As an educator, you’ve given your life to helping young minds grow and shape the future. But, the reality of teaching often means a tight budget and hard financial choices. What if I told you there’s a way to make more money and reach your goals?
Welcome to teacher side hustles, where the options are as varied as the teachers who try them. These side jobs can help you save for a dream trip, pay off debt, or just increase your spending power. They’re the key to financial freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Teacher side hustles offer a flexible way to supplement your income and achieve financial goals.
- The education industry presents a wealth of opportunities for teachers to earn extra money, from tutoring and online teaching to creating educational resources.
- Freelance and entrepreneurial ventures, such as writing, virtual assistance, and small business ownership, can be lucrative side hustles for educators.
- Balancing a side hustle with your teaching responsibilities requires careful planning and prioritization, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.
- Exploring and evaluating side hustle options, while considering legal and ethical implications, can help you find the perfect fit for your skills and lifestyle.
Introduction
Teachers often find that their salaries don’t match the rising cost of living. Recent data shows that teachers in the United States earn 5% less now than 10 years ago, when adjusted for inflation. Taking on a side hustle can help ease this financial burden by boosting our income.
About 17% of teachers, or one in six, now have a second job outside the classroom. These side jobs are crucial for saving money, planning a dream vacation, or covering family expenses. They can also help pay off debt.
Benefits of Having a Side Gig as a Teacher
Side hustles offer more than just financial gains for teachers. They provide the flexibility to work on your own time, making it easier to manage your teaching and side projects. Plus, they let you apply your teaching skills in new areas, like tutoring or creating educational resources.
Side hustles are a great way for teachers to increase their income and open up new professional doors. By looking into different options, teachers can improve their financial situation and broaden their career paths.
Education-Related Side Hustles
Teachers have a lot of knowledge and skills that can help them make extra money. They can try tutoring, online teaching, or sell educational resources.
Tutoring and Online Teaching
Tutoring is a great option for teachers. They can use their classroom knowledge to help students one-on-one or in small groups. Teachers can make $30 or more per hour this way.
They can find tutoring jobs through social media, tutoring websites, and apps like Steady.
Online learning has also opened up new chances for teachers to make money. They can teach classes or give one-on-one lessons on sites like Outschool and Skooli. Outschool teachers earn about $50 per hour, and Skooli tutors make $14 to $27 per hour.
Creating and Selling Educational Resources
Teachers can use their experience making lesson plans to create and sell resources. These can be lesson plans, worksheets, or other learning materials. They can sell these on Teachers Pay Teachers and make 55-80% of the sale.
Another way is to publish educational books on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This can help them reach more people and make money without much work.
| Platform | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Teachers Pay Teachers | 55-80% per sale |
| TES | 60-80% royalties |
| Amazon KDP | Passive income potential |
“Many teachers have second jobs to supplement their income, reflecting the financial challenges faced by educators.”
Flexible Side Jobs for Teachers
Teachers often look for side hustles that fit their busy schedules. They want jobs that let them work when they can. There are many part-time jobs and gigs that offer this flexibility, especially during the school year or summer.
Driving for Uber or Lyft is a popular choice. Teachers can make money on their own time. Food delivery jobs with DoorDash and Uber Eats are also great for extra cash, especially when they’re busy.
For those who like shopping, apps like Shipt and Instacart let them earn by delivering groceries. This is a flexible way to make money.
Teachers can also offer services like yard work, house cleaning, or handyman tasks. Apps like Lawn Guru and Craigslist help them find clients easily.
Teachers with special skills or interests can try tutoring, teaching online, or selling educational resources. Sites like PrepNow, Varsity Tutors, and Teachers Pay Teachers make it easy to share knowledge and earn money.
The goal is to find a side job that fits your interests, skills, and schedule. By looking into these options, teachers can earn more and enjoy the perks of a part-time job or flexible side hustle.
Freelancing Opportunities
Teachers can make more money by freelancing. They use their writing skills and experience to find jobs in writing, editing, and virtual assistance.
Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing are great for teachers. They use their language skills and knowledge to work as writers, proofreaders, and copyeditors. Sites like Problogger and Blogging Pro offer many writing jobs. Teachers can also reach out to websites, magazines, and blogs directly.
