Summer jobs for a teacher. I’m sure that is exactly what you want to think about right now! But even though the evenings are brighter, the weather is getting warmer (well slightly warmer!) and a summer full of no commitments is on the horizon, some teachers cannot fully relax at this time of year.
Oh, believe me, I know exactly what you are going through because I have never had a permanent teaching job with paid holidays! If you are a temporary or substitute teacher, the thought of two months off is bittersweet. Yes, you are getting a well-needed rest BUT if you have a mortgage, family and bills to pay, it can be pretty stressful. Over the years, I have tried different things during the summer months to supplement my income. So I thought I would share some of those things with you! Let’s talk all about summer jobs for teachers!
Do you have your own tutoring business or would you like to start one? Schedule a 20-minute free coaching call here! You can ask me anything about tutoring! How to start a business, how to create a logo or even how to create your tutoring website! Click here to book a free coaching slot and get started on your tutoring business journey!
Summer jobs for a teacher
Trying to find summer jobs for a teacher can be difficult. Lots of places aren’t keen on taking on teachers for summer work because they know that they are only available for less than 2 months. Also usually by the time you get around to looking for summer work, most of the temporary positions have been filled. I’ve had to work every summer since graduating from uni. I have never experienced a ‘proper teacher summer.’ Although being self-employed has plenty of other perks so I’m not complaining too much! Here is a list of my top 6 summer jobs for supply teachers and temporary teachers that can help take the financial burden off you this summer break.
Tutoring
Of course, I’m going to be biased with this one but I have tutored every single summer since leaving university. I always knew that it was going to be competitive finding a permanent job so I got into tutoring straight away so that I would have a backup plan. Now I had nowhere near as many students as I have now because my goal at the time was to find yearly work in schools. If someone had told me back then that I would be leaving the classroom and have my own tutoring business I would have told them no way would happen!
Tutoring is an amazing summer job for a teacher. You can make money over the summer months and other school holidays. Most families do want tutors all year round so if you can commit to sessions every week alongside being in the classroom then that’s even better! This will allow you to make money during the summer months and also during half-term, mid-term, Christmas and Easter. If tutoring alongside being in the classroom is too much for you, don’t completely rule out tutoring. There are some families out there that only want tutoring during the summer months to keep their children’s brains ticking over during the holidays.
How can you advertise your tutoring services?
Whether you are going to tutor year-round or just during school holidays, you need to bring awareness to families in your local area. I recommend starting a tutoring Facebook and Instagram page where you post about and advertise your tutoring services or holiday tutoring sessions. This is where I first got started and after that, my name was passed around from different families. If you are thinking of advertising for summer tutoring slots, make sure you start releasing these slots around Easter time. You might think that is far too early but that is when families start thinking about their summer plans and like to get things sorted for July and August.
Tutoring Companies
There are tutoring companies out there that advertise summer jobs for teachers. However, the company takes a percentage of the families’ fees. If you don’t want the responsibility of arranging and advertising your tutoring services then working for a tutoring company may be just the thing for you. However, if you want the freedom to choose your working hours and earn a bit more money from tutoring sessions, then having your own tutoring business is the way forward.
Remember that once you earn over a specific amount from tutoring, you will need to declare your earnings. Please seek advice from your government tax body or an accountant/financial advisor. If you would like more information about how to start your own tutoring business, check out my blog post, ‘Steps to start a tutoring company: 7 simple, important steps’ here!
Summer Schemes
Summer schemes are one of the most perfect summer jobs for teachers. They always run when the schools are closed, they are filled with lots of fun activities and they usually have a good hourly rate for staff. Summer scheme organisations love having teachers and classroom assistants on board as we are qualified professionals, so who wouldn’t want us on their team right? Keep an eye out for job advertisements in your local leisure centres, by your local council, sports teams and youth clubs. Some schools also run their own summer schemes, so even if it isn’t in your school, check with other local schools to see if they need additional staff. Once again, start looking into this around Easter time as these jobs can get filled pretty quickly. And once you get your foot in the door, you should be kept on a list for next summer as well.
