Teacher Side Hustle: 5 Ways for Teachers To Make More Money Without Extra Work
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You don’t become a teacher for the money…
I’m sure you’ve heard some version of this before.
As educators, we are constantly reminded that “the money” isn’t the reason why we do what we do, and to be honest, there is probably some truth to that.
Whether as a new college student declaring their major or those who teaching is their second career, the commonality is the drive, passion, calling - whatever you may call it - to make a difference in the lives of kids.
And 100% YES! But - it’s still our means to earn money. And - since you are in education like me - you understand the disparity between the amount of work/time people with a career in education put in and the way they are compensated.
Which is why many teachers turn to picking up a side hustle.
Why Having a Teacher Side Hustle is Important
Teaching is a very rewarding profession, but it often comes with a lot of financial stress.
Many teachers find themselves needing to find sources of extra income to cover everyday expenses, save for retirement, or simply just enjoy life without constantly having to worry about money. This is why many teachers turn to finding a side hustle.
But, carving out time for a second job can be exhausting or unsustainable. The last thing a teacher wants to do after a long day is to turn around as soon as they get home to work as an Uber driver or bartend at night. That’s a recipe for burnout…
And what’s worse is when that extra job isn’t providing the return that one hoped. I’ve been in several Uber car rides where the driver told me they were a teacher by day, and an Uber driver by night. When I asked them if the pay was worth it, they often said no, but it was the only way they knew how to bring in extra money for their families.
Creating streams of passive income for a teacher is life-changing.
Having a teacher side hustle - one that leverages your existing skills while also generating a stream of passive income - is an effective way for teachers to make more money without adding extra work to their already packed schedules.
Easy Teacher Side Hustle Ideas
I’m so grateful for building my own side hustles as a teacher.
Having multiple streams of passive income has been a huge stress relief in my life - and it sure beats trying to muster up the energy to lead a workout class after school (yup, I did that…). It’s helped me to pay off my car, eliminate my student loans, and even go on the dream vacation to Europe with my dad.
And the best part…I was able to do all of this using the skills I ALREADY have as a teacher!
Here are the side hustles I leveraged to create multiple streams of income all while being a classroom teacher.
Start a Tutoring Business
Hands down - tutoring is the best teacher side hustle there is!
As a tutor, you can use all those valuable skills you already have as a teacher - no need to learn another new thing. No stressing about figuring out how to sell items in your TikTok shop or on Etsy with this option (unless those are things you want to do).
Not only that, but you can align your tutoring niche with your favorite subject and angle your tutoring business with what you’re already doing in the classroom.
Create Teaching Resources That Sell
Teacher friend, you might already be sitting on a goldmine and not even know it!
Selling teaching resources on Teachers Pay Teachers is an empowering way to use what you’re already doing to create a profitable teacher side hustle. I mean think about it - you’re putting in the time to create amazing resources to use with your students already - why not share them with other teachers who may be looking for the exact product you’ve created.
Imagine how amazing it would feel to make $600 while you’re on vacation with your family? Setting up a TPT store is the ultimate passive income stream! (Curious about starting your own TPT store? CLICK HERE to find out how I can help!)
Combine Your Tutoring Business with a TPT Store
Tutoring and starting a TPT store are both amazing side hustle options for teachers.
But put them together…it’s pure MAGIC!
Many tutors overthink starting a TPT store. As a tutor, you’ve probably created worksheets, assessments, or maybe even entire units of activities that could be sold on Teachers Pay Teachers. You’re going to be thrilled at the results when you combine your TPT store with your tutoring business!
Grow an Email List to Automate Sales
Email marketing is the bread and butter of a successful business and side hustle.
Often, new teacher business owners will put off starting their email list because they don’t think it's necessary, they don’t have anything to offer, or they don’t need it to grow their tutoring client list.
Don’t fall victim to this mindset!
Having an email list not only helps you sell products/services later down the road, but also helps you establish authority in your niche. (Need help starting your email list? CLICK HERE to find out how I can help!)
Create an Online Course
You are making a big impact with your side hustle.
The kids that you’re supporting with your tutoring services and the teachers you are helping with your amazing resources should be celebrated.
But what if you could expand your reach? (And also earn some extra cash?)
Online courses are a great way to not only showcase the amazing resources you’ve created but also to share the knowledge you’ve gained over the years to support even MORE teachers, all while building a profitable stream of passive income!
Take the Next Step in Your Teacher Side Hustle
Teaching is a stressful profession.
But when you are also stressed about money, that’s a sure pathway to burnout.
Using the skills and knowledge you already have as a teacher to create multiple streams of passive income is an empowering experience. But sometimes getting started is the hard part…
As a teacher business owner myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to figure everything out on your own—between lesson planning, grading, and managing everyday life. That’s why I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from building my own six-figure tutoring business and put it into Tutorpreneur Academy®—a self-paced, easy-to-access course designed just for you!
Inside, you’ll get step-by-step video lessons you can watch at your own pace, plus templates for the exact documents I’ve used to run my business successfully.
Additional Resources to Start Your Tutoring Business
Teacher friend - I’m so passionate about supporting teachers in building a successful side hustle Because I know firsthand how life-changing this can be, I want to help you get started!
In my FREE Master Class, I’m pulling back the curtain to share my secrets for building a $1,000-a-week tutoring side hustle—all while being a full-time teacher.