As the school year winds down, many teachers are looking for ways to make some extra income over the summer. Whether you’re hoping to save up for a big purchase, pay down debt, or simply enjoy some extra spending money, teacher side hustles can be a great way to supplement your income during the summer months.
Teacher Side Hustles to Try this Summer
While the prospect of taking on additional work may seem daunting, there are plenty of fun and flexible side hustles out there that can fit around your schedule and help you achieve your financial goals. We’ll explore some of the best summertime teacher side hustles and provide tips and resources for getting started.
Side Hustles for Artsy Teachers
1. Sell stock photography
If you have a passion for photography, consider selling the photos you take over the summer on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Wirestock.io. You can earn money every time someone licenses your images for commercial or editorial use.
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2. Sell handmade crafts
If you love making crafts, consider a side hustle selling your handmade items on platforms like Etsy or at local summer craft fairs. From knitwear to jewelry to home decor, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your creativity into cash.
3. Flip furniture
For teachers who enjoy DIY projects, furniture flipping can be a fun and lucrative side hustle during summer break. You can scour thrift stores and yard sales for inexpensive pieces, then transform them with a fresh coat of paint or some new hardware before selling them for a profit.
4. Voiceover work
Teachers with a talent for performing or a great speaking voice may want to consider doing voiceover work. Platforms like Voices.com or ACX.com offer opportunities to audition for a variety of gigs, from audiobook narration to commercials and more.
5. Host an educational podcast or YouTube channel
As a teacher, you have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share. Creating an educational podcast or YouTube channel is a great way to reach a wider audience. You can share tips about teaching or other subjects you’re interested in, interview other experts, and even invite guest speakers to share their insights. Summer break is the perfect time to get your podcast or channel launched.
Side Hustles for Wordsmith Teachers
6. Freelance writing
If you enjoy writing, you can make money by freelance writing for various clients. This can include writing blog posts, articles, social media content, or other types of copy. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Working Not Working are good places to find freelance writing gigs over the summer.
7. Publish an ebook
Whether it’s a curriculum guide or a collection of stories, teachers can use their expertise to publish an ebook and sell it online. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is a popular platform for self-publishing, but there are other programs and websites available as well.
8. Blog on your own website
Share your insights and experiences by creating your own blog. This can be a great way to build an audience and establish yourself as an authority in your field. There are many website builders available, such as WordPress or Squarespace, that make it easy to create a professional-looking blog and begin building an audience.
9. Proofreading/editing
If you have an eye for detail and a love of language, you may enjoy proofreading and editing. There are many opportunities to do this kind of work as a freelancer, and you can find them on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com. Short-term gigs make it easy to work on your side hustle over the summer and focus on your teaching during the school year.
Side Hustles for Active Teachers
10. Coach or ref summer sports
Former soccer star? Love baseball? Teachers with a background in sports can put their knowledge and skills to work by coaching or refereeing summer sports leagues. This can include youth sports like soccer or baseball, as well as adult leagues.
11. Landscaping
For teachers who enjoy working outside, mowing lawns or doing yard work can be a great way to earn extra income over the summer. You can advertise your services on local community bulletin boards or social media platforms to find clients in your area.
12. Teach a fitness class
If you love the gym, consider teaching a fitness class over the summer. This can include yoga, Pilates, or other types of group exercise classes (indoors or outdoors!). You can advertise your classes at local gyms or community centers, or even teach classes online.
13. Pet sitting or dog walking
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and flexible teacher side hustle, and there’s lots of demand while people are on vacation over the summer. Websites like Rover.com connect pet owners with local caregivers, making it easy to find clients in your area.
Side Hustles for Teachers Who Want to Teach More
14. Tutor
If you enjoy working one-on-one with students, consider offering tutoring services as a summer side hustle. You can advertise your services on platforms like Wyzant, or reach out to local families who may be interested in your expertise. Tutoring can be a great way to make extra money while helping students achieve their academic goals.
15. Teach English online
Teaching English to non-native speakers online is a natural teacher side hustle, especially for teachers who work in language arts. Websites like VIPKid allow you to set your own schedule and work from home, making it a great summer side hustle. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to teach, but the flexibility and earning potential can make it a great option for teachers.
16. Sell lesson plans
Is lesson planning your forte? Teachers can sell lesson plans and other teaching materials on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. This can be a great way to monetize your experience and expertise while helping other teachers save time and improve their own lessons.
