More than teaching: 9 education jobs you might not know about

Becoming a teacher is just one of many careers in education you could pursue. If you have excellent communication skills and want to make a difference, one of these 9 education jobs might just be for you.

1. Educational psychologist

Educational psychologists help children or young people who have problems that are affecting their ability to learn. They work alongside teachers, parents, social workers and doctors. You’ll need a psychology degree and usually a further qualification, such as Master’s degree or PhD,  in educational psychology specifically. Exceptional communication skills, empathy and analytical abilities are key.

Go deeper: Link psychology class to careers

2. E-learning developer

Jobs in education sector include e-learning developers, who create online or digital course materials, like virtual learning environments. Working with users to find out what they need to learn or train in is a key part of the job. The required skills are working well with others and a good understanding of how people learn, as well as decent IT skills.

Related: How to improve your IT skills for work

3. Community education coordinator

Community education coordinators focus on helping people who might have missed out on school, finding opportunities for them to learn in their local community. Usually these professionals work in areas of the country where there are high levels of unemployment or poverty. They might organise courses and training, working alongside community groups, finding tutors and training volunteers. You’ll need patience, the ability to collaborate and stay calm in stressful situations.

Connected: How to deal with stress at work

4. Nursery worker

Careers in education also include roles working with very young children and babies. Nursery workers help little ones develop in a safe environment, including feeding babies and playing games with them to help their learning. Great organisation and creative thinking skills are important.

Learn more: How to become a nursery nurse

5. Counsellor

Counselling is about talking through a young person’s problems and feelings. Counsellors don’t tell people what to do, but mainly ask questions and listen to their patient’s responses. They then work with the young person to come up with an action plan to help them overcome it. Some counsellors work in schools, further education colleges, youth services and children’s centres. Compassion, resilience and problem-solving are just a few of the skills you’ll need.

Step-by-step guide: How to become a counsellor

6. Careers advisor

 

Careers advisors help people work out what careers suit them and how to get there. They usually work independently from schools and can assess people’s skills as well as give advice. Listening skills and adaptability are important here.

How to make the most of *your* careers advisor

7. Teaching lab technician

Education jobs also include teaching lab technicians, who help science teachers and lecturers and their students to use lab equipment safely and efficiently. They check that kit is working properly and that the right resources are available. Plannning and time management skills are required, and you’ll need solid scientific knowledge and IT skills.

Related: How to become a science lab technician

8. Education welfare officer

Education welfare officers work for local authorities or a specific group of schools. It’s their job to give info and guidance to students that helps them reach their full potential. They help schools with things like increasing pupil attendance, proving emotional support, and finding solutions to problems, and plan for the future.

Get the skill: How to improve your problem-solving skills

9. Playworker

Jobs in education sector include playworkers, who help children and young people make their own spaces and opportunities for play. Everyday tasks might include setting up play areas and materials, talking to children about their worries, and building relationships with parents. You’ll need patience, teamworking skills, sensitivity, flexibility and great people skills.

Discover more: is a childcare apprenticeship right for you?

Main image, e-learning developer, and career advisor via Pexels,