The teacher side hustle is a very real thing. For many, a second job has become necessary as teacher salaries struggle to keep up with the cost of living. As these frustrations have become more publicly voiced, the discussion around side jobs has increased, bringing to light just how many teachers are working outside the classroom.
Whether you work a side hustle or not, it’s become part of what it means to be an educator in the U.S., which is why we’ve created a guide to help you learn more. From low-key ways to ease yourself into working a second job to links featuring fascinating teacher profiles, we’ll catch you up on what you need to know.
Easy Side Gigs to Get You Started
- Blogging – There are many educator websites that are constantly looking for teachers to create content. Writing articles, taking photos and piloting products in your classroom can bring home a nice paycheck each month depending on how many projects you take on. To get started, reach out to sites that match your expertise and interests with a few writing samples prepared.
- Babysitting – Working parents are always in need of childcare, especially during the summer months when their kids are out of school. You could be the one that provides that service. Start your own “mini-camp” where you plan group activities for kids and have themed days. This will allow you to charge a bit more than traditional babysitting and will be something the kids look forward to.
- Sell your teacher resources – Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers allow teachers to sell resources they’ve created. This is a great way to make extra money and also share your great ideas with other educators.
More Ideas for Second Jobs
- How to Earn Money Teaching During the Summer – This previous ACE It Together post shares opportunities that specifically draw on the teaching skills you already have.
- 50 Legit Ways Teachers Can Make Extra Money – If you’ve got the will, you’ll find the way and this list proves it.
- Easiest Part-Time Jobs to Boost Your Income – Broaden your search outside of the teacher-specific if you need even more options.
Fascinating In-Depth Looks
- The Second Shift: What Teachers are Doing to Pay Their Bills – This interactive magazine from The New York Times profiles several teachers at work after school hours.
- Teachers and Second Jobs: The Rising Need for Supplemental Income – Data show that 1 in 5 teachers nationwide have a second job out of necessity. Get to know more of the hard numbers from this article.
- Moonlighting – Get a glimpse of how both teachers and paraprofessional educators live working multiple jobs in different pockets of the country, as well as how unions and collective bargaining can help change things for the better.
We know not everyone has the capacity to take on second job. That’s why American College of Education offers master’s degree programs for educators at reasonable prices.
