How to Use Your Teaching Certification to Find a Non-teaching Job

Teaching certifications can lead to more than a career in the classroom. Many employers want certified individuals to fill a variety of positions, so look beyond the blackboard jungle and explore your many options.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelors Degree in any field
• Well-crafted resume
• Computer with Internet
• Teaching certification

Instructions

1. Brainstorm industries that have a need for individuals with education backgrounds. Educational publishing companies, test and measurement service providers and educational assessment specialists are just a few good considerations.

2. Submit your resume to education-related companies. Be sure to highlight your job history as it pertains to the desired position.

3. Be aggressive. Contact prospective employers about current job openings even if no positions are advertised.

4. Focus your sights on your subject specialization. English and Language Arts certifications can lead to jobs in writing, editing and copywriting. Science certified individuals may consider working in a lab.

5. Search major job databases on the Internet for education-related jobs. Be creative in your use of keywords to uncover the more matches.

Tips & Warnings

• Expand your horizons by teaching abroad. Second language acquisition positions are abundant, and such positions usually require a teaching certification.

• Don't limit your job search to education-oriented positions. Degreed individuals are always desirable job candidates, and your teaching certification is just a bonus. Pursue any position that catches your eye, and elaborate on your diverse skills and experience through your cover letter or during an interview.

• Refer to career guides like the Occupational Outlook Handbook for ideas on what careers you might be suited for based on your background and certification.