Hey there, teachers! You know as well as I do that teaching is more than just a job—it’s a calling. But as rewarding as it is, let’s be real, the financial side can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. This is where side hustles for teachers come into play.
Side hustles can be an attractive way to earn extra money and supplement your regular teaching job. But it’s more than just about padding your paycheck. These opportunities give you a chance to take control, set your own schedule, and even work on your own hours if you choose.
But wait, there’s more! Side hustles are not just about making more money. They’re also an excellent way to expand your skills, delve into passions outside the classroom, and meet new people.
Plus, these hustles can often be molded around your teaching job, fitting snugly into your school year, school breaks, or just taking up a few hours of your spare time. And the best part? Most side hustles can be done from the comfort of your home or at local coffee shops, which is a win in my book!
Teachers Have the Edge
Teachers, you are uniquely positioned to dive into these side hustles. Your skills honed from teaching — think communication, organization, and creativity — are in high demand in the hustle world.
Not to mention, who better than educational experts to create an online course, write an engaging blog, or sell top-notch lesson plans? You’ve got the knowledge, the know-how, and the dedication. It’s time to put them to work in fresh, rewarding ways.
So, are you ready to explore these opportunities? Get ready to dive into the world of side hustles and discover how you can start making extra income while staying true to your teaching roots. Let’s explore the possibilities!
#1 Selling Printables: Creative Side Hustles for Teachers
Who doesn’t love a beautifully designed, super helpful printable? As a teacher, you’ve probably used your fair share of these handy documents in your classroom, from calendars and planners to educational worksheets and art templates. But have you ever considered making money by creating your own?
What Are Printables and How to Create Them?
Printables are digital files, usually PDFs, that customers can purchase, download, and print from their own computer. They could be anything from detailed lesson plans, educational games, organizers, or decorative materials for the classroom.
Creating printables might sound intimidating, but it’s actually simpler than you think. With tools like Canva, you can whip up stunning designs without any graphic design experience. And the best part is you can work on these on your own time, fitting it into your school day or in your spare time.
Selling Your Artistry on Your Own Schedule
Once you’ve created your printables, the next step is selling them. There are quite a few websites where you can reach a large audience of eager buyers. Platforms like Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, or even your own website are excellent options. And the great thing about this hustle for teachers is that once you’ve created a printable, you can sell it over and over again, making this a wonderful source of passive income.
Profit from Printables
As for the potential income, it can vary greatly. Some teachers earn a little money, while others make a significant income. It all depends on your effort, the quality of your work, and your marketing skills. Remember, though, that every bit of extra cash helps, and it’s a fun, creative process too!
#2 Starting a Blog or Niche Site: A Digital Side Hustle
Blogging or creating a niche website is another fantastic side hustle opportunity that can enable you to earn extra income in your spare time. Not only does it allow you to connect with other teachers and share your experiences, but it’s also an avenue to share your expertise and passion.
Blog vs. Niche Site: What’s the Deal?
A blog is a type of website where you regularly post articles or updates, often in a conversational style. A niche site, on the other hand, is a website that focuses on a specific topic or interest. Both are excellent platforms for teachers to share knowledge, tips, and resources.
Starting a blog or a niche site may seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of online resources and platforms, like WordPress or Wix, that can help you get started with your own website even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Monetizing Your Words
So, how can you turn this into a money-making opportunity? There are several ways to monetize a blog or niche site. Advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling your own products (like those amazing printables you’ve made!) are just a few strategies. And remember, while it might start as a few hours of work each week, with time and effort, it can become a source of steady extra income.
Whether you’re creating stunning printables or sharing your knowledge through a blog, these side hustles leverage your teaching skills and creativity. Plus, they provide a fantastic way to earn extra money and work on your own time. So why not give them a try?
#3 Online Tutoring: Share Your Knowledge Beyond the Classroom
As a teacher, you’re already a pro at imparting knowledge, so why not use that expertise for a side hustle? Online tutoring is an ideal way to use your teaching skills to make some extra money.
The Digital Classroom
Online tutoring involves providing one-on-one instruction to students via digital platforms. As an online tutor, you might help students with homework, prepare them for exams, or teach them new concepts. The subjects you can tutor in are limitless, ranging from math to science, English, or even music!
