Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.
Even the best full-time positions often come with long hours and limited pay. If you’re looking for more flexibility, well-chosen side hustles for teachers are a smart way to turn your talents into extra income on your own terms.
Whether you’re designing classroom-themed merch with Printify or creating educational materials, there are more ways for teachers to make extra money from home than ever before.
This guide explores 21 flexible, fun, diverse, and practical side jobs for teachers, so you can earn more without burning out.
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Key takeaways
- Side hustles for teachers can range from creative methods like Print on Demand and writing to remote second jobs, offering flexibility and extra income.
- Online platforms like Printify make starting a POD business easy and free – all you need are design ideas and some spare time.
- Popular side jobs for teachers include tutoring, creating lesson plans, and running an after-school program, which are extensions of the work already done in the classroom.
- Remote opportunities, such as virtual assistant roles or customer support, are ideal for balancing work during the school year.
- With proper planning, side hustles can be a rewarding extension of your classroom role, providing financial freedom and creative fulfillment.
Best online side gigs for teachers
From harnessing creativity to monetizing educational expertise, educators have tons of opportunities to turn their skills into a second income stream.
1. Print on Demand
Print on Demand (POD) is one of the easiest ways for teachers to earn extra money. No inventory, no shipping, no headaches. Companies like Printify and Printful make it easy to start a print-on-demand business.
Think custom t-shirts, motivational posters, or personalized stationery – practical items other teachers, parents, and students love.
Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for Printify and choose products from our Catalog.
- Add your design with our free Product Creator.
- Start selling your products on platforms like Etsy or Shopify.
Many teachers have found success creating merch their peers enjoy, from inspiring quotes to quirky educational designs. POD is perfect for teachers with creative skills and a passion for sharing their ideas.
“I binge-watched lots of YouTube content on the subject and stayed up all night to get my first Etsy shop up and running. A year down the line, I was able to quit my teaching position and work completely online.”
Unsure where to sell? We’ve analyzed the 10 best online selling sites for 2026, so you can start your side gig with confidence.
2. Online tutoring
Want to earn extra income without stepping away from teaching? Online tutoring gives you control over your time, subjects, and students.
Platforms like VIPKid and Outschool let you teach live online classes, while sites like Udemy and Teachable allow you to sell digital materials and online courses.
Best practices for success:
- Start with your strengths. Focus on subjects you’re confident in. Your passion and clarity will naturally shine through in your teaching.
- Find a rhythm that works. Build a schedule that fits around your school district calendar, your hours, and energy levels.
- Make sessions meaningful. Tailor your sessions to students’ needs to build trust and get referrals.
Tutoring jobs are a profitable extension of your skills, empowering you to reach students globally from the comfort of your home.
3. Freelance writing and blogging
If you enjoy writing and have stories, strategies, or classroom insights to share, becoming a freelance writer is a great way to earn money. Many websites actively seek educators who can bring real-world experience and empathy to their content.
Getting started:
- Explore freelance platforms. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are full of short-term writing gigs, including education-focused topics.
- Pitch what you know. Reach out to blogs or publishers in the education, parenting, or learning space with article ideas you’re passionate about.
- Showcase your expertise. Build a simple portfolio using past classroom materials, reflective essays, or sample articles.
4. Selling lesson plans and other educational materials
Teachers already create valuable tools every day, like lesson plans, worksheets, editable certificates, and learning games. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to turn these resources into income by reaching other educators looking for creative, ready-to-use materials.
How to get started:
- Set up your Etsy store.
- Read our guide on how to sell printables on Etsy.
- Create your listings. Include clear instructions on how to use the printables and exciting visuals to grab attention.
Selling digital resources highlights how many skills you already have that transfer directly into running a small digital business.
5. Educational YouTuber
If you enjoy teaching and being on camera, YouTube can be a powerful way to earn extra income through content creation. Teachers can grow channels by sharing classroom tips, student engagement strategies, curriculum walk-throughs, or even creative read-alouds and whiteboard lessons.
Ways to earn income on YouTube:
- Ad revenue once you meet YouTube’s monetization requirements.
- Paid memberships that unlock exclusive content and personalized support.
- Brand partnerships for reviewing or recommending classroom tools and services.
If you want to find out more ways to monetize this platform, read our guide on how to make money on YouTube.
6. Virtual assistant roles
Virtual assistant (VA) jobs are a great fit for teachers who are organized, tech-savvy, and strong communicators.
As a VA, you might help small business owners or entrepreneurs with day-to-day tasks like:
- Managing calendars or scheduling meetings.
- Answering emails and updating spreadsheets.
- Writing blog posts or creating social media content.
- Organizing digital files or onboarding new clients.
These roles are fully remote and often part-time, making them easy to fit around school hours.
You can find VA opportunities on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. You can also connect with clients through Facebook groups, where job leads are posted daily.
7. Online customer support
Customer support roles often involve answering questions, resolving issues via email or chat, and assisting customers in navigating services or products.
Most positions are remote, so you can have flexible hours with this part-time job. That makes them a good fit for teachers looking to earn additional income on a predictable schedule.
