Insight into a career transition
From traditional education roles to something else
"There is no hard and fast route into non-teaching education work, and each journey will be different for each individual...What's important, though, is to find the path that works for you and that feels sustainable, viable, and above all, exciting." - Lu Futon
What does a freelance education career look like?
It can look like many things. To see examples of what's possible, browse the podcast catalog and take a trip around the world on Google Earth (or the map below). Listen to a collection of stories and lived experiences ranging from consulting, curriculum development, construction, outdoor and afterschool programming, writing, research, and museum work.
You'll find similar examples and other career paths in How to Have a Successful Freelance Education Career* by Fe Luton (2024).
Fe Luton, a former classroom teacher, left the classroom to contribute to education in other ways. She shares her experiences in her book. She wrote this book specifically for classroom teachers transitioning into other roles. In many ways, Luton's book is like looking in the mirror. She has traveled down similar paths in museum education, education writing, journalism, blog writing, and even outdoor education. Throughout her book, Luton offers practical insights and resources to explore. She helps teachers reflect on their transferable skills and develop a 5- to 10-year career plan.
One tip from Luton's book that resonated with me is her suggestion to craft a CV that showcases one's writing skills. As I've refined my direction with The Freelance Project and the development of its portfolio, this tip reminded me of something I need to work on weekly.
If you know of a teacher contemplating non-teaching roles, consider sharing this resource with them.
*Talaterra is an affiliate of Bookshop.org