8 Best Remote Jobs for Retired Teachers
- Rebekah Pierce
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
This article is brought to you by the Special Educator's 10-Minute Transition Toolkit.
Find your niche, run your first session, set your price, and grab a ready-to-use coaching contract. Designed for special educators exploring executive function coaching.
Retirement is no longer synonymous with slowing down, sipping tea, and basking in the sunny glow of a quiet life.
For many retired teachers, retirement is the prime time to reinvent yourself, exploring new opportunities, and staying engaged.
If you’re a retired educator looking to continue making an impact, but with the freedom to work from home or a cozy café of your choosing, remote jobs might just be your next chapter.
Why are teachers such a great fit for these jobs?
Retired teachers possess a treasure trove of skills gained from years of dedication in shaping young minds.
Those communication, organization, and problem-solving superpowers you fine-tuned in the classroom are exactly what make you a perfect fit for several remote roles.
Whether it’s helping students from afar, writing courses, or guiding organizations with your educational insights, the opportunities out there are varied and uniquely fulfilling.
These teaching-adjacent jobs not only offer flexibility but provide an avenue to maintain a sense of purpose and stay productive post-retirement.
Curious about where your skills might lead?
Below are some 8 of the best remote jobs for former educators that can help you channel your expertise while also catering to your new lifestyle.
Why Retired Teachers Are Perfect for Remote Jobs
Teachers, by default, wear multiple professional hats.
You're an educator, but also a:
counselor
project manager
life coach
timekeeper
conflict resolver
These roles fine-tune your abilities in things like:
patience
adaptability
leadership
multitasking
When it comes to remote jobs, these skills are indispensable.
Remote work offers retired teachers unparalleled flexibility.
You’re free to set your schedule, define your hours, and work on projects that align with your interests.
Plus, there’s no need to commute or shuffle papers in fluorescent-lit offices.
Most importantly, these roles allow you to continue contributing meaningfully to the education world but without the stress of grading papers over dinner.
Demand for experienced experts, especially those with educational backgrounds, continues to rise in the remote work marketplace.
And with remote work on the rise, increasing from 20% of the global workforce in 2020 to 28% in 2023, there’s no better time to take your workflows online.
Now, let's talk about some specific remote job options tailor-made for retired educators.
8 Best Remote Jobs For Retired Teachers
1. Online Tutor
Sharing your expertise as an online tutor is an easy match for any retired teacher.
All those years of walking students through algebra proofs or explaining Shakespeare’s complexities can continue to benefit learners of all ages.
Online tutoring allows you to work across subjects like math, science, english, or even test preparation for SATs and ACTs.
There are countless virtual platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant that make it straightforward to connect with students who need extra guidance.
Best of all, as a tutor, you control your calendar.
Want to work two hours a day? Go for it.
Feeling motivated to work longer hours? That’s an option, too.
These platforms also eliminate the exhausting administrative burdens teachers often deal with.
You’ll be free to focus entirely on helping learners achieve their goals.
Plus, the one-to-one interaction with students brings its own rewards.
Every lightbulb moment, however small, is a reminder of why you stepped into teaching in the first place.
The added bonus?
There's no classroom chaos to manage. Just you, the student, and some good old academic problem-solving.
Needless to say, remote teaching jobs online are some of the best, with some tutors earning $50 per hour (or even more, if you’re tutoring in a challenging subject, like physics, for example).
2. Curriculum Developer
If being on the frontlines of the classroom has left you with a mental catalog of what works and what doesn’t in lesson plans, then curriculum development could be your next remote role.
Many publishers, schools, and e-learning companies hire experts to develop:
digital lesson plans
assessment questions
training guides
These roles allow you to reshape educational content, drawing from your experience to ensure students genuinely benefit from well-designed resources.
For example, I've created a resource classroom template to help special educators plan their resource classes.
Curriculum development is collaborative yet flexible.
You might work alongside graphic designers to create visually appealing content, or you could contribute to new instructional strategies for emerging technologies.
And since this work is project-focused, you can take on just those contracts that happen to match your availability.
It’s rewarding to know that your work could benefit thousands of teachers and students globally, even if you’re not directly leading the lesson.
3. Education Consultant
Fancy yourself as an advisor?
Try being an education consultant.
Schools and institutions often seek professionals who can offer them strategic advice on:
curriculum changes
teacher training
education policy
With your classroom-tested expertise, you’ll be able to guide others toward better teaching practices or smarter decision-making.
