With the economy in a state of flux, many teachers are looking for viable ways to supplement their current income. While teaching is one of the noblest professions, it is inversely one of the least compensation. The salaries that many teachers, especially those who have not reached tenure, is often less than sufficient for the many expenses that they incur. This is sad but true and the reason that many young teachers are looking to find a second income stream to help them make ends meet and to make their financial goals. Let’s look at some of the clever and creative ways that some teachers are earning extra money aside from their traditional classroom jobs.

Tutoring

The most obvious second job for any teacher looking to add to his or her income is the position of tutor. If you live in a larger city, there are likely tutoring centers that would be more than happy to have qualified educators on board. In smaller locales, you can offer your services in the classified ads, or oftentimes through the school’s guidance office. Tutoring is a bit different from simply teaching because you will be working one-on-one with the student. This allows you to focus on a specific topic that the student is having difficulty with. Tutoring can be very rewarding, and unlike traditional teaching, the student not only needs but is requesting your help – which can make your job as a tutor seem even more worthwhile. Tutors also act as mentors to their students, which is a plus as well.

Child Care

You may from time to time feel like a “glorified babysitter” in your job as a teacher, but many teachers are earning a sufficient part time income in the child care arena. There is always a niche of parents out there who wish to hire someone who has a great deal of experience or training when dealing with children, and you might be surprised to find that you can locate babysitting or child care gigs in your very own neighborhood. While child care is certainly not the best paying option, you can choose to care for children in your own home, which means you don’t have to commute to a part time job.

Direct Sales

As a teacher, you are in a great position (depending on the size of your school and faculty) to make a bit of money on the side as a direct salesperson for various companies. These types of sales (like Avon, Tupperware, Mary Kay) allow you to offer quality products to your friends, coworkers and relatives and make a profit on what they buy. Some teachers find that by simply placing a few catalogs in the teacher’s lounge they can rack up a significant number of orders each sales period. Over time, this money can really add up.

Freelance Work

Most teachers are adept at writing or have other marketable skills that they can offer in the online freelance marketplace. There are sites (such as eLance.Com, GetAFreelancer.Com or oDesk.Com) that allow you to market your skills and bid on jobs that range from writing articles to building websites or handling customer service calls. Simply create a profile and work at your own pace, right from home.

Author Bio: Jennifer Dobson is an early childhood educator and she invites you to visit her favorite online teacher supply store, MPM School Supplies. The website carries everything from children dolls to kids pretend kitchens. Visit today to save on your first order!

Category: Jobs
Keywords: career, teaching, teacher, part-time, part time, jobs