For most teachers, summer break is a highly anticipated time to relax and recharge before the beginning of the next school year. However, for others, it’s a time to stay busy and make some extra money. Taking up employment in the summer is an excellent way to earn some extra money with the added benefit that most summer jobs offer great flexibility. Here we will dive into the most convenient summer jobs tailored to educators looking to use their unique skill set while earning some extra income.
Summer School Teacher
Securing a summer school teaching job can be a great opportunity for you; however, it’s highly competitive so if you manage to secure one, then consider yourself lucky. To increase your chances of getting a summer school position, it is advisable to begin your search early and ensure that your application reaches every school district you wish to apply to, especially if you are not yet a certified teacher. The best starting point is your local school district, where you can explore their website, check the bulletin board in the main office, or inquire at the teacher’s lounge.
Additionally, online platforms like Indeed, Craigslist, or local job finders can also be valuable resources. Don’t overlook the potential openings at your alma mater, as many colleges offer paid teaching positions for summer workshops or advertise vacancies on their websites, both on and off-campus. Lastly, announce your job search on social media or inform friends and colleagues, as word of mouth can often lead to promising summer teaching opportunities.
Tutor
Tutoring is another highly sought-after summer job thanks to its flexibility and the advantage of your experience working with children. Many opportunities exist for teachers to work as tutors in the summer months. To start your search, first, ask around and inquire within your network. If that falls short, the next step is advertising your services on social media. If you’re looking to work outside of the home you can check out test prep companies such as Huntington Learning Center or Kaplan, as they constantly seek experienced staff to support students during the summer months.
Personally, I have served as a tutor at Huntington Learning Center for several summers, and I can attest that the compensation and working hours were excellent. This allowed me to earn extra income while still enjoying precious quality time with my children throughout the summer. Another option is to become an online tutor. Numerous online tutoring platforms are available, with Varsity Tutors and Wyzant being two of the most popular choices. Working for these companies comes with the added benefits of working in your pj’s and not leaving your home.
Virtual Instructor
The demand for virtual instructors has been rising primarily due to the attractive benefits of a flexible schedule and the added benefit of not having to commute. Websites like Connections Academy have simplified the process of teaching summer school, offering a wide range of online teaching opportunities in public schools for students in grades K-12. One of the most remarkable aspects of this opportunity is that you can conduct classes right from the comfort of your own home, while also benefiting from the chance to enhance your teaching skills and experiment with new teaching strategies.
Another enticing option for online teaching is joining VIPKID, where you can teach English to Chinese children. This part-time teaching opportunity is especially suitable for the summer months because it allows you to teach from any location with a stable WIFI connection. Additionally, you have the added satisfaction of helping children learn English, which equips them with the skills they need to thrive in the world and lead better lives.
Selling Teaching Materials
If you’ve been teaching for a while and have accumulated a vast collection of unique lesson plans and activities. In that case, you can capitalize on them by selling them online to fellow educators. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers make it easy for you to share your lessons, classroom decorations, teaching strategies, and more. While it may not match your regular income, selling your materials online can be an easy and convenient way to supplement your earnings during the summer months.
If you are seeking to spend your summer at home while earning extra income, selling your lessons might just be the ideal opportunity for you. If you’re worried about how you will get through the summer having so much extra time or with much less income than you normally have, don’t fret because you have options. Whether it’s taking up a summer teaching position, tutoring, becoming a virtual instructor, exploring blogging or freelance writing, or selling educational materials online, you now have an array of options to choose from.
Freelance Writer
Becoming an educational writer is another great idea for summer jobs for teachers. While you may have to do a little bit of work to find a website to write for, can be an easy and fun way to get paid to share your knowledge and expertise. To get started as a freelance writer you must have exceptional writing skills as well as be prepared to pitch article topic ideas. If you are especially knowledgeable in one particular area, then it’s wise to highlight that. Some websites will pay you around $100 for a 500–700-word article if your submission is chosen. Start reaching out to education websites today and see if they could use another freelance writer!
Blogger
Have you ever felt like you needed to put all of your experience and knowledge out there for everyone to read? Well, now you can and get paid for it! While it may take some time for it to become lucrative and take research to get the ball rolling, it can be a great source of passive income if you put in the work over the summer months. Most of the money to be made as a blogger comes from partnering with companies and becoming an affiliate. So, if you have a lot to say and a lot to share, then starting a blog may be the summer job for you.
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