17. Create online courses
Consider creating and selling online courses in your subject area on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. You can set your courses up over the summer and then make passive income all year round, as students can enroll in your courses at any time. You’ll need to put in some upfront work to create high-quality course content, but the potential for earning passive income can make it a worthwhile side hustle for teachers.
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18. Teach summer school
If you’re looking for a more traditional teaching experience over the summer, consider teaching summer school courses in your local school district or through private institutions. Check your local school district’s website for job listings, or reach out to private institutions in your area to see if they’re hiring. Summer school teaching can be a great way to earn extra income while keeping your teaching skills sharp during the summer months.
Side Hustles for Teachers Who Miss Kids All Summer
19. Virtual summer camp instructor
If you love working with kids and want to provide them with a fun and educational summer experience, consider becoming a virtual summer camp instructor. Websites like Outschool allow you to design and lead online summer camp sessions in various subjects or activities, such as art, science, or cooking. This can be a great summer side hustle for teachers who miss the energy and enthusiasm of their students.
20. Childcare or babysitting
If you enjoy working with kids one-on-one or in smaller groups, consider offering childcare or babysitting services over the summer. Lots of parents are looking for childcare help during summer break. You can advertise your services on platforms like Care.com, or reach out to families in your community who may be interested in your services. Providing childcare can be a great way to earn extra income while getting to work with kids all summer long.
Side Hustles for Teachers With Extra Space
21. Run a themed Airbnb experience
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to interact with people and earn some extra money this summer, consider hosting a themed Airbnb experience. You can create a unique and educational experience, such as a cooking class or a history tour, that showcases your skills and interests. This can be a great way to connect with people from all over the world and share your knowledge with others. You’ll need to set this up early so people have time to book for summer dates.
22. Rent your storage space
Another way to make extra income over the summer is by renting out your storage space. Platforms like Neighbor allow you to rent out extra space in your home or garage to people in your local area who need additional storage. This can be a great way to monetize unused space and help others at the same time.
Side Hustles for Extra Organized Teachers
23. Offer home organization or decluttering services
If you love organizing, try offering home organization and decluttering services to help people tidy up their living spaces during the summer. This can include anything from cleaning out a closet to rearranging an entire room. Websites like TaskRabbit can be a great resource for finding clients and managing your schedule.
24. Become a virtual assistant or bookkeeper
Use your organizational skills to become a virtual assistant or bookkeeper for businesses or individuals. This can include tasks like managing email correspondence, scheduling appointments, and keeping track of financial records. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients and manage your workload.
Even More Teacher Side Hustles
25. Mystery shopping
Love to shop? Earn money while shopping by evaluating businesses as a mystery shopper. You can assess customer service, product quality, or store conditions. Mystery shopping jobs are available through companies like Market Force Information.
26. Do user testing
Participate in user testing for websites and apps to give feedback on usability and functionality. Companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI pay for this service.
27. Personal shopper
Use your fashion sense and shopping skills to become a personal shopper for clients who need help finding the perfect outfit or accessories. Offer your services through social media or online marketplaces.
28. Drive for a ride-share service or food delivery
If you enjoy cruising around in your car, make extra money this summer by driving for ride-share services like Uber or Lyft or delivering food for services like Grubhub or DoorDash.
29. Clean houses
Offer your cleaning services to busy families or individuals who need help tidying up their homes this summer. Advertise your services on social media or through online marketplaces like Care.com.
30. Local tour guide
If you live in an area with popular tourist attractions that get busy over the summer, become a local tour guide and share your knowledge with visitors. Advertise your services on social media or through online marketplaces like Airbnb Experiences.
31. House-sitting
Offer your services as a house-sitter for families who need someone to watch over their home while they’re away on summer vacation. You can find house-sitting opportunities on websites like TrustedHousesitters.
32. Become a notary
Earn extra income as a notary by witnessing and authenticating signatures on legal documents. You can take an online course through sites like Loan Signing System over the summer and become a certified notary, and then you can work this side hustle all year around if you choose.
33. Get paid for surveys or studies
Participate in paid online surveys or studies to earn extra cash. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie offer these opportunities.
There are many great options for teachers looking to make extra money over the summer, no matter what your talents and interests are. Whichever side hustle you choose this summer, make sure you make some time for yourself too! Check out ID.me’s best discounts for teachers’ summer getaways, and use some of your extra income to treat yourself to a relaxing vacation.
