Top Training & Development Jobs for Transitioning Teachers
Jul 01, 2023
Updated: 03/24/25
If you love teaching but want to move beyond the classroom, this is the list to bookmark. These roles allow you to continue doing what you do best—developing others—while shifting into corporate, nonprofit, or higher ed spaces. You’ll still get to design learning, inspire growth, and make an impact—just in a new setting (and often with better hours and pay).
Note: Salary ranges are general estimates based on commonly available salary information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, and Glassdoor. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on location, experience level, industry, and company size.
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Corporate Trainer
Avg. Salary Range: $45K - $80K per year
What it is:
Corporate Trainers lead professional learning sessions for employees. You’ll design workshops, lead in-person or virtual trainings, and help staff build new skills.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already created lesson plans, taught complex material, and adjusted instruction on the fly. Now you’ll be doing the same thing—but for adults in a corporate setting.How to land it:
Look for training roles in industries you’re familiar with (like education, edtech, or nonprofits). Titles may include “Trainer,” “Facilitator,” or “Learning Partner.”
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Instructional Designer
Avg. Salary Range: $55K - $90K per year
What it is:
Instructional Designers create digital or print learning content for adult learners. They develop eLearning courses, write scripts, build assessments, and choose the best formats to teach specific skills.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already created curriculum, aligned learning objectives, and designed lessons that lead to real outcomes. This role is education meets design—and you already speak both languages.How to land it:
Start with a course in instructional design or learning theory. Tools like Articulate, Rise, or Canva are helpful. Build a mini-portfolio to showcase your skills.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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E-Learning Specialist
Avg. Salary Range: $55K - $80K per year
What it is:
E-Learning Specialists focus on designing and delivering online training—think webinars, interactive modules, and digital content that helps people learn on demand.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already used tools like Google Classroom, Edpuzzle, or Screencastify. You know how to engage remote learners and break down content into bite-sized, accessible chunks.How to land it:
Search for e-learning roles at edtech companies, nonprofits, or universities. Add e-learning tools to your resume and show examples of online lessons or training you’ve created.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Professional Development Coordinator
Avg. Salary Range: $55K - $80K per year
What it is:
PD Coordinators manage logistics for training programs. You’ll schedule sessions, track attendance, gather feedback, and make sure everything runs smoothly.Why you're a fit:
You’ve scheduled PD days, coordinated field trips, and tracked student progress. You’re already great at handling logistics and communication under pressure.How to land it:
Start with entry-level roles like Training Assistant or Education Program Coordinator. Highlight your event planning, communication, and scheduling experience.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Training Manager
Avg. Salary Range: $65K - $110K per year
What it is:
Training Managers oversee the strategy and execution of all training initiatives in a company. You’ll lead a team, manage the training budget, and align learning with business goals.Why you're a fit:
You’ve led departments, mentored new teachers, and built initiatives from the ground up. You understand how to manage people and drive results through training.How to land it:
Most Training Managers work their way up from facilitator or coordinator roles. Look for companies that invest heavily in employee development and mentorship.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Professional Development Specialist
Avg. Salary Range: $41K - $87K per year
What it is:
PD Specialists create and deliver ongoing learning for employees, often in school districts, nonprofits, or service-based organizations. You’ll identify needs, design sessions, and evaluate outcomes.Why you're a fit:
You’ve facilitated PDs, supported team growth, and provided feedback that drives improvement. You know how to coach others and spark real change.How to land it:
Look for PD or Learning roles in organizations that serve educators, youth, or community-based causes. Emphasize your facilitation experience and outcome-driven mindset.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Professional Learning Specialist
Avg. Salary Range: $48K - $95K per year
What it is:
Professional Learning Specialists work in education settings (districts, charters, or higher ed) to improve teaching practices and staff development.Why you're a fit:
You’ve supported colleagues with instructional strategies, coached peers, and adapted learning to different audiences. You already speak the language of education and growth.How to land it:
Look for roles within schools, districts, or teacher prep programs. Certifications or a master’s degree in education leadership can be helpful but aren’t always required.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Learning and Development Specialist
Avg. Salary Range: $45,000 - $104,000 per year
What it is:
L&D Specialists assess employee skill gaps and build training programs to fill them. You’ll blend data, adult learning theory, and company goals to support growth across teams.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already planned scaffolded learning for students—this is the same concept, just applied to adults in a workplace. You know how to diagnose needs and design engaging solutions.How to land it:
Search for L&D roles in corporate or nonprofit settings. Focus on your ability to create measurable learning outcomes and lead training efforts.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
Enjoyed this list but not sure where you fit in all of this? Take the FREE ElevatED Educator Career Quiz to discover which roles are right for you.
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