One of the great things about online tutoring is the flexibility it offers. You can set your hours, working as much or as little as you like. Plus, you’ll be able to set your own rates, making this a potentially lucrative side hustle for teachers.
Landing the Gig
Finding online tutoring jobs can be as simple as signing up on tutoring websites such as Chegg Tutors or Tutor.com. Alternatively, you can set up your own tutoring business and find your own clients through word-of-mouth or local Facebook groups.
The Payday
When it comes to earnings, online tutoring can be quite profitable. The pay depends on several factors, including the subjects you tutor, your experience, and your location. However, tutors can typically make anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour or more. Now that’s a nice chunk of extra cash!
#4 Writing a Book or E-Book: Harness Your Inner Author
Have you always dreamed of becoming a published author? Perhaps you have unique classroom experiences, teaching strategies, or educational philosophies that you’d like to share. Writing a book or e-book is another fantastic side hustle opportunity.
The Benefits of Being an Author
Writing a book allows you to share your knowledge, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and generate passive income. Even better, with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to write and self-publish a book or e-book. Plus, just like with online tutoring, you can write on your own time.
From Idea to Published Book
The first step to writing a book is to decide on your topic. Next, create an outline and start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect on the first try; just get your ideas down.
Once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s time for editing and formatting. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. Then, you can self-publish your book on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Potential Earnings
The income potential from writing a book or e-book can vary widely. Some authors earn a few hundred dollars, while others make thousands. Remember, once your book is available for sale, it can continue generating income for years to come. Now that’s a wonderful way to earn money!
Whether you’re tutoring students online or writing your own book, these side hustles can be rewarding in more ways than one. They provide opportunities to share your expertise and passion, all while earning some extra income. Now, how cool is that?
#5 Selling Lesson Plans: Capitalize on Your Curriculum Creations
Hey there, superstar teacher, do you spend countless hours creating innovative lesson plans? How about transforming those teaching treasures into a side hustle? Let’s dive into the world of selling lesson plans!
From Classroom to Market
Chances are, you’ve developed a wealth of lesson plans throughout your teaching career. Selling them not only provides a way to earn extra money, but it also helps other teachers by saving them valuable prep time.
The best part? You can create and sell your lesson plans on your own time, making it a flexible side hustle for teachers. And don’t worry – selling your plans doesn’t mean giving up the rights to use them in your own classroom. It’s a win-win situation!
The Platforms
There are many online platforms where you can sell your lesson plans. The most popular is Teachers Pay Teachers, but other options include Teacher’s Notebook and TES. These sites are like an Etsy for educators, where teachers search for and purchase lesson plans created by their peers.
Show Me the Money
So how much can you make by selling lesson plans? Well, it varies. Some teachers make a few extra dollars, while others earn a substantial income. The key to making money is creating high-quality, unique lesson plans and marketing them well.
#6 Selling Educational Materials and Classroom Decorations: Profit From Your Creative Flair
Are you the teacher whose classroom always looks like it’s straight out of a Pinterest board? Then selling educational materials or classroom decorations could be your perfect side hustle!
The Demand for Decor and More
Teachers are always on the lookout for creative and engaging educational materials to enhance their students’ learning experience. Plus, a well-decorated classroom creates an inviting and stimulating environment.
From anchor charts to bulletin board sets and classroom labels, there’s a robust market for these items. And just like selling lesson plans, you can create and sell these items during your spare time.
Where to Sell
You can sell your educational materials and decorations on the same platforms mentioned for selling lesson plans, like Teachers Pay Teachers. Additionally, you can set up your own website or Etsy shop to sell your creations.
Potential Earnings
As for the earning potential, it depends on what you’re selling and how much demand there is. However, with some effort and creativity, this side hustle can provide a nice stream of extra income.
So there you have it, teacher friends! With a little time and creativity, your educational expertise can serve as a launchpad for lucrative side hustles. Whether you’re selling lesson plans or creating beautiful classroom decorations, the opportunities to earn more money are endless!
#7 Focus Groups and Paid Research Studies: Get Paid for Your Opinions
Have you ever thought about getting paid just for sharing your opinions? Participating in focus groups and paid research studies is one of those side hustles for teachers that can bring in some extra cash without a huge time commitment. Let’s learn more!
