Teachers are some of the most hardworking and underpaid professionals in the world. They often have to deal with low salaries, student loans, and demanding workloads. That’s why many teachers look for ways to supplement their income with side gigs that fit their schedule and skills.

But what are the best side businesses for teachers? How can you use your expertise and passion to earn more money without burning out?

In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the most popular and profitable side gigs for teachers, from tutoring and test prep to blogging and podcasting. Whether you want to use your teaching skills, pursue a hobby, or explore a new career path, there’s a side hustle for you.

Let’s get started!

Tutoring

Tutoring is one of the most natural and accessible side gigs for teachers. You can use your knowledge and experience to help students of all ages and levels with various subjects. You can also set your own hours and rates, and choose who you work with.

You can start your own tutoring business by spreading the word in your community or using a platform like Wyzant to find clients. Alternatively, you can work for an online tutoring company like BookNook or Chegg, but you’ll likely earn less and have less flexibility.

Tutoring can be a rewarding and lucrative side gig, especially if you specialize in high-demand areas like math, science, or foreign languages. You can expect to earn anywhere from $20 to $60 per hour, depending on your subject, location, and experience.

Test Prep

If you’re a high school or college teacher, you can also make extra money by helping students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. These tests can have a huge impact on a student’s college admission and scholarship opportunities, so parents are willing to pay a premium for qualified tutors.

You can either start your own test prep business or work for a reputable test prep company like the Princeton Review or Kaplan. The latter option may give you more exposure and credibility, but also less control over your schedule and rates.

Test prep tutors can earn more than general tutors, usually between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on the test, the company, and the location.

Teaching English Online

Another way to use your teaching skills to make money online is by teaching English to foreign language speakers. This is a great option for teachers who want to work from home and have a flexible schedule. You don’t need to have a teaching certification in English or a foreign language, but you do need to have a bachelor’s degree and a good command of English.

There are many online platforms that match English teachers with students from around the world, such as VIPKid, Qkids, or iTutorGroup. You’ll typically need to follow a curriculum and use a video conferencing software to conduct the lessons. You can expect to earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the platform and your qualifications.

Giving Lessons

If you teach a subject like art or music, you can also make extra money by giving lessons to children or adults who want to learn a new skill or hobby. You can either do it in person or online, depending on your preference and availability.

You can also create your own online courses or classes and sell them on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare, or Outschool. This way, you can reach a wider audience and generate passive income from your lessons.

Giving lessons can be a fun and creative way to share your passion and expertise with others. You can set your own rates and schedule, but you’ll also need to invest in some equipment and marketing. Depending on your subject and platform, you can earn anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour or more.

Blogging

Blogging is another side gig that lets you showcase your knowledge and personality on any topic you’re interested in. You can create a blog about teaching, education, or your subject area, or you can blog about something completely different, like travel, fashion, or sports.

You can make money from your blog by displaying ads, writing sponsored posts, promoting affiliate products, or selling your own products or services. However, making money from blogging is not easy or fast. You’ll need to create high-quality content, attract a loyal audience, and market your blog effectively.

Blogging can be a rewarding and enjoyable side gig, but it also requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. You’ll also need to spend some money on web hosting, domain name, and design. The income potential of blogging varies widely, depending on your niche, traffic, and monetization strategy. Some bloggers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others make six figures or more.

Podcasting

Podcasting is similar to blogging, but instead of writing, you record audio episodes on a specific topic or niche. Podcasting is a great way to share your voice and opinions with an engaged audience, and it can also be a source of income.

You can make money from podcasting by selling ads, getting sponsors, using affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services. You can also use your podcast to promote your other side gigs, such as your blog, online courses, or books.

Podcasting also requires some upfront investment and technical skills. You’ll need a good microphone, editing software, and a podcast hosting and distribution service. You’ll also need to create consistent and valuable content, grow your listenership, and market your podcast.

Podcasting can be a fun and profitable side gig, but it also involves a lot of work and dedication. The income potential of podcasting depends on your niche, audience size, and monetization methods. Some podcasters make a few hundred dollars per month, while others make thousands or more.

Writing

Writing is another side gig that teachers can excel at, thanks to their extensive writing skills and experience. You can write articles, books, speeches, or copy for various publications and clients, and get paid for your words.

You can write about education-related topics, such as curriculum design, teaching methods, or classroom management, or you can write about anything else you’re knowledgeable or passionate about. You can also use your writing skills to create your own products, such as e-books, online courses, or printables, and sell them online.

You can find writing opportunities by pitching to magazines, websites, or blogs in your niche, or by using freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freedom With Writing. You can also create your own website or portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients.

Writing can be a flexible and lucrative side gig, but it also requires a lot of time, research, and creativity. You’ll also need to meet deadlines, follow guidelines, and adapt to different styles and tones. The income potential of writing varies depending on your niche, experience, and quality. Some writers make a few cents per word, while others make a dollar or more.

Speaking

Speaking is another side gig that teachers can do well, thanks to their public speaking skills and expertise. You can get paid to speak at events, conferences, webinars, or workshops, and share your insights and advice with an audience.

You can speak about education-related topics, such as best practices, trends, or challenges, or you can speak about any other topic you’re an authority or enthusiast on. You can also use your speaking skills to offer coaching, consulting, or mentoring services to individuals or groups.

You can find speaking opportunities by networking with other speakers, event organizers, or industry leaders, or by using platforms like SpeakerHub, eSpeakers, or Gigsalad. You can also create your own website or portfolio to showcase your work and attract clients.

Speaking can be a rewarding and profitable side gig, but it also requires a lot of preparation, practice, and confidence. You’ll also need to market yourself, negotiate your fees, and travel to different locations. The income potential of speaking depends on your niche, experience, and reputation. Some speakers make a few hundred dollars per gig, while others make thousands or more.

Starting Your Own Business

Starting your own business is another side gig option for teachers who have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to pursue their own ideas and passions. You can start a business related to teaching, education, or your subject area, or you can start a business in any other field or industry.

You can start an online business, such as an e-commerce store, a software service, or a membership site, or you can start a brick-and-mortar business, such as a tutoring center, a summer camp, or a craft shop.

Starting your own business can be a challenging and rewarding side gig, but it also involves a lot of risks, responsibilities, and expenses. You’ll need to do market research, create a business plan, register your business, and deal with taxes, legal issues, and customer service. You’ll also need to invest in equipment, inventory, marketing, and hiring.

Starting your own business can have a high growth potential, but it also requires a lot of time, money, and effort. The income potential of starting your own business depends on your niche, product, and strategy. Some businesses make a few hundred dollars per month, while others make millions or more.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many side gigs for teachers that can help you make extra money and use your skills and passions. Whether you want to teach, write, speak, or start your own business, there’s a side hustle for you.

However, before you jump into any side gig, make sure you do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and set realistic goals and expectations. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself and avoid overworking or burning out.

Remember, side gigs are meant to supplement your income and enhance your life, not to stress you out or take away from your main job as a teacher.