Hey there! I know starting a business can feel overwhelming, so let me share some really simple ideas that teachers like you can start without fancy skills or big investments. These are all things you can begin while still teaching – no need to quit your job!
1. After-School Homework Help
What is it? Help kids with their homework for 1-2 hours after school. You can do this at your home, their home, or even at the library.
Getting Started:
- Money needed: $0-50 (just flyers to advertise)
- What to do: Tell parents at your school, post on local Facebook groups
- Special skills: None! You already know how to help kids with homework
How much can you make?
- Charge $20-40 per hour
- If you help 5 kids weekly, that’s $400-800 extra per month
- Some teachers make $2,000+ monthly doing this
Not for you if: You’re tired after school and want to go straight home.
Quick tip: Start with just 2-3 kids to see if you like it.
2. Summer Reading Camp
What is it? Run a fun reading program during summer vacation. Meet with small groups of kids for 2-3 hours, a few days per week.
Getting Started:
- Money needed: $100-200 (books, snacks, craft supplies)
- What to do: Plan fun reading activities, games, and crafts
- Special skills: Just your normal teaching skills!
How much can you make?
- Charge $15-25 per child per session
- With 8 kids meeting twice weekly, you can make $240-400 per week
- Run for 6 weeks = $1,400-2,400 for the summer
Not for you if: You want your summers completely free.
Smart move: Partner with another teacher and share the work (and profits).
3. Create Simple Worksheets to Sell
What is it? Make worksheets on Teachers Pay Teachers (a website where teachers buy and sell materials).
Getting Started:
- Money needed: $0 (the site is free to join)
- What to do: Upload worksheets you’ve already made
- Special skills: Basic computer skills
How much can you make?
- Start with $50-200 per month
- Many teachers make $500-1,000 monthly after a year
- Top sellers make $5,000+ but that takes time
Not for you if: You don’t like working on the computer.
Easy start: Upload 5 worksheets you already use in class.
4. Parent Workshop Leader
What is it? Teach parents how to help their kids with reading, math, or homework. Hold workshops at libraries, community centers, or online.
Getting Started:
- Money needed: $0-50 (just copies of handouts)
- What to do: Create a simple 1-hour workshop
- Special skills: You already have them!
How much can you make?
- Charge $10-20 per parent
- With 15 parents, that’s $150-300 per workshop
- Do one monthly = $1,800-3,600 extra per year
Not for you if: You don’t like speaking to adult groups.
First step: Offer one free workshop to practice and get testimonials.
5. Basic Online Tutoring
What is it? Help kids one-on-one over video calls (like Zoom).
Getting Started:
- Money needed: $0 if you have a computer
- What to do: Sign up on Wyzant or Tutor.com, or find your own students
- Special skills: Just knowing how to video call
How much can you make?
- Start at $20-30 per hour online
- 5 hours per week = $400-600 per month
- Many teachers do 10+ hours weekly
Not for you if: You don’t like technology or video calls.
Beginner tip: Start by tutoring in the subject you teach every day.
Start Small, Start Now!
Here’s my simple advice for getting started:
Pick ONE idea that sounds easy to you. Don’t try to do everything!
Start this week with these tiny steps:
- Tell 3 people about your new service
- Make a simple flyer on your computer
- Post in one Facebook group
Keep it simple:
- Don’t make a website yet
- Don’t spend money on advertising
- Don’t quit your teaching job
Track your money:
- Write down every dollar you make
- Keep receipts for things you buy
- Set aside 30% for taxes
Remember: You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need fancy tools. You already have the most important thing – you know how to teach!
Your homework: Pick one idea from this list. This week, tell three people about it. That’s it! You’ll be surprised how quickly things can grow from there.
You’ve been helping kids learn for years. Now it’s time to help yourself earn some extra money. You can do this!
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