Consulting roles typically involve providing actionable plans based on research and your wealth of experience.
Whether you’re discussing the benefits of switching to a modern grading system or helping a school introduce tech-assisted teaching, your insights could become the foundation for meaningful changes.
Consultations are largely remote, though occasional meetings with stakeholders might pop up.
Think of this as being a mentor on a strategic level.
The impact is large-scale, with opportunities to improve learning environments across districts or organizations.
4. Virtual ESL Teacher
Teaching English as a Second Language has become a significant focus in the global education market.
Many countries rely on online instruction to bolster students’ language fluency, making virtual ESL teaching a thriving opportunity for retired teachers.
You’ll work with students of all ages, helping them:
fine-tune pronunciation
boost vocabulary
develop fluency
Programs like VIPKid or TeachAway connect you to international students eager to learn from native English speakers.
This work allows for meaningful cultural exchanges while honing specific teaching strategies that adapt to non-native speakers.
Virtual ESL roles are highly flexible and in-demand, with the number of English language learners worldwide up to 1.55 billion.
Even better, most platforms offer pre-designed lesson plans, so you focus solely on teaching.
Scheduling is entirely up to you.
Prefer early morning hours to match time zones abroad? That’s doable.
Want fewer evening commitments? You can make that happen too.
5. Instructional Designer
If you enjoyed crafting engaging lesson plans and adapting content in the classroom, consider becoming an instructional designer.
This role involves designing online courses and training programs for companies, universities, or non-profits.
Instructional designers bridge the gap between technical know-how and engaging education.
You’ll work with subject matter experts to create multimedia-rich courses that deliver clear outcomes.
The role requires an understanding of how people learn, which retired teachers already have in spades.
6. Content Writer for Educational Resources
If you’ve spent years adapting lesson plans, breaking down complex concepts, and creating handouts, congratulations! You’ve been training for this role without even realizing it.
Educational content writing is a fantastic way to leverage your teaching experience, staying connected to the world of lifelong learning without leaving your home office.
Who’s better suited to write workbooks, study guides, or even full-fledged textbooks than someone who’s already mastered the art of clear and engaging communication?
Educational publishers and online platforms are constantly on the lookout for skilled writers who can create materials tailored to a wide range of learning needs.
From K-12 resources to adult education and everything in between, the demand is vast.
Not a professional writer?
Not a problem.
Most companies value subject matter expertise over wordsmithing.
Plus, you’ll often work with editors who can polish your drafts.
The real work is accurately presenting information in a way that students will understand and teachers will want to use.
And if you love the flexibility of working when inspiration strikes, this gig is perfect.
Assignments typically come with reasonable deadlines, giving you the freedom to plan your schedule however you’d like.
What’s the cherry on top?
This isn’t just a rewarding side hustle. It can also be quite lucrative.
Many companies pay per word or project, and experienced content writers often earn a steady income.
All you need is a computer, your teaching know-how, and maybe a cup of coffee to kickstart this rewarding remote opportunity.
7. Remote Academic Advisor
Trading a classroom for a Zoom call might sound like a big shift, but as a remote academic advisor, you’re still shaping lives by helping students achieve their goals.
This role is all about creating pathways for success, guiding students through:
career aspirations
course selections
academic challenges
...from the comfort of your home.
Whether it’s helping a high school student map out their college applications or assisting a working professional returning to school, your ability to listen, identify needs, and guide decisions is invaluable.
Remote academic advising revolves around personalized interaction, making it a brilliant fit for former teachers who’ve always appreciated one-on-one engagement with students.
This position also lets you utilize years of insight from the educational world.
Navigating curriculums? You’re a pro.
Understanding the challenges students face? Been there, solved that.
You’ll find yourself building genuine connections, often working with the same individuals over time and seeing the tangible results of your advice.
Best of all, this isn’t a role that forces you into rigid hours.
Whether you’re handling sessions through scheduled appointments or email check-ins, remote academic advising allows you to prioritize your time.
You get to shape futures without sacrificing your own freedom, and that’s a win-win.
8. Executive Function Coach
You might not have heard the term “executive function coach” before, but get ready to add it to your vocabulary, because this role is becoming increasingly important.
Executive function coaching focuses on helping students develop critical life skills like:
organization
time management
setting achievable goals
It’s not traditional teaching, but it’s no less rewarding.
