Teacher Side Hustles: Make Money From Your Passion

Educators are vital to student development, invaluable in their communities, and spend countless hours planning lessons and caring for their students. However, despite their commitment and responsibility, most teachers' hard work and passion don't always match their salaries. As rewarding as teaching is, most teachers are underpaid and usually struggle to pay their bills. If you're a teacher in this situation, you're not alone.

If you're looking for ways to boost your income, there are many part-time opportunities available that will work with your schedule and skill set. We've compiled this comprehensive guide to the best side hustles for teachers, whether you're looking for work over the summer or an extra side gig for nights and weekends to help earn extra income.

The 10 Best Teacher Side Hustles

Here are the top side hustles for teachers that you can start right away:

#1 Tutoring

Tutoring is undoubtedly among the most popular choices for teachers looking for side jobs. It allows you to continue teaching while earning an extra income. You can specialize your tutoring by age or subject or even narrow your focus for high school ACT and SAT prep. Tutoring conveniently fits into your after-school hours, and you can do it one-on-one, in groups, or online.

If you're unsure about how to start, there are several online platforms that can help connect you with students who want tutoring. Such platforms include Wyzant, TutorMe, Skooli, and more, or you can connect with potential students through freelance sites like Upwork.

Earnings typically range from $20 to $50 per hour.

#2 Sell Your Lesson Plans

If you're a teacher, chances are you've meticulously crafted numerous lesson plans over the years. Why not share your expertise with fellow teachers and earn extra cash while doing so? 

Platforms like Udemy and Teachers Pay Teachers provide a platform to showcase and sell your lesson plans. Not only does this allow you to monetize your hard work, but it also assists other teachers who might be seeking fresh ideas. Whether it's a comprehensive unit plan or a creative activity, your lesson plans could help fellow educators save time and enhance their teaching methods. 

Your income will depend on the number of people who will buy your products. While it might not make you rich overnight, the potential for a steady passive income stream exists as your collection of lesson plans grows.

#3 Proofreading

Proofreading can be a highly rewarding side hustle for educators with a keen eye for detail. Much like teaching, it involves nurturing the growth of ideas, but in this case, through impeccable written communication. As a teacher, your dedication to precision and language structure can seamlessly transition into proofreading various documents, ensuring they are error-free and polished. 

From academic papers to articles, or business reports, your ability to catch grammatical errors and inconsistencies is in demand. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide places to connect with clients looking for proofreading services. The flexible nature of this job allows you to take on projects that align with your schedule.

Earnings typically range from $25 to $45 per hour, varying based on the complexity and length of the content.

#4 Virtual Assistant

If you’re a teacher looking to leverage your organizational and multitasking skills, becoming a virtual assistant can be an increasingly attractive side hustle for you. As a teacher, you're already well-versed in managing different responsibilities, making you a natural fit for tasks like administrative support, social media management, email correspondence, and organizing schedules. Virtual assisting offers flexibility, allowing you to set your own hours and workload. You can collaborate with businesses, entrepreneurs, or even fellow educators who could use assistance in various aspects of their work. 

With many online platforms like Upwork, Flexjobs, and Remote.co, finding opportunities and connecting with clients has never been easier. This side gig not only supplements your income but also expands your professional experience, allowing you to explore new industries and enhance your remote working skills.

Potential earnings can vary widely, but you can get an average pay between $15 to $40 per hour.

#5 Offer Caregiving

Offering caregiving services can be a flexible side hustle for teachers. Your nurturing and responsible nature make you well-equipped to provide assistance to children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs.

It can be after-school care, weekend support, or companionship. This side hustle not only aligns with your skillset but also provides a sense of satisfaction as you contribute to the well-being of others. Earnings can vary based on the type and duration of caregiving.

Care.com is a fantastic platform for teachers looking for caregiving side hustles.

#6 Summer School Tutoring

Summer school tutoring is an excellent opportunity for teachers to extend their teaching expertise beyond the regular academic year. You might be wondering about the difference between summer school tutoring and regular tutoring. Summer school tutoring is a concentrated, seasonal effort aimed at helping students catch up or excel at certain subjects during the summer break, while regular tutoring offers year-round support tailored to individual needs, subjects, and ages.

