In a recent report by the National Education Association, it was revealed that teachers in the United States are earning 5% less on average than they were a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. With the average starting teacher salary currently sitting at $44,530 per year, many educators are feeling the financial strain and are turning to side hustles to supplement their income.
In today’s landscape, entrepreneurship is on the rise, and the gig economy is booming. One report even projects that there will be more than 86 million freelancers in the US by 2027. With side hustles becoming increasingly popular, teachers are exploring various opportunities to make extra money outside of their standard teaching salary.
Here are some of the best side hustles for teachers to consider:
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Sell Lesson Plans: If you have developed educational materials during your teaching career, consider selling them on platforms like Sellfy, Classful, and Teachers Pay Teachers. You can sell lesson plans, presentations, worksheets, and other educational materials to fellow teachers for extra income.
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Create Online Courses: Utilize your teaching skills to create online courses on platforms like Thinkific, Udemy, and Teachable. Whether it’s math, history, or any other subject, you can develop video courses and podcasts to help others learn and earn money in the process.
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Offer Tutoring Services: Provide private tutoring services to students in need of extra help. Whether it’s English, math, or test preparation, tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle for teachers.
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Administer Tests: Become a test proctor and oversee standardized tests at schools in your area. This can be a great way to earn extra income, with rates typically ranging from $15 to $20 per hour.
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Become a Freelance Writer: Put your writing skills to use as a freelance writer. Whether it’s copywriting, blog writing, or technical writing, there are plenty of opportunities to earn money through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
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Work for a Summer Camp: Spend your school breaks working as a summer camp counselor. This can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra cash during the summer months.
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Teach Summer School: Consider working as a summer school teacher to earn additional income outside of the traditional school year. Summer school teaching positions can be found at local schools, online programs, and colleges.
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Run After-School Programs: Explore opportunities to work with after-school programs in your school district. Whether it’s coaching a sports team or leading a coding class, after-school programs can provide additional income for teachers.
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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. Virtual assistant positions can be flexible and offer an average pay of around $25 per hour.
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Write a Book: Share your knowledge and expertise by writing a book on a subject you’re passionate about. Whether it’s academic or literary, writing a book can be a creative outlet and a source of extra income.
- Pick Up Odd Jobs: Explore platforms like Taskrabbit, Handy, and Thumbtack to find odd jobs that suit your skills and schedule. From pet sitting to house cleaning, there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money on the side.
In conclusion, teachers have a range of side hustle options available to them to supplement their income. Whether it’s selling educational materials, tutoring students, or working as a freelance writer, teachers can leverage their skills and expertise to earn extra money outside of their primary job. With the gig economy on the rise, side hustles have never been more popular, providing teachers with the opportunity to increase their earnings and financial stability.
