Teachers often work hard but don’t always make enough money. Many look for ways to earn more cash on the side.
Side hustles can help teachers boost their income and feel more secure about money.
Teachers can make an extra $1000 or more per week with side jobs that fit their skills. Tutoring online, selling lesson plans, and coaching students are popular options. These jobs let teachers use what they know to help others while earning more.
There are many side hustle ideas for teachers. Some teach English online to kids in other countries. Others make and sell items on craft websites. A few drive for ride-share apps or walk dogs.
The best choice depends on a teacher’s interests and free time.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers can earn extra money with side jobs that use their skills and knowledge
- Online tutoring and selling educational materials are popular side hustles for educators
- Side jobs like crafting, driving, or pet sitting can also help teachers boost their income
Understanding Side Hustles
Side hustles are a great way for teachers to earn extra money. These jobs can fit around a teaching schedule and use existing skills.
Let’s look at the good and tough parts of side jobs for teachers.
Benefits of Side Hustles
Side hustles offer teachers many perks. Extra cash is often the main draw. A side job can bring in $1000+ a week for some teachers. This money can help pay bills or save for big goals.
Side jobs also let teachers use their skills in new ways. For example, a math teacher might tutor or create online courses. This can be fun and rewarding.
Flexibility is another plus. Many side hustles can be done from home or on weekends. This fits well with a teacher’s schedule.
Challenges of Balancing Teaching and Side Jobs
While side hustles have benefits, they can be tricky to manage. Time is often the biggest issue. Teachers already work long hours. Adding a side job can lead to stress or burnout.
Quality of work may suffer if a teacher is too tired. Both teaching and the side job could be affected.
Family time and self-care might get pushed aside. It’s important for teachers to find a good balance.
Money issues can pop up too. Taxes on extra income need careful planning. Some side jobs have startup costs to consider.
Online Tutoring and Teaching
Teachers can boost their income through online platforms. These digital spaces let educators share their skills with students worldwide. They can also create and sell learning materials to fellow teachers.
Platforms for Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is a great way for teachers to earn extra money. Wyzant is a popular platform that connects tutors with students. It’s easy to set up a profile and start teaching.
Outschool is another option. It lets teachers create fun, unique classes for kids. Topics can range from math to creative writing.
VIPKid focuses on teaching English to students in China. Teachers can work from home and set their own hours.
Tutors can earn $17 to $40 per hour, depending on their skills and the subject. This makes it a flexible and rewarding side job for educators.
Creating and Selling Educational Materials
Teachers can make money by creating and selling lesson plans, worksheets, and other resources. Teachers Pay Teachers is a popular marketplace for these materials.
Educators can sell items like:
- Lesson plans
- Worksheets
- Posters
- Digital activities
Some teachers earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month this way. It’s a great way to share expertise and help other educators.
Creating online courses is another option. Platforms like Udemy let teachers make and sell courses on any topic. This can be a good way to reach adult learners and share specialized knowledge.
Freelance Opportunities
Teachers can use their skills to make extra money through freelance work. These jobs offer flexibility and the chance to work from home.
Freelance Writing and Proofreading
Teachers often have strong writing and editing skills. They can use these talents to become freelance writers. Many companies need content for blogs, websites, and social media. Teachers can write about education topics or branch out into other areas.
Proofreading is another great option. Teachers can check articles, books, or websites for errors. This work fits well with a teacher’s eye for detail.
To get started, teachers can join sites like Fiverr or Upwork. These platforms connect freelancers with clients. Building a portfolio is key to getting more jobs.
Content creation is also popular. Teachers can make educational videos or write e-books. This lets them share their knowledge in new ways.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants help businesses with tasks like:
- Scheduling
- Email management
- Social media posts
- Data entry
Teachers are often good at organizing and multitasking. These skills make them great virtual assistants.
Many companies hire virtual assistants as side hustles. Teachers can work a few hours a week or more. The job is flexible and can be done from home.