To find customer support roles, use trusted job sites like Remote.co, FlexJobs, and We Work Remotely, where companies regularly post openings.
8. Educational consulting and curriculum design
Educational consulting could be a lucrative side hustle if you have experience developing classroom materials or leading instructional planning.
Schools, nonprofits, and edtech companies often need specialists to improve curriculum quality or solve specific learning challenges.
How to get started:
- Show your work. Build a portfolio that includes units, assessment tools, or any instructional content you’ve created.
- Make connections. Reach out to local school districts, private schools, or education-focused organizations with a clear proposal.
- Offer your expertise. Focus on a niche you know well, such as early literacy, special education, or a foreign language.
This side hustle gives you a voice in shaping how others teach and learn while applying your skills in a new, high-impact setting.
9. Seasonal opportunities
School breaks are a natural window for those who want to explore new roles without overcommitting during the school year.
Popular seasonal side hustles include:
- Summer camps. Work as a summer school teacher or lead themed camps like STEM or art.
- Test prep coaching. Help students prepare for exams like the SAT or ACT.
- Holiday tutoring. Offer short-term tutoring for students who need to catch up or stay on track during the holidays.
Seasonal work gives you a clear timeframe and can offer additional income while keeping your teaching skills sharp.
10. Themed subscription boxes
The subscription box industry is growing fast as more people seek exciting new hobbies, crafts, or learning materials. For teachers, this presents a bankable opportunity to launch a flexible, education-focused side hustle.
Subscription boxes built around topics like science experiments, literacy games, or art projects are popular with families, homeschoolers, and enrichment-focused parents.
As a teacher, you already know how to build engaging experiences. Now, you can package that knowledge into a product with platforms like Cratejoy and Subbly.
11. Voiceover artist
If you enjoy reading aloud or performing in front of an audience, voiceover work is a flexible way to earn additional income from home.
You might narrate audiobooks, children’s stories, educational software, how-to videos, or animated characters. Many of these projects value clear enunciation and an approachable tone, which makes educators a strong fit.
Browse platforms like Voices.com and Fiverr to find voiceover gigs tailored to your expertise.
Invest in basic recording equipment, such as a quality microphone and soundproofing materials, to ensure professional results.
12. DIY kit creator
Design simple, educational kits families can use at home without extra prep. Use your expertise to build activities like phonics card games, math fact puzzles, or journal-and-prompt sets for creative writing.
Include clear instructions, printable elements, and materials that are easy to source in bulk. Sell your kits on Etsy all year round or at local markets when school is out.
This is a manageable way to earn additional income by packaging what you already know into ready-to-use learning tools that support kids outside the classroom.
Great offline side hustles for teachers
For teachers looking to go beyond traditional educator roles, there’s a world of side hustles that combine creativity, teaching experience, and personal interests.
13. Childcare services
Teachers are often in high demand as caregivers thanks to their experience, reliability, and natural ability to engage kids. Babysitting during evenings, weekends, or school breaks is a flexible way to earn extra income without needing additional training.
Use platforms like Care.com and Sittercity to connect with families near you. To stand out, highlight your teaching background and offer structured play, homework help, or enrichment activities.
14. Pet sitting or dog walking
Pet sitting and dog walking can be low-stress ways to earn extra income when they fit easily into your routine. Focus on local opportunities that don’t require long commutes.
Platforms like Rover and Wag! let you connect with nearby pet owners who need reliable help during workdays, weekends, or holidays.
Why pet-sitting gigs are great for teachers:
- Flexible schedule. Fit walks or check-ins into your free time, such as evenings or weekends.
- Low stress. Caring for animals provides a relaxing contrast to the demands of teaching.
- Community connections. Build relationships with local pet owners while helping their fur babies.
15. Wellness coach
Wellness coaching is a flexible way for teachers to earn extra income while helping others build healthier habits. Your ability to guide, encourage, and communicate makes you a strong fit for this role.
You can focus on areas like:
- Stress management.
- Healthy routines.
- Movement or mindfulness practices.
To boost your credibility, pursue a certification in a niche that fits your interests, such as yoga, workplace wellness, or weight management.
Entry-level certifications like YogaRenew or ISSA Health Coach are affordable and self-paced, making them manageable during evenings or breaks.
16. Freelance event planner
If you’re already organizing school field trips, assemblies, or family nights, event planning is a natural extension of your skills. It doesn’t require a huge commitment – take on short, project-based work outside school hours.
Use your school connections to land your first few clients, and build local visibility through low-cost events at libraries, schools, or community centers.
Volunteer at a local event to build experience and collect testimonials. You can grow from there through referrals or part-time contracts.
17. Nature educator
If you have a background in science or environmental studies, consider offering outdoor workshops on topics like ecosystems, plant life, or sustainability.
Teachers can partner with nature centers, after-school programs, or local parks to lead:
- Guided walks.
- Hands-on experiments.
- Mindfulness-in-nature sessions.
