Teacher at desk with laptop and books

Top 10 Side Jobs Teachers Can Do to Boost Their Income

Teaching is a rewarding career, but it doesn't always pay the bills. Many teachers look for side jobs to boost their income. Whether you want to work during the summer or in your free time, there are plenty of opportunities available. Here are the top 10 side jobs for teachers that can help you earn extra money.

Side Hustles for Teachers - Key Takeaways

  • Tutoring is a flexible and in-demand job that allows teachers to use their skills to help students outside of regular school hours.
  • Summer school teaching lets educators continue working in their field and often in the same school, making it a seamless transition.
  • Selling teaching resources online can turn years of lesson plans and materials into a steady income stream.
  • Freelance writing offers teachers a chance to share their expertise and earn money by writing articles, blogs, or even books.
  • Voiceover work can be a fun and lucrative option for teachers with a knack for speaking and storytelling.

1. Tutor

Teacher tutoring a student at a desk

Tutoring is a natural fit for teachers looking to earn extra income. Many teachers find tutoring to be a rewarding way to help students while making money. You can choose to tutor in person or online, depending on your preference and availability.

So, what are the benefits of Tutoring?

  • Flexible hours that fit around your teaching schedule
  • Opportunity to help students one-on-one
  • Potential to earn between $30 to $60 per hour, depending on the subject and location

How to Get Started

  1. Decide whether you want to tutor in person or online.
  2. Choose the subjects you are most comfortable teaching.
  3. Set your rates based on your experience and the market demand.
  4. Sign up on tutoring platforms like Wyzant or BookNook to find students.
Tutoring can be a fulfilling way to use your teaching skills to make extra money. With flexible hours and the ability to set your own rates, it's a great option for teachers.

Platforms to Consider

  • Wyzant: Connects tutors with students and allows you to set your own rates.
  • BookNook: Focuses on math and reading tutoring for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade, with pay ranging from $15 to $22 an hour.

Tutoring is a versatile side job that can fit into any teacher's schedule, making it an excellent choice for boosting your income.

2. Summer School Teacher

Teacher engaging with summer school students

Becoming a summer school teacher is a great way for educators to boost their income during the summer months. Many schools offer summer programs to help students catch up or get ahead, and they need qualified teachers to run these classes.

Benefits of Being a Summer School Teacher

  • Extra Income: Teaching summer school can significantly increase your earnings.
  • Flexible Schedule: Summer school often has shorter hours, giving you more free time.
  • Professional Development: It provides an opportunity to try new teaching methods and work with different students.

How to Get Started

  1. Check with Your School: Many schools prefer to hire their own teachers for summer programs.
  2. Look for Openings: If your school doesn't offer summer classes, check nearby schools or online job boards.
  3. Prepare Your Application: Highlight your teaching experience and any special skills you have.
Teaching summer school is not just about earning extra money; it's also a chance to make a difference in students' lives during a crucial time.

Tips for Success

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of your schedule and lesson plans to manage your time effectively.
  • Engage Students: Use interactive activities to keep students interested and motivated.
  • Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from students to improve your teaching methods.

3. Sell Teaching Resources

Teacher with laptop and teaching materials

Teachers can make extra money by selling the materials they create for their classrooms. This can be a great way to earn from your hard work. There are many online platforms where you can sell your educational materials, such as lesson plans, worksheets, and curricula.

Top Platforms to Sell Teaching Resources

  • Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT): This is one of the most popular platforms for selling educational materials. Many teachers have found success here.
  • Etsy: Known for handmade and unique items, Etsy is also a good place to sell educational printables.
  • Amazon Ignite: This platform allows you to sell digital educational resources to a wide audience.

Tips for Success

  1. Create High-Quality Materials: Make sure your resources are well-designed and useful for other teachers.
  2. Set Competitive Prices: Research what other sellers are charging and price your items competitively.
  3. Promote Your Products: Use social media and other channels to let people know about your resources.
Selling worksheets online can be a rewarding venture. Here are some top platforms where you can sell your educational materials: Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).