To start, teachers can look for jobs on freelance websites. They can also reach out to small businesses in their area. Building a network is important for finding clients.
Virtual assistant work can pay well. Rates often range from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on skills and experience.
Selling and Crafting Online
Teachers can boost their income by selling items and crafts online. This creative side hustle lets educators use their skills to make and sell unique products.
Utilizing E-commerce Platforms
Etsy is a popular site for teachers to sell handmade items. It’s great for crafts, printables, and educational materials. Teachers can create lesson plans, worksheets, and classroom decor to sell.
TeachersPayTeachers is another good option. It’s made just for educators to share and sell their teaching resources. This platform lets teachers earn money from their lesson plans and activities.
Facebook Marketplace is also useful. It’s free to list items and reaches a local audience. Teachers can sell both handmade and used items here.
Selling Handmade Crafts
Many teachers enjoy making crafts as a hobby. This skill can turn into a profitable side job. Popular items include:
- Classroom decorations
- Personalized teacher gifts
- Educational toys and games
- Custom stamps and stickers
Teachers can also create and sell online courses about their craft. This lets them share their knowledge and earn extra money.
Printables are another hot item. These digital downloads are easy to make and sell. Examples include:
- Planners and calendars
- Coloring pages
- Wall art
- Flashcards and study guides
By selling crafts and educational items online, teachers can earn $100 to $2000+ per month extra.
Leveraging Creative Skills
Teachers can turn their creative talents into profitable side jobs. These options allow educators to express themselves while earning extra income.
Photography and Videography
Many teachers have a knack for capturing special moments. This skill can be put to use as a photographer or videographer. They can offer services for school events, weddings, or family portraits.
Teachers can start small by taking photos for friends and family. As their skills grow, they can market their services more widely. Social media is a great way to showcase their work and find new clients.
Some may choose to specialize in a specific area. School sports photography or graduation videos are natural fits for educators. These niches can lead to steady work throughout the school year.
Starting a Blog or YouTube Channel
Teachers have valuable knowledge to share. Starting a blog or YouTube channel lets them reach a wider audience. They can create content about teaching tips, lesson plans, or their subject area.
A blog or YouTube channel can be monetized through ads, sponsorships, or selling digital products. Teachers might create and sell worksheets, lesson plans, or online courses.
Consistency is key when starting out. Regular posts help build an audience over time. Teachers can use their summer break to create a backlog of content.
Networking with other teacher-creators can boost visibility. Collaborations and guest posts can help grow their platform faster.
Coaching and Consultancy
Teachers have valuable skills that can be applied outside the classroom. Many educators find success offering coaching and consulting services as a side hustle. These roles let teachers share their expertise while earning extra income.
Educational Consulting
Teachers can offer consulting services to educational companies, especially in the ed-tech sector. Their classroom experience provides unique insights into what works for students and teachers. Consultants may help develop curricula, design educational products, or improve teaching methods.
Educational consultants often work with:
- Textbook publishers
- Educational software companies
- School districts
- Private schools
Teachers can start by networking with local education businesses. They might also create profiles on freelance platforms to find consulting gigs. Rates vary but can be quite lucrative for experienced educators.
Personal Coaching
Many teachers excel at personal coaching, using their skills to guide others. This can include academic coaching, career coaching, or life coaching. Teachers often have strong communication and motivational skills that translate well to coaching roles.
Popular coaching niches for teachers include:
- Study skills coaching
- College admissions coaching
- Parent coaching
- Teacher mentoring
Coaches can work one-on-one or in small groups. Many offer services online, allowing for flexible scheduling. Teachers might start by coaching a few clients in their free time and grow from there.
Seasonal Opportunities
Teachers can boost their income during school breaks. These jobs let them use their skills in new ways while earning extra money.
Summer School Teaching
Many school districts offer summer school programs. Teachers can work with students who need extra help or want to get ahead. The hours are often shorter than regular school days. This leaves time for other activities or a second job.