Freelance writers earn $30 to $40 an hour. Editors make $25 to $35 an hour. Proofreaders earn about $53,733 a year. With the right skills and a good portfolio, teachers can earn extra money.
Virtual Assistant Work
Virtual assistant work is another good side hustle for teachers. They use their organizational skills to help businesses with tasks like social media, bookkeeping, and content creation. Sites like Flexjobs, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour make it easy to find virtual assistant jobs.
The need for virtual assistants is growing. The International Virtual Assistants Association offers resources and networking for those interested. Teachers can use their skills to find virtual assistant jobs and earn more.
Creative Side Hustles
Teachers often have many creative talents that can make great side hustles. Starting an Etsy shop and creating online courses are two great options to consider.
Etsy Shop and Crafting
If you’re good at crafting or art, you can open an Etsy shop. Sell your unique items, like handmade jewelry or custom stationery. This way, you can make extra money and share your creativity with others.
Online Course Creation
You can also make and sell online courses using your teaching skills. These courses can be about your subject or something you love. Sites like Udemy and Teachable help you easily create and sell courses to people all over the world.
“I’ve been able to reduce my teaching hours to just 9 per week during the summer, while still earning a significant income from my online courses. It’s a game-changer in terms of work-life balance and financial stability.”
– Tara Laczynski, Outschool Instructor and Side Hustle Entrepreneur
Using your creative skills and teaching abilities, you can start side hustles that fit with your teaching job. Whether it’s selling crafts or making online courses, these activities can increase your income and bring more joy to your life.
teacher side hustles
As educators, we know how crucial it is to earn extra money. The traditional teaching job is rewarding, but it doesn’t always pay enough. Luckily, there are many ways for teachers to make extra cash beyond the usual jobs.
Digital content creation is a great option for teachers. Becky Powell, a smart teacher, has made a lot of money selling her digital worksheets on Teachers Pay Teachers. Last year, she earned over $125,500 from her store, Sight Word Activities. It has 427 items, from free downloads to $30 bundles.
Teachers can also try flexible jobs like tutoring, virtual assisting, or freelance writing and editing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says high school teachers made about $62,000 on average in 2020. This shows many teachers need extra income.
Seasonal jobs, like summer school or camp counseling, can also increase a teacher’s income. For creative teachers, starting an Etsy shop, teaching fitness, or offering music lessons can be fun and profitable.
Finding the right teacher side hustle means matching it with your interests and lifestyle. By picking wisely and staying passionate, you can achieve financial and personal growth.
Starting a side hustle as a teacher might not be easy, but it can be rewarding. With hard work and creativity, you can find great ways to make extra money as a teacher. Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and find opportunities that fit your skills and dreams.
Seasonal Side Jobs
When teachers get a break in the summer, many look for side jobs to make extra money. Two top choices are teaching summer school and being a camp counselor.
Teaching Summer School
Teaching summer school is a great way for teachers to keep earning over the summer. Many schools and private programs need teachers for summer classes or extra academic help. Teachers usually get paid the same as they do during the regular school year.
Camp Counseling
Many teachers also work as camp counselors in the summer. They help supervise and have fun with kids at day camps, overnight camps, or special programs. Camp counselors work flexible hours, making it easy to earn extra while enjoying summer. Pay varies by camp size, location, and experience.
Summer jobs like teaching and camp counseling let teachers make more money during the break. They use their teaching skills in new ways. These jobs help teachers earn extra and stay connected to education over the summer.
| Side Hustle | Average Hourly Rate | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Summer School Teaching | $20 – $35 per hour | Weekdays, 4-8 hours per day |
| Camp Counseling | $10 – $20 per hour | Weekdays and/or weekends, 8-10 hours per day |
Teachers can make the most of their summer by trying these side jobs. Whether it’s teaching summer school or being a camp counselor, these jobs are rewarding and can help teachers earn more. They offer a great way to enjoy the summer while keeping up with their careers.