If this is your first summer scheme, don’t be offended if you don’t get offered the position of team leader. Just because you are a teacher, it doesn’t mean you automatically get the highest position on the team.
Summer Jobs for Teachers Abroad: Teaching English
This one might be a little bit out there for some people but summer jobs teaching English abroad are a great summer job which also gives you a unique experience which you can talk about at job interviews to help you stand out. There are lots of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) jobs out there that provide accommodation and travel for teachers who accept a teaching English abroad job. If you have a family at home, chances are this job isn’t suitable for you. But if you are free to travel abroad for work then give it a go! You’ll be earning money whilst experiencing a new country.
Just make sure you are using a reputable TEFL company that has great reviews and testimonials. With some TEFL jobs, being a teacher isn’t enough to get the job. You may also need a TEFL certification. There are plenty of online and in-person TEFL courses that you can complete. Again look into this way before the summer so you have time to get your course completed in time for summer. My TEFL qualification is from TEFL Ireland. Take a look at their social media to see when they are running their next course.
Part Time Jobs for Teachers Online
Teaching online is the dream, right? Being able to do the job that you love but be free to travel the world. I don’t know about you but that’s the dream for me! Teaching online is pretty similar to tutoring except you are doing it virtually. This means if you have a wee trip away planned over the summer you can bring your laptop or tablet and earn a bit of money while you are away! I was able to teach virtually online during a career break and I was able to do it from wherever we travelled from. I taught my students from my poolside apartment in Albufeira to the top of the mountains in Madeira! (And yes I was literally above the clouds in Madeira!)
Just like with tutoring, if you do this independently you can choose your hourly fee and how you want to run the session. Additionally, you can work for a company that will allocate your students for you. Whichever option you choose to do, make sure you have a good webcam, microphone and WiFi signal!
Create Resources to Sell
This one can be a slow burner. I mean a slow burner but to make some extra money as a teacher, you can create and sell your resources. Do you know those times when you are trying to find a worksheet for your class and you just can’t find what you are looking for? So you end up making your own? Well, that is exactly what I am talking about! Creating your resources which you can sell online to other teachers, tutors or parents. And it doesn’t just have to be worksheets, you can sell teacher stickers, planners and even t-shirts!
The online marketplace for teachers is increasing more and more each day! You can sell resources on websites such as Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy. If you don’t want the pressure of taking this on yourself, you can work for companies such as Twinkl and create resources for them. Although this may not replace your full teaching income right away, it is a handy wee side hustle that can make you money while you sleep! If you would like more information on this, don’t forget to schedule your free 20-minute coaching call with me!
Holiday Staff
Some other summer jobs that I have had over the years are working at different events such as concert venues or event venues. You can also find holiday work in restaurants, cafes and the cinema for example. It’s all about putting yourself out there and seeing what is available. Chances are the work isn’t going to fall on your lap. You need to research and apply for everything that you see to see what sticks. Once you get work the first summer, it will be easier the next summer as most places will keep you on their list.
If you are not fussy about what you do, there are loads of things that you can try. I have also been a nanny for a family over the summer, did some babysitting and worked in daycares and creches. Update your CV and send it to different childcare facilities in your area. Check employment websites a few times a week and see if anything new comes up. If you play a particular sport or teach music, look for summer coaching camps. You can search part time jobs for teachers near me or summer jobs for teachers near me to see any online job adverts.
More Information on Summer Jobs for a Teacher
45+ Summer Jobs for Teachers, From Summer Camp to Delivery Services
13 Flexible Online Summer Jobs for Teachers
Looking for alternative careers for teachers? Hear from a teacher at Twinkl.
Alternative or Extra Income Ideas for Supply Teachers Throughout the Holidays | Part 1
It’s been a busy year teachers. I know this can be a scary, stressful time if you do not have an income over the summer. But please make sure you relax over the summer as well and take a break. Us teachers work so hard all year round so time to rejuvenate and rest is essential. Just try not to feel too stressed over these summer months. I hope you can find a way to make extra income this summer that works best for you! Good luck with finding your perfect summer jobs for a teacher!