The 411 on Focus Groups and Research Studies
In a nutshell, focus groups are organized discussions used for research. Companies use them to gauge consumer response to products, services, or concepts. On the other hand, paid research studies may involve testing a product, completing surveys, or participating in an experiment. These can often be done online, making them a convenient side hustle you can do in your spare time.
Scouting for Opportunities
There are a few websites that are especially useful for finding focus group and research study opportunities. Some popular ones include Respondent, User Interviews, and FocusGroup.com. Just create a profile, browse the opportunities, and apply to those that catch your eye.
Compensation Considerations
The pay for focus groups and research studies varies depending on the length and complexity of the study, but most offer compensation ranging from $50 to $200. It may not be steady income, but it can be a nice way to earn some extra cash.
#8 Start a Podcast: Share Your Expertise with the World
Another unique and rewarding side hustle for teachers could be starting your own podcast. If you love sharing stories, insights, or expertise, this could be a fun and creative outlet for you.
Podcasting Primer
A podcast is essentially an internet radio show. As a podcast host, you can share your knowledge, experiences, or interview guests on a topic you’re passionate about.
Starting on Your Own Time
Starting a podcast might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! There are plenty of resources and guides online that can help you navigate the technical aspects. Plus, you can record on your own time, making it a flexible option for busy teachers.
Money-Making Strategies
Podcasts can be monetized in several ways. Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, listener donations, and even selling your own merchandise or services are all viable ways to generate income from your podcast.
#9 Virtual Assistant: The Side Job that Works for You
Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is another excellent side hustle for teachers. The organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities honed in the classroom are perfect for this role.
VA 101
Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. This could include tasks like email management, social media management, data entry, and more.
Landing VA Jobs
Finding VA jobs is easier than you might think. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and even local Facebook groups are often filled with people looking for VA services.
Earnings Estimate
The pay rate for virtual assistants can vary widely based on skills and experience, but according to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a virtual assistant in the U.S. is around $19 as of 2022.
So, whether you’re keen on sharing your insights through a podcast, assisting others as a virtual assistant, or sharing your opinions for research, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. And remember, the best side hustles for teachers are those that fit into your personal schedule and interests!
#10 Food Delivery: The Side Hustle on Wheels
In this on-demand era, working as a food delivery driver has become a popular side hustle for teachers looking to make some extra cash. Let’s dive into the details!
Zooming in on Food Delivery
As a food delivery driver, you’ll be responsible for picking up food orders from local restaurants and delivering them to customers’ doors. It’s a flexible job that allows you to set your own time and schedule.
Revving Up
To get started, all you need is a smartphone, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates are great platforms to start with. Simply sign up, follow the prompts to complete your profile, and you’ll be on your way to deliver food in no time!
Show Me the Money
While earnings can vary based on location, time, and the specific app you’re working with, it’s possible to make around $10-$20 per hour. Remember, peak meal times typically offer the best opportunities to maximize your income.
#11 Teach Summer School: Make Money While Making a Difference
If you love your teaching job and wish to continue during the school breaks, teaching summer school can be an excellent side hustle.
The Scoop on Summer School Teaching
Summer school teaching involves leading condensed versions of regular semester courses. It gives you a chance to connect with students on a more personal level due to the smaller class size.
Seizing the Opportunity
To teach summer school, start by checking with your school district. Many schools need experienced teachers for their summer programs. Online teaching platforms may also offer summer school teaching opportunities.
Compensation Clarity
Pay for summer school teachers varies by district, but you can typically expect to earn a portion of your regular salary. It’s a great way to make extra money during the school breaks.
#12 Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Turn Your Love for Animals into Cash
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking could be your ideal side hustle. It’s a fun and active way to earn money while spending time with furry friends.
A Pawsome Job
Pet sitting involves taking care of pets while their owners are away. Duties can include feeding, playing, cleaning up after the pet, and sometimes staying overnight. Dog walking, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like—you take dogs for walks!
Finding Your Furry Clients
Apps like Rover and Wag! connect pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners. Alternatively, you could advertise your services in local Facebook groups or through word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family.
Earning Potential
The income from pet sitting and dog walking can vary depending on location, number of pets, and the services provided. However, on average, pet sitters make about $15-$20 per visit, while dog walkers earn around $15-$20 per walk.
Whether you’re zipping around town delivering meals, instructing students during the summer, or caring for pets, there’s a side hustle out there that fits your interests and schedule. The key is to find something you love and turn it into an opportunity to make some extra money.
