problem-solving and planning ahead will excel in a quality assurance career. If you’re an independent thinker who wants to design and execute test plans, this is a great path. Plus, you’ll also be able to network and communicate with others since resolving the problems you find is often a collaborative effort.

Explore Jobs for Former Teachers

If you’re exploring your career paths after having been a teacher, there are hundreds of new job options available for you. Regardless of your background, a career in technology can be lucrative and rewarding. There are jobs for both math-minded former educators and those who love art and design.

Coding Temple can help you achieve your dreams with a tech crash course. Our bootcamps are designed to give you all of the skills, tools, and resources you need to succeed in a new field. We also offer certification to make you a more competitive hire, so apply now to start your search for jobs for former teachers.