Six Side jobs for Teachers, Part I

Part-time.  Side Hustle.  Mad Money.  Vera Bradley Fund.  Kids’ Activities Fund.

Travel Fund.  Starbucks Fund.  College Fund.  I Need a Vacation Fund.

Baby Step # 2 Fund (see Dave Ramsey) .  I’m Going to Leave This Crazy Teaching Life and Live on a Beach Fund.

Whatever you want to call it, many teachers take on extra work to supplement their income, no matter the reason.

I was taught to work hard.  I can’t remember too many years where I didn’t do something else along with my full-time teaching job.  Yes, it’s crazy.  Yes, over the years, I’ve let things go to focus on what really matters or for a better opportunity.

Maybe you are reading this because you have a short-term saving goal, really need fresh inspiration for income opportunities, or maybe you are in the midst of your own crisis (and extra income is desperately needed).

Whatever the reason, I hope this list will help you find something that speaks to your heart.  As teachers, we give so much (and we all know it isn’t for the salary).  Find the side job that brings some breathing room into your budget (see Dave Ramsey, again) and some joy to your heart (or just more money for your Starbucks card).

SIX SIDE Jobs for Teachers

1.  Teaching

It almost seems silly to type this, but it’s true!  Using your skills and credentials outside your school can help you earn some serious $$$.  However, make sure you understand your county’s policy regarding such work and you are not violating your teaching contract.

Top Locations for Teaching:

• Local courses (evening or summer)
• Local Universities or colleges (often you need a Master’s Degree)
• Online opportunities
• After-school teaching/tutoring programs

There are many teaching opportunities on-line (I’ve been teaching on-line for 8 years).  Check out your district’s tutoring list or make sure your administrator knows you are willing to tutor students.

2.  Textbook Industry

Do you enjoy writing and editing?  If not, skip to #3!  Yes?  Read on.

Consider reaching out to publishers to conduct book reviews.  I made most of my connections in this industry at professional conferences.  If you attend a conference, prepare to spend time with publishers and take your personal business card.

Once I submitted reliable, well-written work, I earned usually $75-$150 for each book review (depending on how fast they needed the review and what the company needed).  For a poor, married graduate student (at the time), the money was great.  I worked at home, used a few hours to review the book, and was paid for it!  Seeing my name credited as a “reviewer” the first time in writing was pretty awesome to boot!

3. Testing Industry

If you hate all things testing and standardized, then go to #5.  

If you want to make assessments better for your students and be a part of the change (guilt trip notice), then read on.

The testing industry is just that.  It’s an industry.  Many of them are non-profits, but they still need professionals in the content area you teach to grade tests.  That’s the reality.  For the “nerd” in me, I loved this.  Not only did I glean insight into testing and amazing training, I loved being on the “backside” and grading!

I worked for a great, large testing company.  They only reason I ended up giving it up had to do with my time.  Our family grew and I was teaching full-time and working two other side-job (see #1).

While working for testing is strictly controlled (hello, sign the non-disclosure and DO NOT talk about it or you will go to assessment jail), it can be quite fulfilling.  You utilize your area of knowledge and apply that knowledge.  Many testing companies require a Bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience.  If you live close enough to their “on-site” locations, you may even go in and work in person (great for making contacts).

In the past, I scored tests for a certain company.  There procedures asked me to submit a schedule request.  I could have requested full-time work.  When I started, I usually scored tests 2-3 days a week for their 4-hour block of time.  As life got busier, I just didn’t have enough time and room in my schedule.  I would go back and work for them.  That was how positive my experience was.

Now, I still work for testing companies, but at invitation-only events where I write test materials, develop tests, and help set scoring standards.  However, I am convinced that my earlier experiences with testing helped me get on the “short-list” to participate in these other, invitation-only jobs.  Start somewhere.

4.  Teacher Pay Teacher

Need I say anymore?

Teachers are making money (some MAJOR money) selling their original material on this site.  You can join and sell for free (TpT takes a small commission) or sign up as a premium seller.

Yours truly has a store front there (that is still getting items added).

Check it out (small, but growing with big dreams and aspirations from me).

My TpT store:  ELL Crossroads

5.  Working Local Cultural Events

I must give credit where credit is due.  My husband shared this one.  He said, “Every summer, the teachers in my district all worked at the State Fair for two weeks.”

Brilliant!

Something they loved to do.  Working the fair was good money with a short, summer commitment and somewhere they wanted to be and would be anyway.

Perhaps there is a local theatre or performing arts center in your area?  Maybe local museums need summer tour guides/workers 1 day a week?

There aren’t any lesson plans to write.  Just show up and be your charming self.

6.  Tutoring

While I mentioned this above in #1, this warrants its own slot on the list.  I know many teachers that make excellent money tutoring after-school or during the summer.  Amounts earned depend on what they charge as well as the going rate in the area.  I tutored one summer and made some serious dough!

Check out your district’s tutoring list or make sure your administrator knows you are willing to tutor students.

You get the chance to work one on one (or small group) and provide intensive instruction.  You will need to write lesson plans and gather materials, but you’ll enjoy your students so much (and you are only preparing for a few) that it won’t seem like work.

(stayed tuned for part 2  of the list!  This post became too long.)

Anything resonate with you?  Questions?  Let me know and I’ll answer as best I can.  What are you doing to earn extra income as teacher?

Blessings and Happy Summer!

Lesley