Service-Based Side Gigs
As educators, we often look for roles that let us use our caring nature and detail focus. Service-based side hustles are a great choice. They let us make more money and use our strengths.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Teachers who adore animals might find pet sitting and dog walking side hustles appealing. Sites like Rover connect pet owners with reliable caregivers. This lets you make extra money by taking care of pets in your area. You can offer services like overnight stays, daily walks, or even pet taxi services.
House Cleaning and Organizing
Are you good at keeping things neat and organized? House cleaning and organizing can be great side hustles for teachers. Sites like Care.com help you find clients nearby. You can earn a lot by using your detail focus and organizing skills. You’ll make spaces tidy and earn extra cash.
“I started offering house cleaning services on the weekends and now I’m making an extra $600 to $800 per month. It’s a great way to put my organizational skills to use and earn some extra income.”
– Jane, a middle school teacher
Service-based side hustles are perfect for teachers who love pets or organizing. They let us increase our income and use our strengths. With the right platforms and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, the opportunities are endless!
Entrepreneurial Ventures
As an educator, your teaching skills can help you start your own side hustle. You can use your knowledge in education or explore a new field. Becoming a “teacherpreneur” is a great way to earn extra money.
Starting a Small Business
Starting a small business lets you use your skills in new ways. You could create an education-related venture or start a completely different business. Think about what you love, what you’re good at, and what people need.
Some popular side hustles for teachers include:
- Opening a Teachers Pay Teachers store to sell educational resources and lesson plans
- Freelancing in areas like copywriting, editing, or blogging
- Starting an online business on platforms like Etsy or Shopify
- Launching a brick-and-mortar business from home or a community space
- Exploring affiliate marketing opportunities across multiple platforms
With hard work and a good plan, your side hustle can give you extra money. This can help you earn more and reach your financial goals.
“Starting a side business as a teacher can not only boost your income but also allow you to leverage your unique skills and experience in new ways. The key is finding an entrepreneurial venture that aligns with your passions and expertise.”
Tips for Balancing a Side Hustle
As a teacher, juggling your main job and a side hustle can be tough. But, it’s doable. The key is to pick a side gig that fits your interests, schedule, and goals. This way, you can earn more and keep a good balance between work and life.
First, think about your time. Look at your teaching job and see when you’re free. Some teachers do well with flexible jobs like tutoring, writing, or virtual assisting. These can be done in the evenings or on weekends.
Also, think about the money you can make from your side hustle. It’s great to earn more, but don’t forget to consider the time and effort it takes. Compare what you can earn with the time you put in. This helps you choose a side gig that’s worth your while.
Keeping a good work-life balance is key when you have a side hustle. Set clear boundaries and take care of yourself. Saying “no” to too much is okay. Use tools and techniques to stay organized and focused on what’s important.
The best side hustle for teachers is one that matches your passions, fits your schedule, and makes you happy. Think about these things carefully to find the right balance. This way, you can earn more and still do well in your teaching job.
| Side Hustle | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Tutoring | $25 |
| Rideshare Driving | $18 |
| Yard Work | $40 – $50 |
| Yoga Instruction | $31 |
| Cafe Work | $15 |
Think about what you like, your schedule, and your financial goals to find the right balance. With the right approach, you can make more money, grow professionally, and keep a healthy work-life balance.
Evaluating Side Hustle Opportunities
As a teacher, looking into side hustles can help increase your income and improve your financial stability. It’s important to think about several key factors for a rewarding experience.
Start by matching your side hustle with your interests and skills. Evaluating side hustle options for teachers should consider your passions and experiences. This makes the work more fun and boosts your success chances.
Think about your goals too. Factors to consider when choosing a side gig include how much you want to earn, how flexible you need to be, and the balance you want with work and life. Pick a side hustle that fits well with your teaching and helps you meet your financial and personal goals.
Also, look into how much money you can make from different side hustles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says post-secondary teachers made a median pay of $80,560 in 2020. The American Federation of Teachers 2020 survey found 47% of college instructors work part-time. About 25% earn less than $25,000, and 35.3% make between $25,001 and $50,000. Finding side gigs that add to your teaching income can really change things.
By carefully looking at your options and matching them with your interests, goals, and what you can earn, you can open up new chances to improve your financial health and balance your work and life.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Teachers looking to earn extra money need to think about legal and ethical considerations. The rules for teacher side jobs differ by state and school area. It’s key for teachers to check the laws in their area.