Use your teaching skills to engage kids or families in real-world learning. This side gig makes you extra cash, works well on weekends, and builds meaningful community connections.
18. Pop-up classes
Pop-up classes let you teach what excites you on your own schedule. Host a weekend workshop on creative writing, resume building, public speaking, or study strategies at a local library or community center.
These sessions offer a low-pressure way to share your knowledge, reach new learners, experiment with topics you care about, make extra money, and possibly even get more skills yourself.
To promote your side business and handle signups, use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup.
19. Historical reenactor or guide
Working as a historical reenactor or guide is a rewarding side job if you’re passionate about history and storytelling. Many museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals seek educators to perform or lead tours in costumes.
This role combines your teaching skills with an interactive approach to history education.
The Living History Association’s website is a great resource for finding job opportunities.
20. Camp activities director
Looking to work during the warmer months but not into teaching summer school? Work for a summer camp instead. Whether it’s a space, art, or coding camp, designing and leading themed camp activities engages young minds while letting you earn extra money and have a creative outlet.
Search for openings through schools, rec centers, or youth organizations that align with your interests and schedule.
21. Parenting coach
Your classroom experience gives you unique insight into how kids learn and behave.
As a parenting coach, you can guide families through challenges like:
- Homework routines.
- Behavior management.
- School readiness.
- Socialization and interpersonal relationships.
- Learning differences support.
Offer one-on-one sessions or small workshops, either online through platforms like Teachable and Kajabi, or in-person via local parent groups. This is one of the best side jobs for teachers – you earn while also making a meaningful impact by teaching parents new skills.
Getting started with your side hustle
Picking the right supplemental income for teachers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a focused plan, you can use your skills while staying energized in your full-time role.
Pinpoint your area of expertise
Think about tasks you already enjoy. Do you love explaining complex ideas, creating digital content, or organizing learning activities? Your favorite part of teaching often reveals the right path forward.
Choose where to work
Match your side hustle to platforms that align with your skills, interests, and schedule.
- Sell physical or digital products on Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify.
- Find freelance work through online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or niche job boards.
- Launch a print-on-demand shop using Printify to earn nearly passive income.
- Offer services like tutoring or coaching in person or online.
Display your work
Highlight your qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, teaching certifications, or standout classroom projects, and create a collection of sample work or past projects.
This could include slide decks, curriculum outlines, student feedback, or digital designs. Use free tools like Canva or Google Sites to present your offerings clearly and professionally.
Tips for balancing a side hustle with teaching
These tips will help you figure out how to make extra money as a teacher without burning out or your side hustle clashing with your teaching career.
Set clear boundaries:
- Create defined time blocks for teaching and for your side hustle to keep both running smoothly.
- Let clients, customers, or collaborators know your availability upfront so everyone stays on the same page.
Use weekends and school breaks:
- Plan to work on bigger projects like launching your print-on-demand store or creating online classes during weekends or school breaks.
- Use the summer months or downtime to make money through seasonal jobs like teaching summer school or being a camp counselor at a summer camp.
Choose side hustles that align with your skills:
- Focus on options that use your current skills. This might include virtual tutoring, designing educational materials, teaching English, or selling lesson plans.
- Consider hosting creative workshops that reflect your interests and teaching experience.
Avoid burnout:
- Set goals that fit around your school hours, even if you can only dedicate one or two extra hours a week – small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful progress.
- Build gradually. Earning a steady income over time is more sustainable than pushing yourself to do too much too fast.
These practical steps will set the stage for a successful and sustainable side hustle that fits into your teaching life.
FAQ
To make an extra $1,000/month, choose side hustles that match your skills, offer flexibility, and pay good money.
- Tutoring a few nights a week and setting your own rates.
- Selling digital products to a huge market of educators.
- Designing curriculum as an instructional designer.
- Creating custom merch with Print on Demand.
- Helping students learn through online courses or coaching.
You can also hit your goal by combining many income streams.
The best side hustle depends on your strengths, but top picks to make more money include:
- Online tutoring in your subject of expertise.
- Selling digital products like decor or worksheets.
- Freelance writing for education blogs.
- Print on Demand with Printify for custom products.
Looking for a second job that fits your teaching skills and schedule? Here are five flexible options:
- Tutor students online or in person
- Get paid for house sitting during weekends or breaks
- Explore educational technology by reviewing apps for teachers
- Write children’s stories for blogs or self-publishing
- Sell printable resources on Etsy
Teachers can generate income by turning their expertise into products that sell over time:
- Launching a print-on-demand store with platforms like Printify
- Selling digital educational materials (e.g., student worksheets, planners, parent communication tools)
- Creating online courses on Teachable or Udemy
Final thoughts on teacher side hustle ideas
You don’t need to take on another classroom to increase your income. There are easy second jobs for teachers that align with your strengths and let you set your own hours.
Many teachers use side hustles to build a stream of steady income while setting their own hours and doing work they actually enjoy.
Whether you are helping students one-on-one, creating products for learners with different learning styles, working as a virtual assistant, or selling custom products online, you can earn extra money in just a few hours a week.
