Lana Oconnell
Student teaching is a demanding yet rewarding phase in an educator’s journey, but it often comes with financial challenges due to limited time and income. Fortunately, there are practical ways to earn money while gaining valuable teaching experience. Strategies include tutoring students in your subject area, offering online teaching services through platforms like VIPKid or Chegg, or creating and selling educational resources on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers. Additionally, part-time roles such as grading assignments, assisting in after-school programs, or working as a substitute teacher can provide flexible income. Balancing these opportunities with your student teaching responsibilities requires careful planning, but with creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to supplement your income while honing your teaching skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tutoring | Offer private tutoring services in your subject area. Rates vary by location and subject, typically $20-$50/hour. |
| Online Teaching Platforms | Teach online through platforms like VIPKid, Chegg, or Tutor.com. Earnings range from $15-$30/hour depending on experience and platform. |
| Grading & Exam Proctoring | Assist professors with grading assignments or proctoring exams. Pay varies by institution, usually $10-$20/hour. |
| Substitute Teaching | Work as a substitute teacher in local schools. Requires certification in some areas. Average pay is $100-$150/day. |
| Freelance Writing/Editing | Write or edit academic papers, essays, or content for educational websites. Earnings range from $0.05-$0.15/word or $20-$50/hour. |
| Educational Content Creation | Create and sell lesson plans, worksheets, or educational resources on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. Earnings vary based on sales. |
| Part-Time Teaching Assistant | Assist professors with coursework, lab sessions, or administrative tasks. Pay ranges from $10-$25/hour. |
| Summer School Teaching | Teach during summer school programs. Pay varies by district, typically $20-$40/hour. |
| Workshops & Camps | Conduct workshops or summer camps in your subject area. Earnings depend on enrollment, usually $200-$500/week. |
| Research Assistant | Assist professors with research projects. Pay ranges from $15-$30/hour, often funded by grants. |
| Test Prep Coaching | Coach students for standardized tests like SAT, ACT, or GRE. Rates vary, typically $30-$60/hour. |
| Language Teaching | Teach languages online or in-person. Earnings range from $15-$40/hour depending on language and platform. |
| Educational Consulting | Provide consulting services to students or parents on academic planning. Rates vary, usually $50-$100/hour. |
| Gig Economy Jobs | Balance student teaching with flexible gigs like Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart. Earnings vary by platform and hours worked. |
| Scholarships & Grants | Apply for scholarships or grants specifically for student teachers. Amounts vary widely. |
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What You'll Learn
Tutoring Online or In-Person
Tutoring is a natural fit for student teachers looking to earn extra income while honing their instructional skills. Whether online or in-person, this side hustle leverages your growing expertise in pedagogy and subject matter. Online platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Chegg Tutors allow you to set your hours, work remotely, and reach a broader student base. In-person tutoring, on the other hand, often commands higher rates due to the personalized, face-to-face interaction, though it requires more flexibility in scheduling and travel. Both options offer valuable teaching experience and the chance to build a professional network.
To start, identify your niche—whether it’s K-12 math, SAT prep, or ESL—and tailor your services accordingly. Online tutoring typically requires a stable internet connection, a webcam, and familiarity with virtual tools like Zoom or Google Meet. Platforms often take a commission (e.g., 20-30% on Wyzant), so factor that into your rates. For in-person tutoring, consider local demand and safety measures, such as meeting in public spaces like libraries or community centers. Set clear boundaries, like session lengths (e.g., 1-2 hours) and cancellation policies, to ensure professionalism and respect for your time.
One key advantage of tutoring is its scalability. Start with 5-10 hours per week to avoid burnout while balancing student teaching responsibilities. As you gain experience, you can increase your hours or raise your rates. For instance, specialized subjects like AP Calculus or college admissions consulting can fetch $50-$100 per hour, compared to $20-$40 for general K-12 subjects. Additionally, offering package deals (e.g., 5 sessions for the price of 4) can attract long-term clients and provide steady income.
However, tutoring isn’t without challenges. Online sessions may suffer from technical glitches or lack of engagement, while in-person tutoring requires commuting and managing parent expectations. To mitigate these issues, invest in reliable equipment, use interactive tools like virtual whiteboards, and communicate clearly with clients about goals and progress. For in-person tutoring, consider partnering with local schools or community organizations to find students and establish credibility.
Ultimately, tutoring is more than a paycheck—it’s a chance to refine your teaching style, build confidence, and make a tangible impact on students’ lives. Whether you choose the flexibility of online work or the intimacy of in-person sessions, this side hustle aligns seamlessly with your student teaching journey. Start small, stay organized, and let your passion for education drive your success.