In Massachusetts, public school teachers face rules about tutoring and side businesses. They must follow the conflict of interest law, G.L. c. 268A. This law says what they can and can’t do with tutoring and private work.
- Teachers can tutor outside work if they use their own space and stuff. But, they can’t get paid for recommending tutoring to students. They also can’t tutor current students, use school stuff, offer services the school says they should do, or look for tutoring jobs.
- Teachers can’t use their job to get special benefits, like using school stuff for their tutoring.
- They can’t advertise their tutoring or summer camps on school websites or social media. But, they can list all services with a note saying the school doesn’t back any one service.
- Schools can’t push a teacher’s outside business, like a summer camp, on official channels. Teachers shouldn’t try to get their students or others to join their side jobs.
The Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators also guides teachers on ethical side hustles. Talking and going through scenarios helps teachers know their duties and set clear limits. It also helps them build good relationships at work.
With AI tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E becoming common in schools, teachers must think about how to use them right. Schools like the Kent Place Institute in Summit, N.J., are teaching teachers how to use AI wisely in class.
By keeping up with legal and ethical considerations for teacher side hustles, teachers can help their students the best. They can also make extra money with side jobs that are right and fair.
Conclusion
This article shows the many side hustle options for teachers in the U.S. Teachers can find work in education, like tutoring, or in other areas, such as freelance writing. These jobs help teachers earn more money outside their regular teaching jobs.
Teachers should pick a side hustle that fits their interests and lifestyle. They should also think about how much time they can dedicate to it. Side hustles offer benefits like more money, growth in their careers, and a sense of fulfillment.
Many teachers now take on side hustles, which is a big part of the education world. By using their skills in new ways, teachers improve their lives and help meet the need for educational services. This trend shows how important side hustles are for teachers.
FAQ
What are some common reasons teachers pursue side hustles?
Teachers often want to earn more money for different reasons. They might save for a big purchase, plan a dream vacation, or pay off debt. They also might need extra cash for family expenses.
How prevalent are side hustles among teachers?
About 17% of teachers, or one in six, have a second job. This shows how common and important side hustles are for them.
What are some education-related side hustles for teachers?
Tutoring is a great side hustle for teachers. They can use their skills and earn or more per hour. Teachers can also sell lesson plans and resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.
What are some flexible side job options for teachers?
Teachers can try different flexible jobs. They can drive for ride-share services, deliver food, or shop for others with apps like Shipt or Instacart.
What are some freelance opportunities for teachers?
Teachers are great at writing, editing, and proofreading. These skills can lead to freelance gigs. They can also work as virtual assistants, helping with tasks like blogging and social media.
What are some creative side hustles for teachers?
Teachers with crafting skills can sell their items on Etsy. They can also create online courses. Their teaching background helps them make successful courses on topics they love.
What other side hustle ideas are available for teachers?
Teachers have many side hustle options. They can coach, teach fitness classes, sell products locally, or be virtual tour guides.
What are some seasonal side hustles for teachers?
Teachers often work on side jobs during summer break. They might teach summer school or be camp counselors.
What are some service-based side gigs for teachers?
Teachers can offer services like pet sitting, dog walking, house cleaning, or organizing. These jobs are great for those who love animals or enjoy cleaning and organizing.
Can teachers start their own businesses as a side hustle?
Teachers can start their own businesses. They can use their education skills for an education-related business or something new. Starting a small business can be a great side hustle for teachers.
How can teachers balance a side hustle with their teaching career?
Teachers should pick side hustles that fit their interests and goals. They should choose something that matches their schedule to keep a good work-life balance.
What factors should teachers consider when evaluating side hustle opportunities?
Teachers should think about their interests, goals, and lifestyle when looking at side hustles. They should pick a gig that fits their passions and helps them earn extra while keeping a good balance.
Are there any legal or ethical considerations for teachers with side hustles?
Teachers can usually work side jobs, with about 17% having a second job. But, they should check their school or state’s rules on outside work. They need to know the legal and ethical sides of side hustles.