Teaching is a rewarding profession, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always come with the paycheck educators deserve. Many teachers turn to side hustles to supplement their income while still making a positive impact on others. Fortunately, there are plenty of flexible, fulfilling opportunities that align with an educator’s skills. Whether you want to boost your earnings during the school year or maximize your time in the summer, here are the best side hustles for teachers to consider.
1. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is one of the most lucrative and flexible side hustles for teachers. With platforms like VIPKid, Wyzant, TutorMe, and Chegg Tutors, educators can teach students worldwide from the comfort of home. Many sites allow you to set your own rates and hours, making it easy to work around your teaching schedule.
Benefits:
- High earning potential (up to $50/hour or more)
- Choose your own schedule
- Work from home
Pro Tip: If you specialize in high-demand subjects like math, science, or test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE), you can charge premium rates.
2. Selling Lesson Plans and Educational Resources
If you’ve spent years creating lesson plans, worksheets, and activities, why not monetize them? Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) and Etsy allow educators to sell digital downloads, turning their expertise into passive income.
Benefits:
- Earn passive income from resources you already have
- Help fellow educators
- Scale your business over time
Pro Tip: Focus on niche markets like special education, interactive digital lessons, or seasonal activities to stand out.
3. Freelance Writing and Blogging
Teachers are natural writers and communicators, making freelance writing an excellent side hustle. You can write education-related blog posts, curriculum guides, or eBooks for websites, magazines, and businesses.
Where to Start:
- Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer for freelance gigs
- Medium and Substack for personal blogs
- Education-based sites like WeAreTeachers and Edutopia accept guest contributions
Pro Tip: Start your own education blog and monetize it through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
4. Teaching Online Courses
If you love teaching but want to expand beyond the classroom, consider creating an online course. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare allow you to build and sell courses on topics you’re passionate about.
Popular Course Ideas:
- Classroom management strategies
- Teaching English as a second language (ESL)
- Personal development for students and teachers
- Educational technology and online teaching tools
Pro Tip: Market your course through social media, email lists, and educational groups to reach a larger audience.
5. Private Tutoring
Unlike online tutoring, private tutoring allows you to work with local students in person. Many parents seek extra help for their children in subjects like math, reading, and writing.
Where to Find Clients:
- Word-of-mouth referrals
- Local Facebook groups
- Craigslist or Nextdoor
- Your school’s parent network
Pro Tip: Offer small-group tutoring sessions to maximize earnings while maintaining affordability for families.
6. Coaching and Mentoring
If you have experience in sports, music, debate, or another extracurricular activity, coaching can be a great way to earn extra money while staying connected to your passion.
Coaching Opportunities:
- School-sponsored sports teams
- Private coaching (e.g., one-on-one music lessons)
- Summer camps or after-school programs
Pro Tip: Offer online coaching through Zoom or Skype to expand your client base beyond your local area.
7. Educational Consulting
Experienced teachers can leverage their expertise by becoming educational consultants, helping schools improve their curriculum, teaching strategies, and student engagement.
Where to Get Started:
- Offer workshops for school districts
- Provide training sessions for new teachers
- Develop personalized learning plans for students
Pro Tip: Build a website showcasing your expertise and success stories to attract clients.
8. Selling Crafts and Printables on Etsy
Creative teachers can turn their skills into profit by selling handmade items, classroom decor, or printables on Etsy. Many teachers make money selling bulletin board kits, printable planners, and educational games.
What to Sell:
- Classroom posters and decor
- Digital planners and organizational tools
- Personalized teacher gifts
Pro Tip: Use Canva or Adobe Illustrator to design professional-looking products.
9. Transcription and Data Entry
For teachers who want an easy, low-stress side hustle, transcription and data entry are great options. Websites like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript pay workers to convert audio into text.
Benefits:
- No prior experience required
- Work as much or as little as you want
- Flexible deadlines
Pro Tip: If you type fast, you can increase your earnings significantly.
10. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals, consider pet sitting or dog walking through platforms like Rover and Wag. Teachers often have flexible hours, making them great candidates for this type of work.
Benefits:
- Get paid to spend time with animals
- Flexible scheduling
- Low startup costs
Pro Tip: Offer pet-sitting services during school breaks and summers when you have extra time.
11. Renting Out Property on Airbnb
If you have a spare room, you can rent it out on Airbnb to earn passive income. Even if you don’t own a property, you can do rental arbitrage (subletting with permission).
Benefits:
- Passive income potential
- Meet new people
- Use your hospitality skills
Pro Tip: List your rental during peak travel seasons for higher earnings.
12. Driving for Rideshare or Delivery Services
If you have a car, you can drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart to earn extra money in your free time.
Benefits:
- Work on your schedule
- Instant payouts with some platforms
- Minimal skill requirements
Pro Tip: Drive during peak hours (mornings, evenings, weekends) to maximize earnings.
13. Voice Acting or Audiobook Narration
Teachers often have strong, clear speaking voices, making them great candidates for voice-over work or audiobook narration.
Where to Start:
- ACX (Amazon’s audiobook platform)
- Voices.com
- Fiverr (for small gigs)
Pro Tip: Invest in a good microphone to ensure professional-quality recordings.
14. Photography
If you have a passion for photography, you can sell stock photos, do portrait sessions, or offer event photography.
Where to Sell Photos:
- Shutterstock and Adobe Stock
- Etsy (for prints and digital downloads)
- Local community (family and senior portraits)
Pro Tip: Specialize in school photography or yearbook photos to use your teaching connections
Teachers have a wealth of skills that translate into profitable side hustles. Whether you prefer working online, coaching, crafting, or tutoring, there are plenty of flexible options to earn extra income. The best side hustle is one that aligns with your passions and fits seamlessly into your schedule.
By leveraging your expertise and creativity, you can build a successful side hustle that not only boosts your income but also enhances your professional and personal growth. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your side hustle flourish!