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Selling Lesson Plans on Teacher Platforms
Student teachers often find themselves juggling the demands of classroom management, lesson planning, and personal finances. One innovative way to offset these challenges is by selling lesson plans on teacher platforms. This approach not only generates income but also allows you to refine your teaching materials through real-world feedback. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), Tes, and Educents have become thriving marketplaces where educators share and sell their resources. By leveraging these platforms, you can turn your hard work into a passive income stream while still focusing on your student teaching responsibilities.
To begin, identify your niche. What subjects or grade levels are you most passionate about? Are you skilled in creating engaging math activities for middle schoolers, or do you excel at designing literature units for high school students? Tailoring your lesson plans to a specific audience increases their marketability. For instance, if you’re student teaching in a STEM-focused school, consider developing science experiments or coding lessons that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Once you’ve chosen your niche, create high-quality, visually appealing resources. Use tools like Canva or PowerPoint to design worksheets, presentations, and handouts that stand out. Include detailed teacher guides, answer keys, and differentiation strategies to add value for buyers.
Next, familiarize yourself with the platform’s guidelines and pricing strategies. On TpT, for example, sellers often start with lower prices to attract initial buyers and build reviews. As your reputation grows, you can increase prices or bundle resources for higher profit margins. Be mindful of copyright laws—ensure all clipart, fonts, and materials are either free for commercial use or properly licensed. Additionally, invest time in writing compelling product descriptions and using relevant keywords to improve searchability. A well-optimized listing can significantly boost your visibility and sales.
One often-overlooked aspect is the power of community engagement. Actively participate in teacher forums, social media groups, and platform-specific communities to promote your resources. Offer free samples or discounted bundles to build trust and attract repeat customers. For instance, you could create a free introductory worksheet and link it to a paid lesson plan series. This strategy not only drives sales but also establishes you as a reliable resource creator. Remember, building a customer base takes time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Finally, treat this venture as a learning opportunity. Analyze which resources perform best and adapt your future creations accordingly. Use feedback from buyers to improve existing products and develop new ones. For example, if teachers frequently request editable versions of your worksheets, consider offering customizable files for an additional fee. By continuously refining your offerings, you’ll not only increase your earnings but also enhance your teaching skills. Selling lesson plans isn’t just about making money—it’s about contributing to a community of educators while investing in your professional growth.
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Freelance Writing or Editing for Education Blogs
Education blogs are constantly seeking fresh, insightful content from voices with real classroom experience. As a student teacher, your perspective is uniquely valuable—you’re immersed in the latest teaching methods, challenges, and trends while still connected to the student mindset. Freelance writing or editing for education blogs allows you to monetize this expertise while honing skills that directly benefit your teaching career. Start by identifying niche topics where your student teaching experience intersects with blog needs, such as lesson planning hacks, classroom management strategies, or reflections on educational technology. Pitch these ideas to established blogs or create your own content to sell on platforms like Medium or Substack.
To succeed in this side hustle, treat it like a professional endeavor. Research blogs that align with your interests and expertise, such as *We Are Teachers*, *Cult of Pedagogy*, or *Edutopia*. Study their submission guidelines and recent posts to understand their tone, style, and audience. Craft a compelling pitch email that highlights your unique angle and why your piece would resonate with their readers. For instance, if you’ve experimented with gamification in your student teaching, propose an article titled “5 Gamification Strategies That Actually Work in Middle School Math.” Attach a brief writing sample to demonstrate your ability to engage readers.
Editing is another lucrative avenue, especially if you have a keen eye for grammar, structure, and clarity. Many bloggers and content creators outsource editing to ensure their work is polished and professional. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with clients, but don’t overlook direct outreach. Contact bloggers whose work you admire and offer your services at a competitive rate, typically $0.02 to $0.05 per word for editing. As a student teacher, you’ll bring an added layer of educational expertise to the table, making your services particularly appealing to education-focused creators.
One caution: balance this side hustle with your student teaching responsibilities. Freelance work can be time-consuming, especially when starting out. Set clear boundaries, such as dedicating 2–3 hours per week to writing or editing, and prioritize tasks that align with your long-term goals. For example, if you’re aiming to teach high school English, focus on writing about literacy strategies or editing literary analysis content. This not only builds your portfolio but also reinforces skills directly applicable to your future classroom.
In conclusion, freelance writing or editing for education blogs is a smart way to earn income while student teaching. It leverages your current experiences, builds transferable skills, and positions you as a thought leader in education. Start small, stay consistent, and watch this side hustle grow into a valuable asset for both your wallet and your teaching career.
