Choosing teaching as a career can be a smart move, given the projected 1.9 million job openings for preschool to postsecondary teachers from 2014 to 2024. However, it’s not always a smooth financial ride. A 2019 report revealed that one in six teachers has a second job. With factors like reduced summer hours, recent school closures, and the shift to distance learning, a teacher’s annual income can be unpredictable.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of summer jobs out there that can help teachers boost their income during the break. Some of these jobs even allow you to continue in the education field.
Here are some of the best summer jobs for teachers:
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Online Teacher: This is a great option if you want to continue teaching but can’t find work at local schools. You can teach English as a second language or other subjects online. Companies like VIPKid and EF Education First hire native English speakers to teach English to students in China. You can also work for Chegg or Tutor.com, which offer online tutoring in a range of subjects.
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Private Tutor: If you prefer face-to-face teaching or specialize in test preparation, private tutoring can be a great summer job. You can find students through local classifieds, Facebook groups, or tutoring companies like University Tutor and Tutor Doctor.
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Sell Educational Resources: If you enjoy creating educational materials, you can sell lesson plans or activity sheets online. Platforms like Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Amazon Ignite are great places to start.
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Babysitting: If you have child care certification and health and safety training, babysitting can be an ideal summer job. You can find jobs through platforms like SitterCity, Care.com, or Sitter.com.
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Camp Counselor: If you enjoy working with kids in a camp environment, this could be a great summer job. You can find jobs through online job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
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Community Center Worker: Community centers often have jobs that involve working with youth or running educational summer programs. Check your local community center for opportunities.
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Youth Sports Coach: If you love sports and have previous experience as a player, being a coach can be a great summer job. You can find coaching jobs through online job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
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Freelance Writer: If you enjoy writing, freelance writing can be a lucrative summer job. You can find writing jobs on freelance websites like Fiverr, FlexJobs, Freelancer.com, iWriter, Mediabistro, TextBroker, and Upwork.
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Virtual Assistant: Teachers are known for their organizational skills, which makes them great candidates for virtual assistant jobs. You can find VA positions on freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr.
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Tour Guide: If you live in a city with a strong tourism industry, becoming a tour guide can be a fun summer job. You can find tour guide jobs on websites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, or you can offer your own tour guide services through Airbnb.
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Gig Economy Jobs: Gig economy jobs can be a great way to make money quickly and flexibly. You can work for food delivery apps, dog walking services, ridesharing apps, or do odd jobs for people.
Remember, even though teachers often work throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to increase your income if you have some extra time. Whether you want to continue in the education field or try something new, there’s a summer job out there for you.