12 Online side hustles for teachers who want to take financial matters into their own hands – not just settle for what the school district gives.
I’ll just go ahead and admit it upfront, I’m not the best teacher.
I’ve never been a teacher professionally, but I do have a fiver year old who is constantly asking questions about things that I am never really sure how to answer – especially in a way that he will understand.
So, my hat is off to all of you who teach day in a day out – usually being paid not quite as much as you should be.
And while I can’t fix the pay scale, I can offer suggestions to help bridge the gap with some online side hustles for teachers that are completely realistic and doable – even in a limited amount of time.
Whether you’re a teacher (or any other related profession) looking to supplement your income, fund a special project, or simply engage in a productive and fulfilling activity outside the classroom, these ideas can help bring in some much-needed extra income.
Pick one, pick a few, and see if any of them stick. You might just be surprised to find out how much can come from a little online side venture.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I could earn a commission if you purchase through my links, however, there is no cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products that I use or think are great. Thanks for reading!!
12 Online Side Hustles for Teachers
1. Create and Sell Educational Printables
Let’s kick things off with a side hustle that’s a perfect match for any teacher’s skill set – creating and selling educational printables.
Have you ever browsed through Teachers Pay Teachers? Etsy?
Both of these are huge online marketplaces for educational resources. Teachers Pay Teachers was created for the exact purpose of teachers selling the things that have worked for them in the classroom to other teachers who need them and don’t have the time or energy to create them themselves.
Etsy is not just for crafts. Do a little searching for educational resources on Etsy and you’ll soon see all of the different things that people are creating specifically for the classroom.
Even though I’m not a teacher, I can see the immense value in this. You’ve got the expertise and the experience. Those lesson plans and educational materials you create? They’re gold.
Designing these printables isn’t just about putting information on a page. It’s an art. You need to blend educational value with aesthetic appeal. And the best part? As a teacher, you already know what makes an educational tool effective.
Some printable ideas to consider selling:
- Lesson plans
- Math problems
- Power point presentations
- Vocabulary cards
- Flash cards
- Posters, charts, visual aids
- Classroom décor
- Unit studies
- Science experiments
- Printable activities
- Interactive notebooks
Don’t overthink the design too much. If you need a design program, look at Canva. It’s free to use with lots of templates. Or, just use Word docs or PDFs.
For more info on selling printables in general, check out my post: Couch Cash: How to Sell Printables Online Without Leaving Your Netflix Zone.
2. Selling Crafts on Etsy
You can absolutely sell printables on Etsy, for the classroom or not, but what Etsy is really known for is handcrafted physical products.
Teachers are usually a pretty crafty bunch. You have to be with the small budgets you are allotted for all your classroom needs.
Think about duplicating the classroom décor you’re making already and sell the extras. Or, if you have a hobby, think about ways to monetize it. It could be anything from handmade jewelry or artwork to custom classroom decorations. Then, it’s all about presentation – good quality photos and detailed descriptions are key.
Setting up an Etsy shop is relatively painless and they handle all the money aspects and marketing, so all you have to worry about is creating and shipping.
The beauty of this online side hustle for teachers is the creative freedom it offers. You’re not confined to any curriculum or standard – it’s your space to innovate and express yourself. And for teachers, who spend so much time nurturing the creativity of others, this can be an incredibly fulfilling outlet.
For more info on monetizing a hobby, check out my post: 20 Hobbies That Make Money Online: Free Time Means Free Money.
3. Tutoring Online
I’m guessing you probably knew this one was coming, but tutoring isn’t like the old days. It can all be done online, after hours. For teachers, or really anyone with a solid grasp on a particular subject, this is a fantastic way to earn extra income.
One of the easier platforms to look at is Tutor.com and it’s all pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to apply and demonstrate your expertise in the subject you wish to tutor. Once accepted, you can set your schedule, making this a highly flexible online side hustle for teachers.
The beauty of online tutoring is that you can work from anywhere, be it your home or a coffee shop, and at times that suit you.
The financial benefits are pretty good too. Online tutoring pays per session, and with consistent effort, it can add up to a significant income boost. Plus, there’s the satisfaction of helping students understand complex topics and improve their grades.
