If there’s one group of people who truly deserve a padded wallet, it’s teachers. Teaching is a fantastic job, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always pay as much as it should. That’s why many teachers are constantly on the lookout for side hustles to give their income a nice boost. The good news? There are plenty of ways for teachers to make extra money, even working one day a week.
In this blog post, we’re diving into 15 of the best side hustles for teachers. These gigs not only bring in extra income but also offer flexibility so you can do more than one at a time. Each hustle includes specific examples and platforms to get you started. So, if you’re a teacher looking to boost your earnings and make the most of your skills, keep reading to find your perfect side hustle!
How many teachers have a side hustle?
A 2024 report by DollarSprout shows that nearly 70% of Americans, including teachers, have side hustles to boost their income and financial security. This trend highlights the increasing economic pressures and the need for extra income streams nowadays.
These numbers really bring home the financial struggles many teachers face and show how important side hustles can be for providing stability and growth opportunities.
1. ONLINE TUTORING
Without previous experience, I tried my hand at tutoring English, and it was both fun and paid well. If you have the knowledge and experience, online tutoring is one of the best side hustles for teachers. Platforms like Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, and Wyzant offer opportunities to connect with students who need help in various subjects.
As great as those platforms are, if I were a certified teacher, I’d consider starting my own tutoring business. You can choose to specialize in one subject or offer help in multiple areas. You could even focus on tutoring for standardized tests, like ACT, which is always in high demand.
Subjects like reading comprehension and mathematics are especially popular with students needing extra help. Imagine setting your own rates, working on your own schedule, and building a client base right in your community or online. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your teaching skills and make a significant impact, all while boosting your income.
2. SELL PRINTABLES
Selling printables is a fantastic side hustle for teachers. Printables are digital files that customers can download and print at home. These can include a wide variety of items such as lesson plans, worksheets, planners, educational games, classroom decorations, coloring pages, and certificates.
One of the best tools for creating printables is Canva. Canva offers a user-friendly platform with many templates, graphics, and fonts, making it easy to design high-quality printables. You can create engaging and visually appealing materials that other teachers, parents, and students will love.
Once you’ve created your printables, there are plenty of platforms where you can sell them. Etsy is a fantastic place for selling creative and educational printables. TikTok is another great option—you can showcase your designs in short videos and direct followers to purchase them. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform also lets you sell printables. Plus, you can always use your own website or blog to sell printables directly to your audience, using platforms like Shopify or Gumroad to handle the transactions.
3. SELL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Selling educational resources is a fantastic side hustle for teachers, and Canva makes it super easy to create professional-quality materials. With Canva, you can design and sell worksheets, classroom decorations, coloring books, and even certificates. The platform is incredibly user-friendly, with loads of templates, graphics, and fonts to make your resources look amazing.
Once you’ve created your materials, there are several places where you can sell them. Teachers Pay Teachers is a go-to marketplace where educators buy and sell original content. Etsy is another great option, especially for more creative items like classroom decorations and coloring books.
If you want to sell digital downloads directly to your audience, setting up your own online store on Shopify or Gumroad is a breeze.
Selling educational resources not only brings in extra cash but also helps other teachers and students benefit from your expertise. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative and produce materials that you’re passionate about. With a bit of marketing and promotion, you can build a steady stream of income from your creations.
4. TEACHING ENGLISH ONLINE
Teaching English will always be one of the best side hustles for teachers. It’s been one of the most popular side hustles for years and the demand continues to grow. Platforms like VIPKid, EF Education First, and Cambly connect teachers with students who are eager to learn English.
These platforms typically require a bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience, but they offer flexible schedules and very competitive pay.
Tutoring or teaching English online can also be a great second job for teachers because it pays up to $40 an hour. Even if you were to work only 2 hours per day, you would still be able to make $560 with this side hustle.
5. BLOGGING
Starting a blog can be a great way for teachers to share their knowledge and experiences while earning extra income. You can write about education, teaching tips, lesson plans, or even encourage other teachers that have special needs students.
If you want a break from focusing on teaching, blogging is still a great second job for teachers. Why? You can literally blog about almost anything and make money.
Monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Websites like WordPress and Blogger offer easy-to-use platforms to get started.
Here are some blog ideas that would be great for teachers:
1. Classroom Management Tips
• Share strategies for maintaining a positive and productive classroom environment.
