Four Summer Side Gigs that are Great for Teachers

Hey teachers!
Trying to work out your summer plans? Thanks to retired teacher Joyce Wilson (joyce@teacherspark.org; Teacherspark.org) for putting together these four ways that teachers can keep exercising their "teacher muscle" as much or as little as they want (while also maintaining some income)!

​It would be wonderful if having summers off meant two months of vacation and leisure. Unfortunately, the reality of teachers’ pay means many educators are looking for a second job when summer rolls around. While you could spend the summer months manning a cash register or slinging coffee, there are better options for a summer gig than retail customer service. These four side gigs will earn you money throughout the summer months without eating up all your time, and they can be done during the school year too!
1. TutoringAs a teacher, you not only know what schools expect from student performance, you also know the areas where students tend to struggle. Make use of your expertise by offering tutoring services. Tutoring can be hosted in your own home, at the student’s home, or in a public place like a library. Alternatively, teachers can offer tutoring online. You can tutor K-12 students in a variety of subjects, specialize in a specific field, or help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT. Check out recommendations from The Work at Home Woman for online tutoring opportunities.
2. Teaching English OnlineFor a tutoring experience that’s a little different, consider teaching English online to students in other countries. While there’s a lot of competition in the online ESL field, your experience as an educator will put you ahead of online teachers who lack formal credentials. Before diving in, know what kind of English you’d like to teach. Do you want to teach conversational English to school-age children or focus on business communication for professionals? There’s a lot of demand out there, and defining your niche is the first step in finding paying students.
3. Teaching Music LessonsIf you need a break from arithmetic and reading, consider sharing your love of music by offering music lessons. This gig is a great fit for classroom teachers with a musical hobby or music teachers who want to foster talent in their young students. Instructors can offer lessons in their own home if they have the space to host students. Another option is to offer private music lessons online. Instructors can video chat with students and create courses full of instructional videos that are engaging and easy for kids to digest.
4. Creating Lesson PlansYou pour your heart and soul into the lesson plans you create for your students. While the joy of watching your students learn is priceless, wouldn’t it be great to make money off of those lesson plans? As Business Insider discusses, selling lesson plans online has become a popular method for teachers to earn extra income. You not only make the lives of other teachers easier, but once developed, your teaching materials earn you passive income throughout the year as they continue to sell.
 
No matter what kind of gig you pursue, you’ll need a space to work. Summer break means your home is bustling with activity, so it’s important to find a quiet area that’s free from distraction. If you’re hosting students in your home, choose a space with a private entrance to create a professional environment, childproof it, and equip the space with everything you’ll need to run your business successfully. Finally, make sure your own kids know to stay out when you’re at work. Set office hours during which you’re not to be disturbed; that way, you can give your full focus to your gig and deliver a high-quality service.
 
Working over the summer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing every spare moment for minimum wage. The high hourly pay for teaching and tutoring allow educators to boost their income in a few hours per week. Creating lesson plans, while initially less profitable, is an excellent way to create a passive income stream that flows year-round. That way, you can spend less time hustling and more time enjoying your off season.