Offering targeted subjects or skill improvement sessions during summer break can help struggling students catch up or excel in preparation for the upcoming year. It can be in-person or virtually. The shorter duration of summer school allows plenty of teaching, allowing you to maximize your impact and earning potential.

Furthermore, this side hustle not only boosts your income but also keeps your teaching skills sharp during the off-season. Your ability to tailor lessons and create engaging learning experiences remains invaluable, helping students bridge gaps and gain confidence.

You can look for job openings online, or you can send your CV to local revision camp businesses asking if they have any openings.

Potential earnings: $25 to 50 an hour.

#7 Social Media Manager

Looking for something more outside the box? How about assisting brands and local businesses in managing their social media presence for some extra cash? For teachers who have a knack for crafting engaging posts, social media management can prove to be a lucrative side hustle.

Look at businesses in your area that could use a hand with their online campaigns, and offer your services. The beauty of this gig is that it’s flexible, allowing you to work during your free hours.

You can use platforms like Hootsuite to schedule posts in advance. That means you don't have to worry about managing posts throughout your school day. Your social media posts will run automatically, and you can monitor them during your free time.

Platforms like Upwork are fantastic places to look for this type of part-time job. You can earn an average pay between $20 to $50 per hour.

#8 Taking Surveys For Money

After a demanding day of teaching, sometimes all you want is to unwind. Imagine now being able to sit back and earn while you do just that, all thanks to legit paid survey sites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie.

As a teacher, you can also earn rewards for activities like watching videos, searching the web, participating in focus groups, and sharing your insights about the products and services you use.

While this side hustle will not bring a lot of cash, combining multiple survey sites and accumulating reward points can actually result in some decent extra income. So, as you relax and catch up on your favorite shows, why not make some extra cash on the side for those less demanding moments?

You can earn between $0.5 to $5 per survey with each survey taking around 20 minutes to complete.

#9 Delivering Food And Other Goods

If you have a car and you don't want to drive strangers around, then you may want to consider becoming a delivery driver. This is a good second job for teachers because you can set your own working hours. 

You can choose to deliver food for companies like DoorDash or Uber Eats.

These apps connect drivers with local restaurants, allowing them to pick up and deliver orders to customers.

You can also make more money beyond restaurants by delivering items like office supplies, packages, and other miscellaneous products.

If you have a friendly relationship with a local restaurant, you could consider becoming their dedicated delivery driver for a few nights each week. On average, you can earn $20 or more per hour. This side gig offers a convenient way to supplement your earnings.

#10 Become A Camp Counselor

Becoming a camp counselor is another fantastic side hustle for teachers, especially during summer breaks. Many teachers enjoy this side hustle because it’s an excellent way to stay active during summer break, engage with kids, and connect with nature. 

While summer camp for kids is the most common, there are many other opportunities to become a camp counselor during spring break and winter breaks. You can also explore day camps or sports camps if you like sleeping in your own bed. 

You can always find camp counselor gigs through school districts, private organizations, and online job boards. This side hustle allows you to channel your teaching skills into a different kind of educational adventure.

Benefits Of Teacher Side Hustles

Teacher side hustles offer many benefits that can enhance both financial stability and personal growth. Here are some benefits of teacher side hustles:

• Boost Your Income: One of the most obvious benefits is the extra income that teacher side hustles provide. Teaching can be rewarding, but it doesn't always offer the highest salaries. A side hustle can help bridge the financial gap providing extra cash for unexpected expenses, savings goals, or even pursuing a passion project.
• Diversify Your Skills: Many teacher side hustles allow educators to leverage and diversify their skills. From tutoring to content creation, or freelancing, these gigs can expand your expertise beyond the classroom. This can make you a more versatile and valuable professional, both in and outside of education.
• Flexibility: Side hustles often come with flexible schedules, allowing teachers to balance their full-time commitments with their side gigs. This is particularly advantageous in the field of education, where teachers may have limited availability during school hours. As a teacher, you can work on your side hustles in the evenings, on weekends, or during school breaks.
• Professional Growth: Taking up a side hustle can help you grow personally and professionally. For instance, creating content, or offering online courses can help you develop adaptability, and problem-solving skills that can benefit your teaching career and personal life.
• Passion Pursuit: Side hustles can be a way to pursue your passions and interests outside the classroom.  If you have a hobby or passion outside of teaching, a side hustle can turn it into a profitable venture. This not only provides an outlet for self-expression but can also reinvigorate your teaching by bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to your lessons.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Teacher Side Hustles

Selecting the right side hustle as a teacher requires thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure a seamless fit with your lifestyle and goals. Here are key factors to consider:

• Time Commitment: Assess how much time you can realistically dedicate to a side hustle alongside your teaching responsibilities. Striking a balance between both roles and your personal life is vital to prevent exhaustion.
• Alignment With Your Skills: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and expertise. Leveraging your teaching abilities or related talents can enhance your success and satisfaction.
• Passion And Interest: Opt for a side hustle that resonates with your passions and interests. When you enjoy what you do, it becomes a fulfilling extension of your teaching career.
• Demand And Market: Research the demand for your chosen side hustle. Consider factors such as market trends, competition, and the needs of your target audience.
• Flexibility: Seek a side hustle that accommodates your teaching schedule. Flexibility allows you to effectively juggle both roles without compromising either.
• Potential Income: Evaluate the potential earnings from your chosen side hustle. While it shouldn't replace your teaching income, it should contribute meaningfully to your financial goals.
• Resources Required: Consider the resources, such as materials, equipment, or online platforms, needed for your side hustle. Ensure they're manageable and accessible.
• Work-Life Balance: Prioritize a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overwhelming yourself with a side hustle that takes away from your well-being.
• Longevity: Assess whether the side hustle is sustainable in the long term. Avoid side hustles that might conflict with your teaching commitments or fade quickly.

In Summary

Side hustles offer many opportunities to boost your income. From tutoring and selling lesson plans to proofreading and virtual assisting, these opportunities not only provide extra income but also allow you to expand your career and explore different industries. Whether you're looking to boost your teaching income during breaks, evenings, or weekends, you can seamlessly integrate these side hustles into your schedule. 

The best way to find teacher side hustles that work for you is by experimenting and trying different options. When you find something that you love and generates income, stick with it.

Teacher Side Hustles FAQs

How can teachers earn extra income at the end of the school year?

As the school year winds down, teachers have the opportunity to boost their income through various side hustles. Engaging in activities like tutoring, freelancing, or offering online courses can be particularly lucrative during the summer break, helping to bridge the financial gap.

Are teachers allowed to work side hustles?

In most cases, teachers are free to pursue side hustles as long as they don't interfere with their primary teaching responsibilities. It's advisable to review your employment contract for any clauses related to secondary employment. If you're uncertain, seeking legal advice can prevent potential conflicts and ensure compliance.

What are side hustles for teachers?

A side hustle refers to a supplementary income stream that individuals pursue alongside their main occupation. For teachers, side hustles encompass a wide range of options, from tutoring and freelance work to online teaching and content creation. These opportunities allow teachers to leverage their skills and expertise while earning extra income outside of the classroom.

Can teachers balance a side hustle with their teaching job?

Yes, many side hustles for teachers can be managed during evenings, weekends, or breaks, ensuring minimal interference with classroom responsibilities.

How much can teachers earn from a side hustle?

Earnings vary based on the chosen side hustle and the time invested, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.

Do side hustles require specialized skills?

While some side hustles may benefit from specific expertise, many are adaptable to teachers' existing skills, such as content creation, tutoring, and administrative support.

How can teachers find the right side hustle?

Exploring platforms like Upwork, TutorMe, and Teachers Pay Teachers, as well as considering personal passions and skills can help teachers discover the perfect side hustle that aligns with their interests and goals.