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Part-Time Grading or Exam Proctoring Jobs
Student teaching demands time and energy, leaving little room for traditional part-time jobs. Part-time grading or exam proctoring offers a solution by leveraging your academic strengths and existing knowledge. These roles often require minimal training, fit around your schedule, and provide a steady income without conflicting with your teaching responsibilities.
Consider the practicalities: grading jobs typically pay per assignment or per hour, with rates varying by institution and subject complexity. For example, grading undergraduate essays might earn $10–$20 per paper, while standardized test scoring can range from $12 to $20 per hour. Proctoring, on the other hand, usually pays an hourly wage, often $15–$25, depending on the institution and exam type. Both roles require attention to detail, familiarity with academic standards, and, for proctoring, the ability to enforce rules fairly.
To secure these positions, start by checking with your university’s academic departments or testing centers, as they often hire student teachers for grading and proctoring. Online platforms like Pearson or ETS also offer remote grading opportunities for standardized tests. When applying, highlight your educational background and any experience with assessment or classroom management. Be prepared for training sessions, which may cover grading rubrics or proctoring protocols, and ensure you understand the expectations to maintain consistency and fairness.
One caution: while these jobs are flexible, they can be monotonous or stressful, especially during peak grading periods. Balance the workload with your student teaching commitments to avoid burnout. Additionally, some roles may require non-disclosure agreements, limiting what you can discuss about the work. However, the benefits—such as honing your assessment skills and gaining insight into grading practices—can directly enhance your teaching practice.
In conclusion, part-time grading or exam proctoring is a strategic way for student teachers to earn income while staying connected to academia. By leveraging your expertise and managing your time effectively, you can turn these roles into both a financial resource and a professional development opportunity.
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Creating and Selling Educational Resources Online
Student teachers often find themselves juggling the demands of classroom practice with the need for additional income. One innovative way to bridge this gap is by creating and selling educational resources online. This approach not only generates revenue but also hones your teaching skills and builds a professional portfolio. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), Etsy, and even personal blogs offer avenues to reach educators worldwide. By leveraging your expertise and creativity, you can transform lesson plans, worksheets, and teaching strategies into marketable products that benefit both your wallet and your career.
To begin, identify your niche. What subjects or grade levels do you specialize in? Are you skilled at creating engaging math games, writing prompts, or science experiments? Focus on areas where your strengths align with market demand. For instance, elementary teachers might excel at designing colorful, interactive activities, while high school educators could offer in-depth study guides or test prep materials. Research trending topics on TpT or Etsy to gauge what’s in demand—seasonal resources, standardized test prep, and digital learning tools are often popular. Once you’ve pinpointed your niche, start small with 3–5 high-quality resources to test the market.
Creating resources requires a blend of pedagogy and design. Use tools like Canva, PowerPoint, or Google Slides to craft visually appealing materials. Ensure your content aligns with educational standards and includes clear instructions for teachers. For example, a math worksheet should not only have problems but also a teacher’s guide with answer keys and differentiation suggestions. Pricing is another critical factor—start with competitive rates, such as $2–$5 for individual worksheets or $10–$20 for bundled units. As you build a reputation, you can gradually increase prices or offer premium resources.
Marketing your resources is just as important as creating them. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your products. Join educator groups and forums to share free samples or discounted items, building trust and visibility. Collaborate with fellow teachers to cross-promote resources or create joint products. Additionally, optimize your listings with keywords and tags to improve searchability on platforms like TpT. For instance, a resource titled “5th Grade Fraction Worksheets with Answer Keys” is more likely to attract buyers than a generic “Math Practice Sheets.”
While this side hustle offers flexibility and financial benefits, it’s essential to manage expectations. Creating and selling resources takes time and effort, especially in the beginning. Start with a manageable workload to avoid burnout, and remember that consistency is key. Over time, as your resource library grows and your audience expands, passive income can become a significant supplement to your student teaching stipend. By turning your teaching expertise into a product, you not only earn money but also contribute valuable tools to the broader educational community.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many student teachers work part-time jobs, but it’s important to balance your schedule to avoid burnout. Look for flexible roles like tutoring, online gigs, or retail jobs with accommodating hours.
Absolutely! You can offer private tutoring, create and sell educational resources online, or teach virtual classes in subjects you specialize in.
Yes, check with your university for opportunities like research assistant positions, grading jobs, or paid internships related to education.
Yes, freelance opportunities like writing, graphic design, or social media management can provide income. Focus on skills you already have to save time and effort.
