15 Profitable Side Hustle for Teacher with Tips & Trick
As a teacher, you are dedicated to educating and shaping the minds of the next generation. However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, your salary may not be enough to cover your expenses. This is where a side hustle comes in handy.
According to a study published by the National Education Association in 2021, the average teacher salary in the United States is $63,645. The study found that teacher salaries vary widely by state, with the highest average salaries in California, New York, and Massachusetts, and the lowest average salaries in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
The study also found that teacher salaries have not kept pace with inflation over the past decade, with a 4.5% decline in real teacher salaries since 2009. This decline in real salaries has led to a growing teacher shortage in many parts of the country, as fewer people are willing to pursue careers in teaching due to the low pay.
The study recommends that policymakers take steps to increase teacher salaries, such as providing more funding for education and increasing state and local support for teacher salaries. It also suggests that districts consider alternative compensation models, such as performance-based pay or incentives for teachers who work in high-needs schools or subjects.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated for their work, as they play a critical role in shaping the future of our society.
In this article, we will explore some profitable side hustles for teachers that will help you earn extra income while still being able to focus on your teaching career.
What is a Side Hustle?
Before we delve into the different types of side hustles for teachers, let's first understand what a side hustle is.A side hustle is a part-time job or business that you do outside your regular job to earn extra income. The great thing about a side hustle is that it allows you to pursue your passion or hobbies and earn money at the same time.
Why Do Teachers Need a Side Hustle?
Teaching is a noble profession, but it is not one that pays particularly well. Many teachers struggle to make ends meet, and a side hustle can help them earn extra income to supplement their salary. Moreover, a side hustle can help teachers gain new skills, meet new people, and pursue their passions.According to a study published by the National Education Association in 2021, the average teacher salary in the United States is $63,645. The study found that teacher salaries vary widely by state, with the highest average salaries in California, New York, and Massachusetts, and the lowest average salaries in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
The study also found that teacher salaries have not kept pace with inflation over the past decade, with a 4.5% decline in real teacher salaries since 2009. This decline in real salaries has led to a growing teacher shortage in many parts of the country, as fewer people are willing to pursue careers in teaching due to the low pay.
The study recommends that policymakers take steps to increase teacher salaries, such as providing more funding for education and increasing state and local support for teacher salaries. It also suggests that districts consider alternative compensation models, such as performance-based pay or incentives for teachers who work in high-needs schools or subjects.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated for their work, as they play a critical role in shaping the future of our society.
15 Profitable Side Hustles for Teachers
1. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is an excellent side hustle for teachers. You can work from home, set your own hours, and make extra money while helping students succeed. You can offer your services through websites such as Chegg, TutorMe, or VIPKid. Some online tutoring platforms allow you to specialize in a particular subject or grade level, while others let you teach a variety of subjects.2. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, freelance writing is a great way to earn extra income. You can write for websites, magazines, or blogs on topics that interest you. Some sites pay per article, while others pay by the word. Freelance writing can be a flexible side hustle that you can do from home or during your spare time.3. Curriculum Development
Many educational companies hire teachers to help create and develop curriculum materials. You can use your expertise to develop lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments. You can find curriculum development jobs on websites like Teachers Pay Teachers or Education Week.4. Virtual Teaching
Virtual teaching is a growing field that allows teachers to teach students online. You can work for an online school or start your own virtual teaching business. Virtual teaching allows you to work from home and set your own hours.5. Test Scorer
Many companies hire teachers to score standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. You can work from home and set your own hours. Test scoring is a great side hustle for teachers who have strong analytical skills.6. Blogging
Blogging is a popular side hustle for teachers. You can create a blog on a topic related to education, such as classroom management or curriculum development. You can make money through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.7. Graphic Design
If you have a knack for design, graphic design can be a lucrative side hustle. You can design logos, brochures, or other marketing materials for educational companies. You can find graphic design jobs on websites such as Upwork or Freelancer.8. Editing and Proofreading
Editing and proofreading can be a great side hustle for teachers who have strong writing and editing skills. You can edit and proofread papers, essays, or other written materials. You can find editing and proofreading jobs on websites such as Fiverr or Freelancer.9. Social Media Management
If you enjoy social media, social media management can be a fun side hustle. You can manage social media accounts for educational companies, create social media content, and monitor social media analytics. You can find social media management jobs on websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn.10. Voiceover Work
If you have a great voice, you can do voiceover work for educational videos or audio recordings. You can find voiceover work on websites such as Voices or Voice123. This is a great way to earn extra income if you have a unique or captivating voice.11. Translation Services
If you are fluent in another language, you can offer your translation services as a side hustle. You can translate documents, websites, or other materials for educational companies. You can find translation jobs on websites such as Upwork or Freelancer.12. Sell Educational Materials
If you have created your own lesson plans, worksheets, or other educational materials, you can sell them on websites such as Teachers Pay Teachers or Gumroad. This is a great way to earn passive income from materials you have already created.13. Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and creative side hustle for teachers. You can create educational videos on topics that interest you, such as teaching strategies, subject-specific content, or classroom management. You can monetize your channel through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.14. Create Online Courses
If you have expertise in a particular subject or area, you can create an online course and sell it on platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare. This is a great way to earn passive income from materials you have already created, and it allows you to reach a wider audience.15. Freelance Consulting
As a teacher, you have valuable expertise in education and classroom management. You can offer your consulting services to educational companies or other teachers as a side hustle. You can provide advice, guidance, or support on a variety of topics, from curriculum development to teacher training.How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for Teacher?
When choosing a side hustle, it's essential to consider your strengths, interests, and schedule. You want to choose a side hustle that you enjoy doing and that complements your teaching career. Moreover, you want to make sure that your side hustle does not interfere with your teaching job.Tips for Balancing Teaching and Side Hustle
Balancing a teaching job and a side hustle can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you balance both:- Set a schedule: Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate enough time to both your teaching job and side hustle.
- Use your weekends and evenings: Use your free time outside the classroom to work on your side hustle.
- Don't overwork yourself: It's essential to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Don't take on too much work and make sure to get enough rest.
FAQs:
Q: How much can teachers earn from side hustles?A: The amount teachers can earn from side hustles varies depending on the type of work and the amount of time and effort they put into it. Some teachers earn a few hundred dollars a month from side hustles, while others can earn thousands of dollars a month.
Q: Is it legal for teachers to have side hustles?
Q: Is it legal for teachers to have side hustles?
A: Yes, it is legal for teachers to have side hustles as long as they do not conflict with their teaching duties or violate any ethical standards. Teachers should check with their school district or union to ensure that their side hustle does not violate any policies.
Q: Can teachers do side hustles during the school year?
Q: Can teachers do side hustles during the school year?
A: Yes, teachers can do side hustles during the school year as long as they do not conflict with their teaching duties or violate any policies. Teachers should ensure that their side hustle does not interfere with their teaching responsibilities or affect their performance in the classroom.
Conclusion:
As a teacher, there are many side hustles you can do to supplement your income. From online tutoring to freelance writing, the options are endless.By exploring these 15 side hustle ideas for teachers, you can find a side hustle that fits your skills, interests, and schedule. Remember to check with your school district or union to ensure that your side hustle is legal and does not violate any policies. Good luck on your side hustle journey!