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. And that’s why you’re here, looking for the best side hustles for teachers. The good news? There are plenty of ways for teachers to make extra money, even working one day a week jobs.
I have family and friends who are teachers, and quite a few of them have relocated to other parts of the world to get better pay for teaching. At the time, they had no idea about these thirteen best side hustles for teachers.
13 Best Side Hustles for Teachers
For now, your teaching degree may feel like just a piece of paper and doesn’t justify the amount of student loans you’re probably repaying right now.
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.
With that said, let’s get into it.
1. Online Tutoring
Without previous experience, I tried my hand at tutoring English, and it was both fu
n 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, I’d consider starting my own tutoring business if I were a certified teacher. 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
If you can create a lesson plan, you can sell printables; it’s as simple as that.
This is one of the best side hustles for teachers because you can target families who homeschool, students, and even other teachers. Printables are digital files that customers can download and print at home. These can include various 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. It offers a user-friendly platf
orm 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 popular option for selling creative and educational printables. I sell my printables on Gumroad. They immediately pay me via PayPal when I make a sale, and it’s free to sign up! TikTok is another excellent option—you can showcase your designs in short videos and direct followers to purchase them. Ensure you put your links in your bio and not directly on the TikTok video.
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. Teaching English
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 eager students who want 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.
4. 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, and lesson plans or even encourage other teachers who have special needs students.
If you want a break from focusing on teaching, blogging is still one of the best side hustles for teachers. Why? You can 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 various 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.
11. 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.
12. Proofreading and Editing
Proofreading and editing can be a lucrative side job if you have a keen eye for detail. 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.
13. 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. These side hustles can help you achieve your financial goals and enrich your professional life, from online tutoring and freelance writing to selling crafts and driving for ride-sharing services.
Remember to consider your strengths, interests, and availability when choosing one of these best side hustles for teachers. You can turn these opportunities into a successful and fulfilling endeavor with dedication and effort. Have you tried any of these side hustles, or do you have other suggestions? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.