Here’s how it works:
Rather than reviewing algebra formulas or revising essays, you’re working alongside students to empower them with strategies to stay on top of their tasks and responsibilities.
Need to help a preteen figure out how to track assignments? Done.
Want to assist a high schooler in managing their college application deadlines without losing their mind? You’re on it.
For retired teachers, this is a dream job.
You’ve already spent years mentoring, motivating, and managing classrooms, making you uniquely equipped to excel in this field.
Plus, executive function coaching offers high earning potential, allowing you to charge competitive hourly rates based on your experience.
The ability to work from home through video calls or phone sessions means no commute, no early alarms, and plenty of flexibility to enjoy your retirement.
Even better, that direct, personal engagement with students creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment unlike any other.
Curious how to get started?
It’s surprisingly simple.
A certification (check out our top-notch one the Executive Function Coaching Academy here!) and a knack for communication can launch you into a career that makes a real difference, not just for the students you coach but for the parents who see their child thrive.
Who says retirement has to slow you down?
Steps to Become an Executive Function Coach
If this sounds like the perfect remote job, here’s exactly how to get started.
Step 1: Research the Role
The first step? Research.
Get a solid understanding of what executive function coaching entails, how it differs from tutoring, and why it’s so impactful.
I have a full guide on executive function coaching here for you to check out:
There are plenty of free resources online or communities of coaches who can offer advice.
Invest some time into learning and see if it aligns with your passion.
Step 2: Get Certified
Next up, consider certifications or training programs.
While it’s often optional, being credentialed elevates your credibility and reassures clients that you’re committed to their success.
The Executive Function Coach Certification course from Executive Functions Coaching Academy will teach you how to set goals for students and track progress, along with practical tips on how to build, market, and launch your business.
An all-inclusive program, it can help you accelerate your success as a remote EF coach.
Step 3: Build Your Skills
Once you’ve built a foundational knowledge base, start honing your skills.
Coaching, after all, requires much more than just educational experience.
You'll need skills like:
active listening
empathy
motivational strategies
the ability to help others plan effectively
These can be learned, practiced, and mastered.
For my full list of articles on teaching executive function, check out my master article:
Step 4: Market Your Services
Now for the exciting part.
Market yourself, and plug yourself shamelessly!
Platforms like LinkedIn, social media, and freelance websites give you access to a wide pool of clients.
Building a professional website or leveraging your network of former colleagues can also help you gain traction.
Testimonials, clear service descriptions, and evidence of your expertise will also help you gain traction and convince potential clients to work with you.
Step 5: Launch Your Remote Career
Finally, launch your career.
Unlike many other remote opportunities, executive function coaching requires minimal initial investment (besides that for training costs, of course).
A basic home office setup and a reliable internet connection are enough to get started.
Whether you take on one client or ten, the barrier to entry is low, making this one of the most accessible pathways for retired teachers seeking meaningful work.
Tips for Success in Remote Work
Taking the leap into remote work for teachers comes with its own unique challenges, but a little preparation can make the transition a breeze. Time management is key.
Balancing work with your well-earned retirement means being intentional about your schedule.
Use calendar tools or time-blocking to manage your commitments effectively.
Create a dedicated, comfortable workspace, but at the same time, stay motivated.
Remote work thrives on self-discipline.
Reward yourself for achieving milestones and remember your “why”.
Finally, build strong relationships.
Whether it’s students, clients, or online communities, maintaining open communication helps foster trust and collaboration.
Your past teaching experience already makes you great at this, so lean into it and watch your remote work flourish.
The Bottom Line
Remote jobs offer retired teachers the perfect opportunity to stay connected to their love of education without sacrificing their newfound freedom.
Here's the best 8 remote jobs for retired teachers:
Online Tutor
Curriculum Develepor
Education Consultant
Virtual ESL Teacher
Instructional Designer
Content Writer
Academic Advisor
Executive Function Coach
Hope this helps! 🤙🏻
Want support in transitioning to a remote job as an EF coach?
Consider joining hundreds of educators and professionals who have completed our executive function coaching certification and are building profitable executive function coaching practices using their teaching experience.
You'll gain all the tools, templates, and techniques you'll need as a coach, plus you'll make new friends and have a community you can rely on to grow and learn. Learn more.
Here is one of our favorite reviews. You can read all recent reviews on this page.
If you're not sure now, that's ok. You can subscribe and get our weekly newsletter at no cost by entering your email below 👇
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.