Summertime and Beyond: Sweet Side Gigs for Teachers

One of the many perks of the teaching profession is summertime. While summer is for relaxation, it is also the perfect time to explore side gigs to keep you occupied (and make a little extra cash) even after school is back in session. In fact, according to data from the Brookings Institution, teachers are 30 percent more likely than non-teachers to take a second job.

Just like you set up your classroom, designate a home office space that can be your workstation. Pick a sunny, clutter-free area where you can get in the zone. However, without any children to watch over, take advantage of those breaks, whether it is working from the porch or taking a breather with a walk or quick swim. Once your summer station is set up (complete with all those leftover school supplies), check out these gigs to find your calling.

Continue Teaching

 
It is possible to work from home and also teach. Tutoring is a great side gig for those in the educational field, and there are plenty of sites looking for educators. However, don’t feel like you are limited to online-only jobs, especially if you prefer face-to-face teaching and hands-on learning. Start your own tutoring business for kids who need a little extra boost to prepare for the upcoming school year, and continue offering your services after school or on weekends. Ask your principal for permission to send an email blast or contact local schools to see if they would be interested in handing out fliers or business cards. Decide if you will tutor in your home or travel to your clients. Set a predetermined radius so you don’t take a job too far out of the way.

Test-Prep and Grading

 
Teachers often talk about the piles and piles of grading that they have to do. Test preparation comes with the job too, but perhaps you have a system you use that has proven effective. This summer, why not try your hand at online test-prep and scoring? There are sites that give you the ability to video chat with students to help them adequately prepare for tests such as AP, SAT, ACT, PSAT, and the GED. As with the tutoring business, this is another gig you can look into offering within your community or in partnership with your school.

Help out Fellow Teachers

 
Some teachers just have a knack for creating unique lessons plans, worksheets, or activities that other teachers would die to get their hands on. According to Business Insider, Teachers Pay Teachers is the site you need to visit. In 2016, it’s 80,000 contributors earned a combined total of more than $100 million selling lessons plans, worksheets, flash cards, activities, and even year-long teaching units. Teachers use this resource as a one-stop shop to save time and cut down on prep time, so if you are creative or just have a knack for lesson planning, it’s an avenue worth exploring. You can dedicate as much or as little time as you like, which comes in handy once school starts back.

Outside the Realm of Teaching

 
So you love being a teacher and wouldn’t trade it for the world, but perhaps you’d enjoy a side gig that has absolutely nothing to do with education. Being a teacher is hard work, but a side gig can be the breather you need and potentially help you to discover new passions. Take a second and think about what you enjoy doing. Are you a dog-lover? Are you crafty? Are you organized? Chances are you can turn something you enjoy into a side hustle such as becoming a dog walker, opening up an Etsy shop, or offering your organizational services to others.

Teaching is your profession and your passion, but it doesn’t mean you can’t explore other job opportunities. This summer, dip your feet into the side gig business and you just might discover a way to unwind and make a little extra cash all year long. Whether you want to use your education background or explore a completely different avenue, there’s a side gig for you.