Interested in working in education but not within teaching? This blog will look a few example pathways in this sector you may which to consider. Remember, there are many more - so why not book a 1:1 with us to discuss your options.
Education Policy and Research - Non Governmental
If you want to influence the field of education (without working for the civil service), then you may consider a role within education policy or research. Now the breadth of organisations in this area is vast - therefore, the roles within them even more so. But I have put a few samples below of some of the organisations and some roles within them to give you a 'flavour' more than anything else.
The Education Policy Institute - this is a London-based think tank that uses research to raise standards in education, informing the public and holding the government to account. Opportunities are both administrative and research-based.
The Education Endowment Foundation - this is a London-based charity that wants to raise standard and close the disadvantage gap. They do this through an evidence-based approach to support teachers and senior leaders. Roles offered may include research, policy & porgramme management, evaluation and dissemination and impact.
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) - describes itself as a 'intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries'. Whilst the OECD looks at many areas, they also look at education; in measuring outcomes, teaching & learning, skills development, policy and innovation. Roles could include Analyst, Project and Programme Management, Researcher and Policy-roles. It is highly likely you will be based in Paris.
NFER (National Foundation for Education Research) - based in Slough they use research to inform key decision makers about issues including assessment, social mobility and school funding. Potential roles might include research, project management and area specialists.
DEMOS - is a cross-party think tank and educational charity which researches in the areas of: 'Empowered Citizens', 'Power and Institutions', 'Inclusive Communities', 'Shared Prosperity' and 'CASM' (tech policy). Roles might be in research, operations or administrative. They do offer research and policy trainees roles if you are new to this area.
You might also consider supporting or conducting research in an academic setting. It is likely that you will need a PhD or EdD for a research-role, although you may be able to undertake a research assistant role if you haven't got that level of academics. Roles in Higher Education are often advertised on their own websites and on www.jobs.ac.uk
Education Roles within Government
You might consider a role within the civil service - such as the Department for Education. Roles within the department might be within areas such as curriculum, strategy product management and policy. Whilst you can apply directly to the DfE via the civil service vacancies page, you might also consider the civil service fast stream if you want to fast-track to a leadership position - however, you will not get to pick the DfE during your training but you may decide to apply for a permanent role there after you complete the scheme.
Education Consultancy
This is a common query: "How do I become an education consultant?". We have probably had some CPD at some point with an external trainer, but how do you become one? We have to be careful, as you will often see 'education consultant' being advertised on jobs sites - they are more commonly education recruitment consultants rather than trainers. To become an education consultant you will need to have an area of specialism that you have proven to have made some impact in. It is common that consultants have been successful senior leaders and may advise on better ways to run a school, but perhaps also subject or pastoral specialists with years of good results/data behind them might decide to train and advise others. The bottom line is - school budgets are tight - so if you want them to part with any cash, then you must be able to prove that what ever you are 'selling' works.
You could start out offering training within your local area - or if you are part of a MAT (multi-academy trust) you could offer in-house training within your network. Obviously, this will involve getting the permission of your head or principal - and it is likely it will be unpaid - but at least you can start building up your portfolio. If you are able to work part-time, you could also offer 'pro bono' training to schools in exchange for testimonials/recommendations to start off.
Another route might be building up your training portfolio by working freelance or part-time for organisations that offer CPD to teachers. For example, this could be for one of the qualification boards such as Pearson or AQA or one of the many CPD-offering companies whose leaflets often clog up your pigeon hole.
There are organisations that hire 'in-house' full-time education consultants or advisors for such as the Teacher Development Trust and the World Bank - but the work you will do will vary considerably from organisation to organisation.
EdTech
Essentially 'education technology' is any form of ICT that enhances teaching and learning. This could be computer programmes and Apps that are organisational - such as school MIS (management information systems - like the ones you will mark attendance/assessments on) - or whizz-bang apps that students use within their learning.
There are many edtech companies - including smaller start-ups - but whilst many roles may be quite technical there may be other roles in research, product management, sales and school partnership roles to consider.
Tutoring/Tutor Management
You may not want to give up teaching altogether, but perhaps want a little bit more flexibility.
Whilst many of you many have done ad-hoc or part-time tutoring, there is also opportunities to tutor full-time; most likely as a freelancer through an agency. Whilst you can have more ownership over your hours, it is likely that you will be working evenings and weekends. You will also need to register as self-employed if you are a freelancer. If teaching ESL, the working hours will vary more if teaching online to those in different time zones.
Of course, you might also consider managing tutors rather than doing it yourself. There are many educational tutoring charities out there that have teams of volunteer tutors - and need someone to manage them, which is often a paid role. Or, perhaps managing a community learning/education/tuition centre might appeal.
Educational Publishing/Resources
Another option to perhaps consider is the world of educational publishing. If you want to write articles, be prepared to have to work for free/minimal pay to start - as not all publications pay - but it is a good way to practise and to build up a portfolio. Or perhaps start a blog to see whether writing is for you. You might be able to move on to an in-house author and/editor - but be aware that such roles are often super competitive.
Perhaps you feel you know your subject well enough to write for work for educational publications that provide revision guides and other teaching resources - such as those produced by CGP and Twinkl . You might not be working full-time as a writer, but if you're interested in other roles such as editorial, sales or product development.
These are all just initial ideas and mentions just a sprinkling of companies. Why not book a 1:1 career coaching session with CareersEdu to help you work out the best option for you.
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