• Discuss techniques for dealing with disruptive behavior.
2. Lesson Plan Ideas
• Offer detailed lesson plans for different subjects and grade levels.
• Provide tips on how to create engaging and interactive lessons.
3. Teacher Wellness
• Discuss strategies for maintaining work-life balance.
• Share tips on managing stress and avoiding burnout.
4. Classroom Decor and Organization
• Share ideas for decorating and organizing your classroom.
• Offer DIY projects and organizational hacks.
5. Teaching Special Education
• Provide tips and resources for teaching students with special needs.
• Share your experiences and strategies for creating an inclusive classroom.
6. Student Engagement
• Discuss methods for keeping students engaged and motivated.
• Share activities and projects that have been successful in your classroom.
7. CREATING ONLINE COURSES
Creating online courses is an excellent side hustle for teachers and can even be considered one of the best second jobs for teachers. You already have the skills and expertise to teach, so why not share that knowledge with a broader audience and make some extra money?
Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to create and sell courses on a wide range of subjects. There’s no need to stop there. Mighty Networks and Thinkific are also great platforms that will pay you what you’re worth.
8. FOOD DELIVERY AND RIDE SHARING
Driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft is a flexible side job that can fit around your teaching schedule. You can choose when and where to drive, making it an ideal option for evenings, weekends, or school holidays. Plus, you get to meet new people and explore your city while earning extra cash.
9. PET SITTING OR DOG WALKING
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. Services like Rover and Wag! connect pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners in need of help. This side job offers flexible hours and the opportunity to spend time with furry friends, which can be a great stress-reliever.
10. SELLING HANDMADE ITEMS
If you’re crafty, selling handmade items on platforms like Etsy can be a profitable side hustle. You can make personalized graduation gifts if you want to target students. Soaps and skincare items are also very popular. Whether you create jewelry, artwork, home decor, or personalized gifts, there’s a market for unique, handmade products.
11. PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to side hustles for teachers, not many people consider photography. If you have a passion for photography, consider offering your services for events, portraits, or stock photography. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock allow you to sell your photos online. Additionally, you can offer photography sessions for families, weddings, or local events. Building a portfolio and promoting your work on social media can help attract clients.
12. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
This is one of the best side hustles for teachers because you get to earn extra money and get to know your students better. Schools often pay teachers extra to help with activities like homework assistance, overseeing detention, or running extracurricular programs. These sessions are typically more laid back than regular classroom settings, providing a great opportunity to connect with students in a different environment.
You can lead a variety of activities that help students learn new crafts or skills. For example, art classes are always popular, giving kids the chance to explore different mediums like painting, sculpture, and digital art. If you know music, consider starting a beginner’s guitar or piano class.
Cooking classes can teach students essential life skills and healthy eating habits. Other possibilities include drama clubs, where students can develop their public speaking and performance skills, or a creative writing group to inspire budding authors.
13. VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, social media management, and more. Websites like Upwork and Remote.co offer opportunities to find virtual assistant gigs. This side hustle offers flexibility and can be done from the comfort of your home.
14. PROOF READING AND EDITING
If you have a keen eye for detail, proofreading and editing can be a lucrative side job. Many writers and businesses need help polishing their content before publication. Websites like Scribendi and ProofreadingServices.com offer freelance proofreading and editing opportunities. You can also advertise your services on freelance platforms or through your personal network.
15. SUBSTITUTE TEACHING
Substitute teaching is a natural side hustle for full-time teachers. It allows you to earn extra income on your days off or during school breaks. Check with local schools and districts to see if they need substitute teachers. This side job offers flexibility and allows you to stay within the education field, utilizing your teaching skills and experience.
Side hustles offer teachers a fantastic opportunity to supplement their income, pursue passions, and develop new skills. Whether you’re looking for the best side hustles for teachers, the best second jobs for teachers, or the best side jobs for teachers, there’s something out there that fits your interests and schedule. From online tutoring and freelance writing to selling crafts and driving for ride-sharing services, these side hustles can help you achieve your financial goals and enrich your professional life.
Remember to consider your strengths, interests, and availability when choosing a side hustle. With dedication and effort, you can turn these opportunities into a successful and fulfilling endeavor. Have you tried any of these side hustles, or do you have other suggestions? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