By following these tips and choosing the right platform, you can turn your classroom materials into a steady stream of extra income.

4. Teach Continuing Education Courses

Teacher engaging with adult students in a classroom.

Teaching continuing education courses is a great way for teachers to work with more advanced material. These courses are usually offered by colleges or universities and give adults the chance to learn new skills or gain new knowledge. This can help them switch to a new career.

5. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a fantastic way for teachers to earn extra income. The good news is there are plenty of copywriting jobs for teachers. You can write articles, blog posts, or even web copy. The best part is that you only need an internet connection to get started.

Benefits of Freelance Writing

  • Flexible hours: You can work whenever you have free time.
  • Work from anywhere: All you need is a computer and internet connection.
  • Variety of projects: From blog posts to social media content, the options are endless.

How to Get Started

  1. Create a portfolio: Showcase your writing skills with a few sample pieces.
  2. Join freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients.
  3. Network: Connect with other writers and potential clients on social media.
Freelance writing offers a flexible and rewarding way to boost your income while doing something you love.

6. Online Surveys

Participating in online surveys is a simple way to earn extra money by sharing your opinions on various topics. This won't make you rich, but it's an easy and flexible option for teachers looking to boost their income.

Popular Online Survey Sites

Here are some of the most popular and credible online survey sites:

  • Swagbucks – Earn up to $35 per survey and get a $10 bonus just for signing up!
  • Survey Junkie – Take three surveys a day and earn up to $100 a month.
  • KashKick – Get paid to answer surveys, test games, and try new products.
  • Product Report Card – Get notified about higher-paying product tests, clinical trials, and online focus groups.
  • American Consumer Opinion – Join millions of free members and earn up to $50 per survey.
  • InboxDollars – Get a $5 bonus just for signing up!

Earnings

The average pay for online surveys ranges from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey. While this may not seem like much, it can add up over time. The convenience of being able to do these surveys anytime and anywhere makes it a viable option for busy teachers.

Taking online surveys is an incredibly easy way to make extra money. You can do it from the comfort of your home, during breaks, or even while watching TV.

7. Babysitting

 

 

Babysitting is a great way for teachers to earn extra money, especially during school breaks or over the summer. Teachers already have experience with kids, which makes them ideal candidates for this job. You can create a free profile on sites like Sittercity.com and Care.com to connect with families looking for caregivers. The work hours are flexible, and the nationwide average rates are around $15-20 an hour.

Benefits of Babysitting for Teachers

  • Flexible hours that can fit around your teaching schedule
  • Opportunity to use your existing skills with children
  • Potential to earn extra income during school breaks

How to Get Started

  1. Create a profile on babysitting platforms like Sittercity.com or Care.com.
  2. Highlight your teaching experience and any relevant certifications.
  3. Set your availability and hourly rate.
  4. Start applying for jobs and connecting with families.
Babysitting is not only a way to earn extra income but also a chance to make a positive impact on children's lives outside the classroom.

8. House Sitting

House sitting is a simple and practical side hustle for teachers. Your role as an educator often positions you as a trusted figure, making it easier to find house-sitting gigs. Platforms like Care.com are ideal for finding these opportunities.

How to Get Started

  1. Sign Up on Platforms: Websites like Care.com and HouseSitter.com are great places to start. Create a profile and list your availability.
  2. Advertise Locally: Put up flyers at community centers, libraries, and grocery stores to let people know you're available for house sitting.
  3. Network: Let friends, family, and colleagues know you're interested in house sitting. Word of mouth can be very effective.

Responsibilities

  • Security: Ensure the house is safe and secure while the owners are away.
  • Maintenance: Take care of basic maintenance tasks like watering plants and collecting mail.
  • Pet Care: If the homeowners have pets, you may need to feed and walk them.

Earnings

The going rate for house sitting is about $16 an hour. This can vary based on location and responsibilities.

