Best Side Jobs for Teachers to Make Extra Income

Side jobs for teachers are becoming a popular solution for those seeking extra income and flexibility. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, save for the future, or explore a passion project, the right side gig can support your financial goals without compromising your teaching career. From selling lesson plans to online tutoring, this guide highlights practical side jobs for teachers, providing practical advice on how to leverage your skills for extra cash.

Popular Side Jobs for Teachers to Boost Income

Looking to increase your income without sacrificing your passion for teaching? The good news is that there are countless flexible and rewarding side jobs designed with educators in mind. Whether you want to leverage your communication skills, creativity, or tech-savviness, these opportunities can help you grow professionally and financially—all while keeping your day job.

Selling Lesson Plans

One fantastic option for teachers is to create and sell their lesson plans on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, Classfull, or your own blog. Not only does this help other educators, but it also allows you to earn money from your hard work and creativity.

Selling lesson plans

Tutoring (Online and In-Person)

Tutoring is a tried-and-true method for teachers to earn extra income. It’s flexible, pays well, and builds on your existing teaching skills.

• Top Platforms: Stride Tutoring, Tutored by Teachers
• Pay Range: $34–$40/hour
• Bonus: Choose your subjects and preferred schedule.

Tutoring online or in-person

Teaching ESL

With an increase in demand for English language learning, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) can be a rewarding side job. Online ESL teaching platforms like VIPKid, Cambly, and Preply allow you to set your hours and teach students from around the globe.

Teaching ESL

Writing and Publishing E-Books

If you have a flair for writing, consider creating and publishing e-books. Whether it’s educational content or fiction, this can serve as a long-term income source and also helps showcase your expertise.

Writing and publishing e-book

Freelance Writing

Teachers with a love for writing can branch into freelance blogging, curriculum writing, or educational article creation. Sites like Upwork, ProBlogger, or Edutopia often look for education-focused content.

Freelance writing

Virtual Assistant (VA)

Virtual assistants help businesses manage email, schedule meetings, or organize files. With strong communication and multitasking skills, many teachers thrive in this role part-time.

Platforms to try: Belay, Fancy Hands, or direct outreach to education-related businesses.

Virtual assistant (VA)

Translator

If you’re fluent in another language, consider translating educational materials or online content. This can be a flexible, high-demand niche with consistent work opportunities.

Bonus tip: Start with educational companies or nonprofits who need bilingual content.

Translator

Affiliate Marketing

Have a teaching blog or social media following? Promote products you genuinely use—like classroom supplies or educational tools—and earn commissions through affiliate programs.

Popular platforms: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Teachers Pay Teachers Partner Program.

Affiliate marketing

Driving for Ride-Share Services

If you have a reliable vehicle, consider driving for ride-share services like Uber or Lyft. This option can be particularly suitable for teachers, offering evening and weekend hours that can fit around your teaching schedule.

Driving for ride-share services

Pet-Sitting and Babysitting

Many families are looking for trustworthy individuals to care for their pets or children. Teachers often have strong reputations in their communities, making them ideal candidates for pet-sitting and babysitting jobs.

Pet-sitting and babysitting

How to Choose the Right Side Job

Choosing a side hustle that aligns with your lifestyle, passions, and teaching schedule will make the journey sustainable, rewarding, and even fun. Here’s how to find that sweet spot.

How to choose the right side job?

Assessing Skills and Interests

Before diving into side jobs, assess your skills and interests. Identifying what you enjoy and what you’re good at can lead you to find the most fulfilling opportunities.

Time Management

Think about how much time you’re able to dedicate to a side job. Balancing your current teaching responsibilities with a side hustle is key to maintaining work-life harmony.

Balancing Work with Teaching Responsibilities

Finding a job that allows you to maintain your teaching commitments is crucial. Look for roles that offer flexibility, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Check for Compatibility with School Policies

Some districts or schools have rules about outside work, especially if it involves tutoring your own students or promoting your side business. Make sure your side hustle stays above board. Review your contract or talk to HR before starting any gig that overlaps with your teaching role.

Tips for Making Your Teacher Side Hustle a Success

Once you’ve chosen your ideal side job, it’s time to make the most of it. These practical tips will help you build a thriving, manageable side hustle that supports your goals as an educator.

Tips for making your teacher side hustle a success

Marketing Your Skills

Don’t be shy about showcasing your skills. Utilize social media, community boards, and local networks to market your services. Whether you’re offering tutoring or selling classroom resources, consistent self-promotion helps build trust and attract clients.

How to get started:

• Create a simple portfolio or landing page with your services.
• Share helpful content on social media to showcase your expertise.
• Ask happy clients or parents for testimonials or referrals.

Setting Realistic Goals

Establishing clear, attainable goals can help keep your side hustle manageable. Start small and gradually increase your workload as you become more comfortable.

Pro Tip: Use the SMART goal framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—to structure your side hustle plan. For example: “I’ll upload 5 lesson plans to Teachers Pay Teachers by the end of this month.”

Networking with Other Educators

Networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Engage with fellow teachers and professionals in your community to explore potential side jobs.

Where to find them:

• Join Facebook groups like “Side Hustles for Teachers” or “TpT Sellers.”
• Attend free webinars or virtual networking events.
• Share your journey on social media—you may attract collaborators or customers.

Stay Organized with a Simple System

Juggling teaching and a side hustle? Organization is your superpower. Create a calendar or task list to manage deadlines, client meetings, or uploads to your online shop.

Tools teachers love:

• Google Calendar for time-blocking hustle hours.
• Trello or Notion for tracking tasks and progress.
• Canva or Grammarly for creating polished content.

Start Small—and Scale with Confidence

You don’t have to do everything at once. Begin with one service or product and grow as you learn. This helps you avoid burnout and figure out what works best for you.

Example: Start by tutoring one student per week. Once that becomes routine, expand to two or explore group sessions for higher income per hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make an extra $1,000 a month as a teacher?

To earn an extra $1,000 a month, focus on high-paying side jobs for teachers like online tutoring, selling lesson plans, or freelance writing. For example, tutoring 3–4 hours a week at $40/hour on platforms like Stride Tutoring or Tutored by Teachers can help you reach that goal. Combine it with passive income—such as selling digital resources on Teachers Pay Teachers—to maximize your earnings.

2. What are the best side jobs for teachers?

The best side jobs for teachers are flexible, rewarding, and leverage existing skills. Popular options include private or online tutoring, teaching ESL, selling teaching materials, freelance writing, virtual assistant work, babysitting, and affiliate marketing. These side gigs offer additional income while fitting around a teacher’s demanding schedule.

3. What online jobs can a teacher do from home?

Teachers can explore various online side jobs from home, including:

• Online tutoring on platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant
• Selling digital lesson plans
• Teaching ESL via sites like VIPKid or Preply
• Freelance writing or blogging
• Virtual assistant services for small businesses

These remote side jobs for teachers offer flexible hours and the ability to work around school responsibilities.

4. Do I need special qualifications for teaching ESL?

While some companies require teaching certificates, many do not. If you have a strong command of English, you can find opportunities that fit your background.

Final Words

Side jobs for teachers are more than just a paycheck—they’re an opportunity to grow, connect, and explore your passions. Whether you’re selling your best lesson plan or helping a student read their first book, your side hustle can leave a lasting impact.

Want to start today? Check out Worksheetzone.org for fun, printable, and interactive worksheets to boost your teaching income and impact today!