Pay rates vary by district. Some offer bonuses for teaching summer school. It’s a great way to earn money and help students at the same time.
Teachers might teach subjects they don’t usually cover. This can be fun and challenging. It’s also a chance to work with different age groups.
Camp Counseling and Leadership
Summer camps need staff who are good with kids. Teachers fit this role perfectly. They can be counselors or take on leadership positions.
Camp jobs often include meals and housing. This saves money during the summer. Teachers can enjoy the outdoors and lead fun activities.
Some camps focus on academics or specific skills. Teachers can use their expertise to run special programs. They might teach art, science, or sports.
Working at a camp is a nice break from the classroom. It’s a chance to be active and creative in new ways.
Pet and House Sitting Services
Teachers can earn extra money by caring for pets and homes. These flexible jobs fit well with school schedules and offer a chance to help others in the community.
Professional Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a fun way for teachers to make money on the side. Many pet owners need help when they travel or work long hours. Teachers can sign up on sites like Wag or Rover to find pet sitting jobs.
Tasks may include:
- Feeding and walking dogs
- Cleaning litter boxes
- Giving medications
- Playing with pets
Pet sitters often charge $20-$50 per day. Overnight stays can pay even more. Teachers are seen as responsible, which helps them get more clients.
Dog walking is another option. Short walks between classes or longer ones after school can add up to good money. Walkers typically earn $10-$30 per walk.
House Sitting Opportunities
House sitting lets teachers earn money while staying in someone else’s home. This job works great during summer breaks or holidays. House sitters keep homes safe and cared for while owners are away.
Common duties:
- Watering plants
- Bringing in mail
- Light cleaning
- Home security
Pay ranges from $25-$50 per night. Longer stays may offer weekly or monthly rates. Teachers can find jobs on Care.com or through local networks.
House sitting pairs well with pet sitting. Many homeowners need both services, giving teachers a chance to earn more. It’s a good fit for those who like to travel or want a change of scenery.
Transportation and Delivery
Teachers can earn extra money by using their cars for ride-sharing and delivery services. These side hustles offer flexible schedules that fit well around teaching duties. They also allow teachers to interact with people in their community.
Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Lyft are popular ride-sharing apps that teachers can use to make money. Drivers set their own hours, making it easy to work after school or on weekends. Pay varies based on location, time of day, and distance traveled.
Some benefits of ride-sharing include:
• Meeting new people
• Exploring your city
• Potential for tips
To get started, teachers need a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and a vehicle that meets company requirements. Both Uber and Lyft have sign-up processes on their websites. They also offer driver support and safety features.
Food and Package Delivery
Food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats let teachers earn money by delivering meals. Package delivery services such as Instacart and Shipt focus on groceries and household items. These jobs offer similar flexibility to ride-sharing.
Delivery driving perks include:
• Less passenger interaction
• Exercise from walking and carrying items
• Learning about local restaurants and stores
Teachers can often choose to deliver by car, bike, or even on foot in some areas. Pay includes a base rate plus tips. Some services offer bonuses during busy times. Signing up is usually quick and easy through each company’s app or website.
Renting and Hosting
Teachers can boost their income by renting out property or hosting experiences. These side hustles offer flexibility and can be quite lucrative.
Renting Out Property
Teachers can make extra money by renting out spare rooms or entire properties. Airbnb is a popular platform for this, with 10% of their hosts being teachers in 2019. They earned a total of $230 million that year.
Airbnb even partnered with the National Education Association to support teachers’ hosting efforts. This shows how viable this option is for educators.
Teachers can rent out:
- Spare rooms
- Entire apartments
- Vacation homes
- Parking spaces
Unused spaces like garages or attics can also be rented for storage through platforms like Neighbor.
Hosting Experiences
Teachers can share their skills and knowledge by hosting unique experiences. This side hustle lets them use their expertise in fun, engaging ways.