4. Teaching English Online
Let’s shift gears a little bit to teaching English online, a side hustle with global reach and impact. There are numerous platforms dedicated to this, like VIPKid, iTutorGroup, or EF Education First, connecting English teachers with learners around the world.
The qualifications for teaching English online vary by platform. Generally, you’ll need to be fluent in English and have some form of teaching certification (like a TEFL certificate). Some platforms might require a degree in any field, while others may ask for prior teaching experience.
The potential global impact of teaching English online is immense. You’re not just teaching a language; you’re opening doors of opportunity for your students.
When it comes to engaging online language teaching, the key is interaction. Use digital tools to create interactive lessons, and always be patient and encouraging.
5. Blogging
If you’re a teacher with stories to tell and lessons to share, why not start a blog and monetize it?
Blogging is one of my personal favorites because it is not just a one-off type of payment or gig, it can be a real online business.
Starting a teaching-related blog is easier than you think. Choose a blogging platform like WordPress, pick a domain name that reflects your teaching journey or educational focus, buy hosting (I like and use Bluehost), and you’re good to go.
Your blog can cover a range of topics, from classroom management tips to innovative teaching techniques. Or, you can go rouge and pick a completely different subject that interests you outside of teaching.
Monetization is a key aspect of blogging. Once you have a steady stream of visitors, you can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, your own products (see printables and crafts from above), or sponsored content. Platforms like Google AdSense allow you to earn money by displaying ads. Additionally, collaborating with educational brands or products can lead to sponsored posts.
But more than the potential earnings, blogging is about building your personal brand. It establishes you as a thought leader in the educational field and opens doors to new opportunities.
For more on starting a blog check out my post Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money.
6. Proofreading
Proofreading can be a natural and lucrative online side hustle for teachers. With your keen eye for detail and deep understanding of grammar and structure, you’re already equipped with the fundamental skills required for proofreading.
Finding proofreading gigs might seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of resources. Start by offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. You can also look for opportunities on job boards specific to proofreading and editing like FlexJobs.
Remember, as a teacher, you have a skill set that’s highly valuable in the world of proofreading. This side hustle not only provides an additional income stream, but also allows you to engage in meaningful work that reinforces your professional skills.
7. Freelance Writing
Don’t blow off the idea of being a freelance writer.
The skills honed in the classroom—clear communication, organization of ideas, and an understanding of how to engage an audience—are invaluable in the world of freelance writing.
As a teacher, you can translate your knowledge into various types of content, from educational articles and blog posts to curriculum guides and instructional materials. The possibilities are endless, and there’s a constant demand for high-quality, educational content.
To find freelance writing jobs, start by exploring platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or ProBlogger Job Board. These platforms connect freelancers with clients who need writing services. Also, don’t overlook the power of networking; sometimes, the best opportunities come from professional connections or educational communities.
Balancing teaching with freelance writing requires good time management skills. Set aside specific hours for writing and stick to a schedule to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, freelance writing can be as flexible as you need it to be, fitting around your teaching commitments.
For more info on freelance writing, check out my post: How to Start Freelance Writing with No Experience and Not Cry Yourself to Sleep.
8. Teach an Online Course
This is one of the easier online side hustles for teachers to start because you pretty much do this already as a teacher anyway.
Platforms like Teachable make it easy to turn your expertise and teaching materials into a comprehensive online course.
To start, identify a topic or skill that you’re passionate about and that others are eager to learn. This could be anything from classroom management strategies to a niche area of your subject expertise. Then, plan your course structure, create engaging content, and use multimedia elements like videos and interactive quizzes to enhance the learning experience.
Marketing your course is key to its success. Utilize social media, email marketing, and your professional network to reach potential learners. Engaging with educational communities and forums can also help promote your course. (I use Tailwind to manage my social media and ConvertKit for email marketing.)
One of the most attractive aspects of teaching an online course is the potential for long-term, passive income. Once your course is created and published, it can continue to generate revenue with minimal ongoing effort. This passive income stream can be a significant financial boost and a rewarding way to share your knowledge and skills with a broader audience.
Check out Teachable to get started right away, or read my post How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” for more info.
9. Flipping Items on eBay
Flipping items on eBay might seem kind of old school or overdone, but I can attest that it is a viable online side hustle for teachers.
