31 Best Side Hustles for Teachers

Teaching is more than just a job. For most, it’s a calling. Yet, no matter how fulfilling it may be, teachers often have to supplement their income. With rising costs and a stagnant wage, educators are turning to side hustles to make ends meet. And why not? With the right side hustle, teachers can supplement their income, learn new skills, and develop new passions.

In this guide, we’re going over the 31 best side hustles for teachers.

Overview of the 31 Best Side Hustles For Teachers

Take a look at the following side hustles that provide opportunities for teachers to earn extra income, utilize their skills and expertise, and explore their passions outside the classroom.

Create and Sell Online Courses

As a teacher, you have valuable knowledge and expertise to share. Creating and selling online courses is a great way to reach a wider audience and earn passive income. You can develop courses on subjects related to your field or educational topics that you excel in.

Airbnb Hosting

If you have extra space in your home or apartment, consider becoming an Airbnb host. You can rent out a spare room or your entire property to travelers, allowing you to earn additional income while providing a unique hospitality experience.

Petsitting

If you love animals, offering pet-sitting services can be a rewarding teacher side hustle. Many pet owners seek reliable and caring individuals to look after their pets while they are away. You can provide services such as pet feeding, walking, and overnight care.

Sports Coaching

If you have expertise in a particular sport, consider offering sports coaching services. You can provide one-on-one or group coaching sessions to individuals of different ages and skill levels. This can be done during evenings or weekends, allowing you to earn extra income while sharing your passion for sports.

Editor or Proofreader

Teachers often possess excellent writing and editing skills. You can utilize these skills by offering editing and proofreading services to individuals, businesses, or publishers. This can involve reviewing and polishing written content for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Publish an eBook

If you have writing talent, consider self-publishing an eBook. You can write on a subject you are knowledgeable about or create educational material for students. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to publish and sell your eBook to a global audience.

Ride Share

Driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible side hustle for teachers. You can choose your own working hours and earn extra income by providing transportation services to passengers in your area.

Local Tour Guide

If you live in an area with tourist attractions, consider working as a local tour guide. You can showcase your knowledge of the area’s history, landmarks, and culture while leading guided tours for visitors.

Camp Counselor

During summer or school breaks, working as a camp counselor can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding side hustle for teachers. Camps often look for individuals with teaching experience to lead activities, provide instruction, and ensure the well-being of campers.

Become a Notary

Becoming a notary can provide you with additional income by offering notarization services. Many legal documents require notarization, and as a notary, you can certify signatures, administer oaths, and verify identities.

Housesitting

House sitting involves taking care of someone’s home while they are away. This can include tasks such as collecting mail, watering plants, and ensuring the security of the property. House sitting can be a flexible side gig for teachers during school holidays or breaks.

Extracurricular Instructor

Offer extracurricular activities or specialized instruction in subjects like art, music, dance, or theater. Many parents are willing to enroll their children in after-school programs or private lessons to enhance their skills and interests.

Sell Stock Photos

If you have a talent for photography, you can sell your photos online through stock photography platforms. Businesses, bloggers, and publishers are constantly in need of high-quality images for their websites, marketing material, and publications.

Freelance Writing

Use your writing skills to become a freelance writer. You can write articles, blog posts, or educational content for various clients or publications. Freelance writing offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore different topics and can be a great teacher side hustle.

College Prep Coaching

As a teacher, you can offer college preparation coaching services to high school students. This can involve helping them with college applications, essay writing, test preparation, and career guidance.

Deliver Food or Groceries

Join food delivery services like DoorDash or Instacart and earn money by delivering food or groceries to customers. This can be a flexible side gig that allows you to choose your own hours.

Graphic Design

If you have design skills, consider offering graphic design services. You can create logos, brochures, social media graphics, and other visual material for individuals or businesses.

Teach English as a Second Language

Many online platforms connect English teachers with students from around the world. You can teach English as a second language online and set your own schedule.

Sell Lesson Plans or Printables

Teachers can create and sell lesson plans, educational materials, or printables online. You can reach platforms that provide a marketplace for educators to share and sell their resources.

Summer School Teacher

During summer break, consider teaching summer school classes. Many schools offer academic or enrichment programs during the summer months, providing an opportunity for teachers to earn extra income.