Ideas for experiences include:
- Local history tours
- Cooking classes
- Art workshops
- Nature walks
- Language immersion sessions
Teachers can list these experiences on platforms like Airbnb or local tourism websites. They set their own schedules, making it easy to fit around teaching duties.
Hosting experiences allows teachers to connect with people from around the world. It’s a great way to share passions and earn extra income at the same time.
Market Research and Surveys
Teachers can earn extra cash by sharing their opinions. Two popular options are focus groups and online surveys. These side hustles are flexible and can fit into a busy teaching schedule.
Participating in Focus Groups
Focus groups offer a chance for teachers to make good money in a short time. Companies want to hear what teachers think about products and services. Organizations like Research All Of Us pay up to $300 for taking part in their studies.
Focus groups can be in-person or online. They usually last 1-2 hours. Teachers might test new products or give feedback on ads. The pay is often better than other side jobs.
To find focus groups:
• Sign up with market research companies
• Check local community boards
• Look for online focus group websites
Completing Online Surveys
Online surveys are an easy way for teachers to earn some extra cash. They can do surveys anytime, anywhere. It’s perfect for filling small pockets of free time.
Most survey sites are free to join. Popular ones include:
• Swagbucks
• Survey Junkie
• Vindale Research
Pay rates vary. Some surveys might only pay $1-$5 per hour. But the work is simple and flexible. Teachers can do surveys while watching TV or during lunch breaks.
Tips for success:
• Sign up for multiple survey sites
• Complete profile surveys for better matches
• Cash out rewards regularly
Financial and Administrative Services
Teachers can use their organizational skills to offer valuable financial and administrative services. These side jobs let educators earn extra money while helping others manage their finances and paperwork.
Bookkeeping Services
Many small businesses need help keeping their finances in order. Teachers can offer bookkeeping services as a side hustle. They can track income and expenses, prepare financial reports, and manage payroll.
To get started, teachers should brush up on accounting basics and learn popular bookkeeping software. QuickBooks and FreshBooks are good options to master.
Pricing for bookkeeping services varies. New bookkeepers might charge $25-50 per hour. Experienced ones can earn $50-100+ hourly. Teachers can start with a few clients and grow their business over time.
Bookkeeping is flexible work that fits well around teaching schedules. Most tasks can be done remotely in the evenings or on weekends.
Tax Preparation Assistance
Tax season brings opportunities for teachers to earn extra cash. Many people need help filing their taxes each year. Teachers can offer tax preparation services as a side job.
To provide tax help, educators should take a tax preparation course. The IRS offers free basic training. Commercial courses are also available for more in-depth knowledge.
Teachers can start by helping friends and family with simple returns. As they gain experience, they can take on more complex cases. Fees for tax prep typically range from $100-300 per return.
This side hustle is seasonal, with most work happening from January to April. But it can provide a nice income boost during those months. Teachers can also offer tax planning services year-round to expand their business.
Digital Products and Self-Publishing
Teachers can use their expertise to create and sell digital products. This lets them reach a wider audience and earn extra income. Two popular options are online courses and ebooks.
Creating Online Courses
Online courses are a great way for teachers to share their knowledge. They can create classes on platforms like Skillshare. These courses can cover any subject they’re passionate about.
Teachers can film video lessons at home. They might teach math, science, or even hobbies. The key is to make lessons fun and easy to follow.
Some teachers earn good money from online classes. They can set their own prices and work at their own pace. It’s a flexible way to use teaching skills outside the classroom.
Ebook Writing and Publishing
Writing ebooks is another option for teachers. They can share their lessons, tips, and ideas with a big audience.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing makes it easy to self-publish.
Teachers can write about their subject area. Or they might create workbooks and study guides. Some write children’s books or novels too.
Self-publishing gives teachers control over their work. They choose the topic, design the cover, and set the price. It’s a chance to be creative and maybe earn passive income.