#13 Camp Counseling: Fun in the Sun and Extra Money in Your Pocket
When the school year comes to a close, many teachers find a fulfilling summer side hustle working as camp counselors. If you love outdoor activities and working with kids, this could be a perfect fit for you.
Camp Counselor Duties
As a camp counselor, you’ll guide groups of children or teenagers in a range of camp activities. This might include arts and crafts, sports, nature hikes, and more. You’ll not only spend time having fun but also continue to positively impact young lives.
Becoming a Camp Counselor
Finding a camp counselor job usually involves applying directly to summer camps. You can find these opportunities on websites like Indeed, or by reaching out to local camps in your area. Experience in education is often a plus!
Counselor Compensation
Pay varies widely depending on the camp and your role, but many counselors can expect to earn between $200 and $600 per week.
#14 Creating an Online Course: Share Your Expertise and Earn Passive Income
Teaching doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. Many teachers have turned their knowledge and experience into online courses, a perfect example of a lucrative side hustle for teachers.
Course Creation 101
To create an online course, first, identify a topic you’re skilled in and passionate about. Next, plan out your course structure, content, and supplemental materials. Use video, text, and images to make your course engaging and comprehensive.
Platform Choices
Once you’ve developed your course, you can host it on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or even your own website. These platforms will handle the technical details, allowing you to focus on creating quality content.
Potential Earnings
Your income from an online course can vary widely, depending on your course’s price and popularity. It’s not uncommon for popular courses to generate thousands of dollars each month, providing a great source of passive income.
#15 Becoming an Adjunct Professor: Teach on the College Level
If you have advanced knowledge in a particular subject area, you might consider becoming an adjunct professor at a local college. This role allows you to engage with older students and delve deeper into subjects you’re passionate about.
Role of an Adjunct Professor
Adjunct professors teach courses at colleges and universities on a contract basis. This could range from a single course to several per semester, often during the evenings or weekends to accommodate working professionals.
Requirements for adjunct positions vary, but most require a master’s degree in the subject area. Some community colleges may accept teachers with a bachelor’s degree and significant professional experience.
Salary Details
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adjunct professors earn a median wage of around $33 per hour. However, the pay can vary based on the institution and subject taught.
#16 Rent Out Your Spare Rooms: Turn Your Extra Space into Extra Cash
If you have an unused room in your home, you might consider turning it into a moneymaker by renting it out.
Room Rental Rundown
Renting a room involves providing a tenant with a place to live in exchange for a set monthly fee. This can be an especially good option during the school year, when students are seeking affordable housing options.
To get started, clean and prepare the room for a tenant. Then, list your space on platforms like Airbnb or advertise locally. Remember to check local regulations around short- or long-term rentals.
Income Expectations
The income from renting a room can vary based on location, room size, and amenities provided. However, it’s not uncommon to earn a few hundred to over a thousand dollars each month, making it a valuable way to boost your income with minimal effort.
Time to Hustle: Explore the Possibilities
If you’ve been hunting for lucrative side hustles for teachers, this guide should give you plenty to think about. From creating and selling printables, authoring a best-seller, to renting out that extra room in your home, there are countless ways to make extra money on your schedule and own hours.
The key is finding something that matches your skills, interests, and availability. Whether it’s leveraging your teaching job skills into tutoring or becoming an online course creator, or finding a few hours for pet sitting or delivering food – the options are wide and varied.
Remember, the goal of a side hustle isn’t just about making money or earning extra cash. It’s about financial freedom and the ability to make extra money out of your skills and passions. Your side hustle might even turn into a full-time gig or a satisfying hobby!
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, but the world of side hustles for teachers is vast and varied. What’s your great teacher side hustle? Are you already selling lesson plans, becoming a freelance writer, or found success in real estate as an agent?
So, teachers, as you look forward to the next school break or perhaps even the end of the school day, consider these side hustles. Perhaps a little extra income is just what you need to make that dream vacation come true or to pay off a bit more of that mortgage.
So, why not get started? Dive into these side hustles and see where they can take you. And remember – it’s not just about earning more money, it’s about expanding your horizons and exploring new opportunities.
Share your experiences or any other ideas you’ve tried out as side hustles in the comments below. And to all you educators out there, keep on teaching, keep on hustling, and let’s all keep on growing together!
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