Digital Marketing Ads

If you know about digital marketing, you can help businesses run online advertising campaigns. This can involve creating and managing social media ads, Google Ads, or other digital marketing strategies.

Personal Training

If you are passionate about fitness and have knowledge in this area, consider becoming a personal trainer. You can provide one-on-one or group fitness training sessions to individuals looking to improve their health and well-being.

Bartend on Weekends

Working as a bartender on weekends can be a lucrative side hustle, especially if you enjoy the social aspect of it. Bartending allows you to interact with people, showcase your mixology skills, and earn tips.

Tutor Online or In-Person

Utilize your teaching skills by offering tutoring services. You can provide academic support, test preparation, or subject-specific tutoring to students of different ages.

Blogging

If you enjoy writing and have expertise in a particular subject, starting a blog can be a fulfilling side hustle. You can share your knowledge, experiences, and insights while monetizing your blog through advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing.

eCommerce Site

Consider starting an eCommerce site to sell products online. This can involve selling physical products, handmade crafts, or digital goods.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teachers. Many parents need reliable childcare services, and as a teacher, you have the skills and experience to provide a safe and educational environment for children.

Real Estate Agent

If you have an interest in real estate and good interpersonal skills, becoming a real estate agent can be a rewarding side hustle. You can help individuals buy, sell, or rent properties while earning commissions.

Sell Print-on-Demand Products

Create and sell customized products using print-on-demand services. You can design and sell items like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or home decor with your unique designs.

Virtual Assistant

Offer virtual assistant services to busy professionals or entrepreneurs. This can involve tasks such as email management, appointment scheduling, social media management, and general administrative support.

Online Surveys

Participate in online surveys and earn rewards or cash. Many companies and market research firms are willing to pay for your opinions and feedback.

Tips for Starting a Side Hustle as a Teacher

As a teacher, you likely have a busy schedule during the day and limited time available outside of work hours. Side hustles can provide an additional income stream and allow you to pursue your passions and interests outside the classroom. Here are some tips to help you decide on your side hustle:

1. Identify your skills and passions

Consider the skills you possess that are not necessarily related to teaching, such as graphic design or photography. Think about what you enjoy doing outside of work and how you can monetize those hobbies.

2. Research the market

Look at what similar side hustles are out there and assess their demand and profitability. This can help you decide on a side hustle that is fitting for you and has the potential to be lucrative.

3. Consider your availability and capabilities

Take an honest assessment of your availability and capabilities. Make sure the side hustle you choose is feasible with your existing schedule and work responsibilities.

4. Leverage online platforms

Many online platforms can help you market and sell your products or services, such as Etsy or Fiverr. Utilize these platforms to reach a wider audience and boost your potential earnings.

5. Start small

Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much too quickly. Start small and build your side hustle gradually to ensure you can balance it with your teaching job and personal life.

Remember to Incorporate Your Side Hustle

Choosing a business structure for your side hustle can provide a host of benefits, including legal and financial perks that work to protect your personal assets, define your tax obligations, and establish credibility and professionalism.

By selecting the appropriate business structure – whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, you’ll be in a stronger position to separate your personal and business liabilities, and potentially reduce the risk of personal financial loss.

By far, the easiest and most straightforward way to incorporate your side hustle is to use doola – the comprehensive business resource platform. You can set up your business structure online and even access tax tools, bookkeeping resources, and other perks. Explore what doola has to offer here.

FAQs

What are some of the best side hustles for teachers to earn extra income?

Some great options include tutoring, freelance writing or editing, pet-sitting or dog walking, and creating and selling educational resources like lesson plans or worksheets.

How much time do I need to commit to a side hustle as a teacher?

The amount of time needed will vary depending on the side hustle and your availability. Part-time options like tutoring or freelance work can often be done in the evenings or weekends while creating and selling educational resources can be less time-intensive if you already have materials prepared.

Will having a side hustle interfere with my teaching job?

It’s important to balance your time and ensure that your side hustle doesn’t interfere with your primary job as a teacher. However, many side hustles can be done outside of school hours or during breaks, so it’s possible to earn extra income without letting it impact your teaching responsibilities.

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