Searching for some of the best summer jobs for teachers? You’ve come to the right place.
School’s out for the summer – and while that means a break for teachers, that unfortunately also means a break from the paycheck.
Fortunately, teachers are a creative, entrepreneurial bunch, and as long as you have the will to work, there are plenty of places you can look for a job. That’s not to say that they all pay well, however, or will offer hours that are flexible and convenient enough for you to actually feel like you’re enjoying your summer break, too.
If you’re an educator of any kind, you might want to consider pursuing one of these best summer jobs for teachers this year.
Best Summer Jobs For Teachers
1. Tutor
We will start the list with the most obvious summer job option for teachers – tutoring! If you’re already a teacher, there’s no question about it – you’re probably already great at teaching. Rather than starting up your own summer school, why not consider a position as a one-on-one tutor?
Your options here are endless. You could teach a specific subject or age group or you can hone in on a special area that you don’t normally teach during the rest of the year (swim classes, for example). You can teach kids in person or online via websites like Tutor.com or Chegg. The beauty of tutoring is that you can set your own hours – and often your own pay, too. Some tutors earn well over $40 an hour!
2. Sports Coach
Most high school teams are going to be off for the summer, but if you’re athletic and you don’t mind working with younger kids, you might want to consider trying your hand at youth sports coaching. Summer is a great time for kids to refine their sports skills, whether they’re in basketball, tennis, volleyball, or baseball.
You’ll be able to work with kids and stay active, so be sure to check with community recreation centers and day camps to find out if they are in need of coaches this summer.
3. Freelance Writer
One of the more financially lucrative options for teachers who are off for the summer is freelance writing. You don’t have to be an English teacher in order to qualify, either.
In fact, teachers, in general, make good writers because they are not only college-educated, but they also have strong skills in written communication and logical thinking. To land the best freelance writing jobs, you will want to pick a few industries or topics in which you think you are particularly knowledgeable. Then, you can apply for jobs via job boards like Upwork or post your resume online with a portfolio.
You can even hang on to a few of your better clients during the school year, if you’d like! There’s plenty of incentive to do so – some of the most accomplished writers make well over $100 per hour.
4. Translator
Do you speak more than one language? If so, you might want to consider a summer job as a translator. This job is increasingly being done from a remote setting. As long as you have an internet connection, you have everything you need to be a translator.
There are a few options when it comes to translation as a summer job, but in general, this work will be done for international businesses. You can work in literary translation, which will allow you to translate technical communications in academia, healthcare, and technology. You can also work in localization in translation, which is less formal and more vernacular. This requires a higher level of fluency in your second language, so be aware of the additional challenges.
5. Online Sales
This one might not keep you quite as busy as the other best summer jobs for teachers on this list, but it’s still a good option if you know you want to work but don’t want to commit to a regular schedule. You can sell all kinds of things online, from items you have laying around the house (hello, eBay!) to crafts that you make yourself (Etsy offers the perfect platform).
Whatever the case may be, take the time to investigate various online sales platforms to find out what kinds of things you might be able to sell. This option can help you keep earning income during the school year, too.
6. Camp Counselor
Have a ton of energy and want to work when you’re out of school this summer? You might want to consider pursuing a job as a camp counselor. Summer camps are often short-staffed, but you can put your skills to use by managing groups, leading workshops, or supervising kids at a daily or overnight summer camp.
Being a camp counselor is a ton of fun, especially when you consider that you’ll be able to participate in fun outdoor activities, field trips, and excursions. Check with your local church, YMCA, and community organizations to see what kinds of openings are available. Although the pay as a camp counselor isn’t usually the best, you’ll find that this job is one of the most fun and exciting you’ll ever have (besides your regular teaching gig, that is).
7. Serving
All kinds of cafes, food trucks, and restaurants look for seasonal help if it’s summertime. Particularly if you live in a touristy area or one that is reliant on good weather, you should be able to find plenty of opportunities as a server.
The pay won’t be great, but the tips will be – plus, you might get some free food thrown in for your troubles, too. Be sure to check around at the establishments in your area to see what kinds of openings are available. Some may even offer to keep you on during the less busy season, too, giving you the opportunity to rack up some cash on the weekends when you aren’t hard at work at the school.
8. Tour Guide
Want a break from teaching – but still itching to be up in the front of a room, lecturing?
If so, you should consider a summer job as a tour guide. This kind of job will allow you to continue to educate people but to also get out and about as you experience your city. As a tour guide, you’ll be able to lead tourists around a notable area of your city and give new visitors a fresh perspective.
To get started, you will want to research local tour companies to find opportunities. You can expect to earn anywhere between $9 and $20 or more per hour. Plus, tour guides usually earn tips – and it’s a great way to squeeze in some exercise, too.
9. House Renting And Sitting
There are a few more unique options you can pursue if you want to try something a little bit different this summer. For example, you might want to consider being a part-time landlord.
How, you might ask?
It’s simple. Companies like VRBO and Airbnb have made it easier than ever for you to rent out your house. You don’t have to do much – snap a few pictures, make sure it’s clean, then leave. You can enjoy some traveling abroad while your renters enjoy your home.
Another option is to house sit – or keep an eye on someone else’s property. As a house sitter, you might take care of the plants, collect the mail, or simply keep tabs on things. You can sign up with a website like Care.com to get started or simply start by asking around for recommendations with people that you already know.
10. Landscaping
Do you have a green thumb? If so, you might want to try your hand at landscaping. Landscaping and gardening are seasonal businesses in most areas, meaning they’re perfect for teachers who don’t have anything else to do during the summer months.
If you like being outside, this kind of job might be the perfect fit for you. You can seek employment with a company if you only want to do the physical labor, or, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, you can start your own landscaping business.
A+ Tips To Land The Perfect Job – Besides Your Teaching Gig, That Is
Of course, teaching is your number one love – and you don’t want your summer job to take away from that. Don’t worry – it won’t.
You can easily land the perfect summer job without having to put in a ton of time and effort to do so. In fact, many of these jobs can be completed on a part-time basis so that you don’t have to sacrifice anything at all.
As you consider job opportunities this summer, start by thinking about what sorts of activities you most enjoy doing. Do you like to be outside? Are creative pursuits more your style? Will a part-time job work best for your schedule, or would you rather work full-time?
Whatever the case may be, finding the perfect job comes down to thinking carefully about how you want to spend your time on summer vacation. Consider these best summer jobs for teachers, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that appear before you!
