5 Side Hustles Teachers Can Start Without Burning Out
Teaching is more than a full-time job. Between lesson planning, grading, and supporting students, most of us are already stretched thin. The idea of a side hustle can feel impossible, but there are some smart ways teachers can earn extra income without adding more stress to their already full plates…or leaving home!
Here are five side hustles that actually work for teachers who want to make meaningful extra money without burning out.
1. Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)
I know, I know…this is not a new idea, but this is my number one recommendation because you are already creating lessons, activities, and assessments for your own classroom. Why not share those resources with other teachers? And make a little extra on the side? On TpT, you can sell digital downloads of your worksheets, labs, assessments, and classroom activities.
The best part is that once you post a resource, it can keep selling again and again. That is why many teachers call TpT a passive income stream. It takes some effort up front to create and post products, but it fits right into what you are already doing for your students.
Want to get started? Grab my TpT Starter Kit. It will walk you through setting up your store, creating your first product, and getting your first sales without wasting time.
Not sure you’re ready to dive in headfirst? That’s okay too. Download my Free TpT Playbook and start building a strong foundation to build from.
2. Tutoring Online
Tutoring is a classic teacher side hustle, but now you do not have to drive across town for every session. Online platforms like Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, or even Zoom sessions you set up yourself make tutoring flexible and convenient.
The best part is that you can set your own boundaries. Choose subjects you already teach, pick grade levels you are comfortable with, and schedule times that work for you. Some teachers prefer after school, while others open up Saturday mornings. Even just a couple of hours a week can add up quickly.
Tutoring also gives you the chance to connect one-on-one with students, which can feel rewarding in a different way than teaching a full classroom. You get to see progress more directly, and parents are often grateful for the extra support.
If you want to keep it simple, start with students from your own school community or through word of mouth. If you are ready to scale, platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors make it easy to match with students who need your expertise.
Pro Tip: Want to be your own boss? Start networking on Facebook mom groups in your neighborhood!
3. Creating Digital Printables
If designing and creating digital printables is your jam, you can turn this into a fun and profitable side hustle. Parents, teachers, and homeschool families are always looking for ready-to-use resources like calendars, study guides, flashcards, checklists, or classroom decor. The beauty of printables is that you create them once and can sell them over and over.
There are several platforms where you can sell your work. Teachers Pay Teachers is perfect if your resources are education-focused. Etsy is a strong choice for items like planners, decor, or family organization tools. You can even sell through your own website if you want full control.
What makes this side hustle appealing is the potential for passive income. Once you upload a product, it can continue to generate sales for months or even years with very little extra work. You can also expand your reach by creating seasonal or themed items, which tend to perform well because buyers are always looking for fresh designs.
If you are brand new, start with a tool like Canva to create professional-looking printables without complicated software. With consistency, your digital library can grow into a steady source of extra income that does not add more stress to your teaching schedule.
4. Blogging or YouTube
Sharing your teaching ideas, classroom tips, or even your favorite lab hacks can become more than just helping colleagues. With the right approach, blogging or YouTube can turn into a steady income stream. Blogs can earn through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links, while YouTube channels generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and product partnerships as your channel grows.
The key is to choose a focus you are genuinely passionate about. This keeps the process energizing instead of draining. Maybe you love breaking down tough physics concepts into simple demos, or maybe you have classroom organization systems that save teachers hours. Document what you already do well and share it. You will be surprised at how many other teachers are looking for exactly that kind of help.
Another benefit of blogging and YouTube is that they can support your other side hustles. A blog post or video about classroom engagement strategies can link directly to a resource you sell on TpT or a printable in your Etsy shop. Over time, these platforms build an audience that trusts you and returns for both your free tips and your paid products.
If you are just starting, keep it simple. Post once a week or even once a month, and focus on creating content that answers common teacher questions. That way you build authority while also keeping the workload manageable.
5. Course Creation for Teachers or Parents
If you have a system that works in your classroom or a teaching method you are confident in, you can turn it into a short course. Online platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or even a private YouTube playlist make it simple to package what you know in a structured way.
The beauty of courses is that once they are built, they can keep selling year after year. Teachers, parents, and even homeschool families are always looking for practical strategies that actually work. You already have the expertise. The course is just the package that delivers your knowledge in a way others can use.
Think about the things other teachers ask you about all the time. Do you have a lab setup that runs smoothly every time? A system for teaching equations that clicks with students? A method for managing group work without chaos? Each of those could become a short, helpful course.
Courses do not have to be long or complicated. In fact, many of the most successful ones are short, focused, and easy to implement. You can record your lessons on Zoom or Loom, upload them, and add supporting resources like slides or templates. With just a little effort up front, you create something that keeps helping others and keeps earning for you.
Final Thoughts
Teachers deserve to earn extra income without running themselves into the ground. Side hustles do not have to mean more stress. By focusing on things you already know and do, you can build income streams that support your life instead of draining it.
If you are ready to start your own side hustle, TpT is the perfect first step. You are already creating resources for your classroom, so why not let them work for you too?
Grab my TpT Starter Kit to make starting simple. It gives you the tools and guidance to launch your store, create resources, and start earning, without overwhelm.