House sitting is an incredible way to see the world. Here are some tips on how to get a job as a house sitter plus an amazing deal.

9. Teach Fitness Classes

Are you passionate about fitness? Consider teaching fitness classes as a side job. Getting certified in areas like yoga, Pilates, or aerobics can be an upfront investment, but it pays off. You can teach classes in the evenings or early mornings, fitting around your school schedule.

Benefits of Teaching Fitness Classes

  • Stay Fit: Maintain your own fitness while helping others achieve their goals.
  • Flexible Schedule: Classes can be scheduled around your teaching job.
  • Community Building: Connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive community.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Choose a Fitness Niche: Decide whether you want to teach yoga, Pilates, aerobics, or another type of class.
  2. Get Certified: Invest in a certification program to become a qualified instructor.
  3. Find a Venue: Look for local gyms, community centers, or even online platforms to host your classes.
  4. Promote Your Classes: Use social media and word-of-mouth to attract students.
Teaching fitness classes not only provides financial benefits but also fosters skill expansion, flexibility, networking, and improved job satisfaction, enabling teachers to achieve financial freedom and enhance their careers.

10. Voiceover Work

Voiceover work is a fantastic side job for teachers. With a clear and articulate voice, teachers can excel in this field. Voiceover work involves recording audio for various media, such as commercials, audiobooks, and educational videos. This job can be done from the comfort of your home, making it a flexible option.

Getting Started

To begin, you'll need a good quality microphone and a quiet space to record. Many teachers find it helpful to take a short course on voiceover techniques. Websites like Voices.com and Voice123 offer platforms where you can find freelance voiceover jobs.

Tips for Success

  • Practice regularly to improve your voice clarity and expression.
  • Create a demo reel showcasing different styles and tones.
  • Join online communities and forums to network with other voiceover artists.
Voiceover work can be a rewarding way to use your teaching skills in a new and exciting way. Plus, it can be quite lucrative!

Platforms to Explore

Here are some popular platforms to find voiceover gigs:

Platform Description
Voices.com A large marketplace for voiceover talent.
Voice123 Connects voice actors with clients worldwide.
Bunny Studio Offers various creative services, including VO.
Snap Recordings Specializes in professional phone greetings.

By exploring these platforms, you can find numerous opportunities to start your voiceover career.

Conclusion

 

 

In conclusion, teachers have a wide array of side job options to boost their income. From tutoring and teaching summer school to selling lesson plans and coaching sports, the opportunities are plentiful. These side jobs not only provide extra cash but also allow teachers to explore new interests and skills. Whether you prefer working online or in person, there's something out there that can fit your schedule and expertise. So, if you're a teacher looking to make some extra money, consider one of these side jobs. They can help you achieve financial stability while doing something you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good side jobs for teachers?

Some great side jobs for teachers include tutoring, summer school teaching, selling teaching resources, and freelance writing.

Can teachers tutor outside of school hours?

Yes, teachers can tutor outside of school hours. They can set their own schedules and meet with students either online or in person.

How can teachers sell their teaching resources?

Teachers can sell their teaching resources on various online platforms. Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers allow educators to sell lesson plans, curricula, and other materials.

Is freelance writing a good side job for teachers?

Yes, freelance writing can be a great side job for teachers. They can write articles, blog posts, or even educational content for different publications.

What are the benefits of teaching summer school?

Teaching summer school allows teachers to continue working within their school district and maintain relationships with their students. It also provides additional income during the summer break.

Can teachers participate in online surveys to earn extra money?

Yes, teachers can participate in online surveys to earn extra money. Many survey websites offer compensation for completing surveys.

Is babysitting a viable side job for teachers?

Yes, babysitting can be a viable side job for teachers. Their experience with children makes them ideal candidates for babysitting or part-time nanny positions.

How can teachers get started with voiceover work?

Teachers can start with voiceover work by creating a demo reel and joining platforms like Voices.com or ACX.com. With the right equipment, they can record from home.

Back to blog