Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but many educators find themselves looking for ways to supplement their income.
Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying off loans, or just want some extra financial cushion, there are numerous side-jobs that align perfectly with a teacher’s skills and schedule.
The beauty of these opportunities is that they often leverage the expertise you’ve already developed in the classroom.
From tutoring to content creation, teachers possess valuable skills that are in high demand across various industries.
Let’s explore some side-jobs that teachers can take up in their free-time. Not only can these help them to learn new skills but also allow them to earn some extra bucks.
Also Read: Best Jobs For Teachers Who Don’t Want To Teach
1. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Preply make it easy to connect with students worldwide.
You can teach your subject area expertise or help with general homework assistance.
The flexible scheduling works perfectly around your teaching schedule, and you can often charge premium rates for specialized subjects like AP courses or test prep.
Also Read: AI Lesson Plan Tools For Teachers
2. Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Teachers usually have good writing skills and deep knowledge in their subject areas, making freelance writing a natural fit.
You can write educational content, blog posts, curriculum materials, or even ghostwrite for education companies.
Platforms like Upwork, Contently, and specialized education sites often seek qualified writers.
Consider creating content for educational websites, writing study guides, or developing lesson plans for other teachers.
3. Virtual Assistant Services
Teachers possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities, all essential qualities for virtual assistants.
You can help entrepreneurs, small business owners, or other professionals with tasks like email management, scheduling, research, and basic administrative duties.
The flexibility of VA work means you can often choose projects that fit your schedule.
Many teachers find they can handle VA tasks during planning periods or after school hours, making it a convenient side-income stream.
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4. Curriculum Development and Educational Consulting
Your classroom experience makes you valuable to educational companies, textbook publishers, and school districts looking to develop or improve their curricula.
You can create lesson plans, design assessments, or provide feedback on educational materials.
This pays well because it requires specialized knowledge and experience. You might work with startups developing educational apps, established publishers updating textbooks, or school districts implementing new programs.
5. Test Prep Instruction
Standardized test preparation is a lucrative field where teachers can command premium rates.
Whether it’s SAT, ACT, GRE, or state-specific tests, your understanding of how students learn and test-taking strategies makes you an ideal instructor.
You can work for established test prep companies like Kaplan or Princeton Review, or start your own tutoring business.
Many teachers find that specializing in test prep allows them to charge higher rates than general tutoring.
Also Read: Best Google Tools For Teachers
6. Online Course Creation
Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to create courses on virtually any topic.
You can teach your subject area, share classroom management techniques with new teachers, or create courses on hobbies and interests outside of education.
While creating a course requires upfront time investment, it can provide passive income for years.
7. Freelance Editing and Proofreading
Teachers have keen eyes for grammar, spelling, and clarity, making editing and proofreading natural side-jobs.
You can work with students on their college essays, help authors polish their manuscripts, or assist businesses with their marketing materials.
The work is often flexible and can be done on your own schedule. Many teachers find editing work through platforms like Scribendi, EditFast, or by networking with local businesses and students.
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8. Summer Camp Coordinator
Summer camps are always looking for experienced educators to lead activities, teach specialized skills, or coordinate programs.
This can be a great way to earn money during your summer break while still working with children in a fun, relaxed environment.
You might work at traditional day camps, specialty camps focusing on STEM or arts, or even adult education camps.
9. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Apps like Rover and Wag make it easy to offer pet care services in your spare time.
This can be especially appealing if you love animals and want a more relaxed side-job that gets you outdoors and moving.
Many teachers find pet sitting fits well with their schedule, especially during school breaks. You can offer services like dog walking, pet sitting, or even pet boarding in your home.
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10. Delivery Work
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart offer delivery work that you can do whenever you have free time.
While it may not use your teaching skills directly, it provides reliable income and the freedom to work as much or as little as you want.
It’s a great stress-buster too as you would be spending more time outside.
11. Resume Writer
Teachers can be great resume writers as they are good at writing. They understand how to present information clearly and persuasively.
These skills translate perfectly to resume writing, where you help job seekers highlight their qualifications effectively.
You can offer services through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or develop your own client base.
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12. Music Instructor
If you’re good at playing musical instruments, you can teach piano, guitar, violin, voice, or any other instrument either in-person or online through platforms like TakeLessons or Lessonface.
Music instruction works well as a side-job because lessons are typically scheduled in the evenings or weekends.
The personal connection you develop with students and the joy of sharing music makes this particularly fulfilling work.
13. Career Counselor
Teachers have deep understanding of student development, goal-setting, and educational pathways, making career counseling a natural extension of their skills.
You can help high school students choose colleges and career paths, assist college students with internships and job searches, or guide career changers through transitions.
This work can be done independently or through career counseling firms, colleges, or online platforms.
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14. Part-Time Librarian
Many public and academic libraries hire part-time staff, and teachers make excellent candidates due to their research skills, love of learning, and ability to help others find information.
You might work evening or weekend shifts, assist with children’s programs, or help with research assistance.
15. Online Survey Taker
Online surveys through platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or UserTesting can provide easy supplemental income during downtime.
You can complete surveys while watching TV, during lunch breaks, or whenever you have a few spare minutes. It doesn’t require any special skills either.
While the pay is modest, it can add up over time and provides a no-pressure way to earn extra money when other side-jobs feel too demanding.
Tips for Success with Side-Jobs
It’s one thing to take up a side-job, but another thing to continue with it. By following these tips, you are more likely to enjoy your side-work.
Take a look.
- Start Small: Don’t try to juggle multiple side-jobs at once. Pick one or two that appeal to you and focus on building them up gradually.
- Leverage Your Skills: Look for opportunities that use the skills you’ve already developed as a teacher. You’re likely to be more successful and command higher rates in areas where you have expertise.
- Set Boundaries: It’s important to maintain work-life balance. Set specific hours for your side-work and stick to them to avoid burnout.
- Track Your Income: Keep detailed records of your side-income for tax purposes. You may need to file quarterly estimated taxes if you earn significant income from side-work.
- Network: Let colleagues, friends, and family know about your side-services. Word-of-mouth referrals are often the best source of new clients.
- Be Professional: Treat your side-job with the same professionalism you bring to teaching. Reliable, quality work leads to repeat customers and referrals.
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Final Words
As you can see, there are numerous things you can do to boost your income while maintaining your commitment to education.
However, what’s important to keep in mind is that your additional income should complement, not compete with, your primary teaching responsibilities.
Choose side-jobs that energize rather than drain you, jobs that interest you and offer opportunities to add to your skills.
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