In its simplest form, flipping items on eBay involves buying products at a lower price and selling them for a profit. This can be a fun and profitable side hustle, especially for those who enjoy hunting for bargains and treasures.
The basics involve sourcing items from places like thrift stores, garage sales, or even your own home. Look for items that are undervalued, but have a demand in the market. This could range from vintage clothing and collectibles to electronics and books.
Key tips for successful flipping include, researching to understand what items are in demand, learning how to assess the condition and value of potential finds, and understanding eBay’s selling process, including listing, shipping, and customer service.
I’ve heard numerous success stories in this field and have done it myself with things from my own closet. A colleague also started flipping vintage toys on eBay as a hobby and ended up making substantial profits, turning it into a regular side hustle.
Jump right in to selling your stuff on eBay or read my at my post: Unleash Your Inner Mogul: Start an eBay Side Hustle – No Skiing Involved.
10. Launching a Teaching Newsletter
Starting a teaching newsletter is an excellent way for educators to share insights, resources, and experiences, while building a community of like-minded individuals. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about creating a platform for ongoing learning and professional development.
When creating content for your newsletter, focus on topics that are relevant and beneficial to your audience, such as teaching strategies, classroom management tips, or new educational resources. Keep the content engaging, informative, and consistent.
Building a subscriber base starts with tapping into your existing network. Promote your newsletter on social media, at professional gatherings, and within your school community. Encourage subscribers to share your newsletter with others to grow your audience organically.
Monetization strategies for your newsletter can include advertising educational products or services, offering paid subscriptions for premium content, or using it to promote and sell your own products, such as lesson plans or e-books. As your subscriber base grows, so does the potential for your newsletter to become a profitable venture.
Read more at my post: How To Make Money With a Newsletter.
11. Affiliate Marketing and Master Resell Rights
Affiliate marketing and Master Resell Rights are all the rage right now, and for good reason. There is a low entry barrier and anyone can start doing it. If done right, it can also be very lucrative.
If I had to pick one of the top online side hustles for teachers to start, or anyone for that matter, it would be affiliate marketing or master resell rights.
Affiliate marketing is a strategy where you promote products or services and earn a commission on sales made through your referral. It’s an excellent way for teachers to monetize their blogs, social media, or newsletters. (See all of these above).
Master Resell Rights (MRR), on the other hand, allows you to resell a product as your own and keep 100% of the profits, often including digital products like e-books, software, or courses.
To get started, choose products that align with your interests and expertise, ideally something you believe in and would recommend to others. For teachers, educational tools, resources, and books are great options. You can find affiliate programs through individual companies or affiliate networks.
Successful marketing strategies involve creating authentic and engaging content that naturally incorporates the products. This could be through product reviews, how-to guides, or personal stories. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience, as transparency builds trust.
Read more about Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing and What is a Master Resell Rights Online Business and Why You Should Start One.
12. Writing an E-book
Writing an e-book is a fantastic online side hustle for teachers. It is an easy way for teachers to share their knowledge and experiences while also earning income.
Start by selecting a topic that you’re passionate about and that you know will interest others. This could be an area of your teaching expertise, personal experiences in education, or a subject that addresses common challenges in the classroom.
Once your topic is decided, choose a writing style that resonates with your intended audience. Keep the language clear and engaging, and structure your content in a logical and coherent manner. Remember, the key to a successful e-book is to provide value to your readers.
For publishing, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords make it easy to publish and distribute your e-book. These platforms offer tools for formatting, cover design, and setting up your book for sale.
Marketing your e-book involves a mix of strategies. Utilize your existing networks, social media, and any online platforms you’re involved with to promote your book. Consider creating a landing page for your e-book, engaging in email marketing, or offering a free chapter to entice readers. (I use and recommend ConvertKit for these things).
Remember, writing an e-book not only helps others, but also establishes you as an expert in your field.
For more on writing an e-book, check out my post: Master The Magical World of Passive Income: eBook Writing for Beginners.
Online Side Hustles for Teachers
Let’s be honest, teaching is hard, and it doesn’t pay that great – usually.
But, the one thing teaching does give you is a set of skills and a lot of knowledge that you can monetize for your benefit.
Don’t just settle for what you’re given by the school district.
Expand into one of these online side hustles for teachers and upgrade your financial situation for yourself.
