In today’s educational landscape, teachers in the United States are facing financial challenges as their salaries have not kept up with inflation over the past decade. According to a report by the National Education Association, teachers now make 5% less on average than they did 10 years ago when adjusted for inflation, with the average starting teacher salary sitting at $44,530 per year. In light of this, many teachers are turning to side hustles to supplement their income and make ends meet.
With entrepreneurship on the rise and the gig economy booming, side hustles have become increasingly popular among teachers looking to earn extra money. In fact, one report projects that there will be more than 86 million freelancers in the US by 2027. This trend has opened up a world of opportunities for teachers to explore different ways to make extra income outside of their standard teaching positions.
Here are some of the best side hustles for teachers to consider:
Sell lesson plans: Teachers can monetize the educational materials they have developed by selling lesson plans, presentations, worksheets, and other resources to fellow educators through online platforms like Sellfy, Classful, and Teachers Pay Teachers.
Create online courses: Channel your teaching skills into creating online courses for paying customers on platforms like Thinkific, Udemy, and Teachable.
Offer tutoring services: Provide private tutoring services to students in need of extra help in subjects like English, math, or test preparation through platforms like Wyzant, Preply, and Tutorly.
Administer tests: Earn extra income by overseeing standardized tests at schools in your area, such as the ACT or SAT, final exams, or licensing tests for various industries.
Become a freelance writer: Utilize your writing skills to work as a freelance writer, creating content for individuals and businesses on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Work for a summer camp: Take on a role as a summer camp counselor during school breaks to earn additional money while enjoying the outdoors.
Teach summer school: Apply for part-time or full-time positions as a summer school teacher to supplement your income during the summer months.
Run after-school programs: Explore opportunities to work with after-school programs in your school district, such as coaching sports teams or leading coding classes.
Become a virtual assistant: Use your organizational skills to work as a virtual assistant, helping clients with tasks like scheduling, email management, and data entry.
Write a book: Share your expertise by writing a book on a subject you are passionate about and self-publish it through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Pick up odd jobs: Explore platforms like Taskrabbit, Handy, and Thumbtack to find odd jobs that fit your schedule and skills, such as pet sitting, house cleaning, or furniture assembly.
By diversifying their income streams through these side hustles, teachers can not only increase their earnings but also leverage their skills and expertise in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s selling lesson plans, tutoring students, or writing a book, there are plenty of opportunities for teachers to make extra money and thrive in today’s challenging economic environment.
