For many September to June teachers, summer is a time to rest and rejuvenate. But it’s also a time when you may not have regular income. Fortunately, there are ways to supplement your earnings with part-time teaching opportunities that will not only benefit your wallet, but may also expand your skill set. Here are some options to consider:
Tutor College Prep
If your teaching talents lean toward reading, writing or math, you can become a SAT and/or ACT tutor. SAT/ACT tutoring is as in-demand as ever, and there are tutoring centers pretty much everywhere.
Most of these organizations will require you to have a minimum score on the test you’ll be tutoring. From there, they will train you in their curriculum. The structure of tutoring sessions can vary, from individual coaching to large groups of students. Pay is usually hourly, and you can set your own schedule.
Keep in mind: The hiring process is usually multi-step, so if this is something you want to pursue, start looking soon!
Teach English Online
When I started teaching English online about five years ago, there were a handful of companies to work for. Now there are dozens!
Many of these companies serve Chinese students who want to learn to speak and use English in academic subjects. Pay varies depending on your level of education and experience. Some companies give you specific material to teach, while others allow you to make those decisions yourself. You’ll need a home computer with a camera and a quiet place to teach from. That’s pretty much it.
Keep in mind: If you do end up teaching English to students overseas, do the math between your time zone and theirs to figure out if it works for you. Keep in mind that students usually take these classes after school or on weekends.
Develop Your Own Online Classes
If you have a special skill, there are a number of websites that allow you to develop your own classes and offer them to students at-large. Some cater to home-schooled students who look for a wide range of interesting classes to take. Others may be for students who want to practice skills they need help with before the next school year.
Keep in mind: In this instance, your class isn’t part of an established program, so be prepared to invest time and effort into getting it off the ground. You’ll need to do some “selling” to show students why your class in particular is worth taking. It can take some time to get regular enrollment but it’ll become easier over time, especially if you start collecting positive reviews. Overall, this is best for educators who are passionate enough about this that they’d be willing to commit more time than just one summer.
Tutor Multiple Subjects Locally
Online tutoring not your thing? Tutor locally instead. Using websites that allow students to look for tutors by subject and location, you can advertise your services and show your availability. Good old-fashioned physical advertising, like fliers, works, too.
Keep in mind: When it comes to local tutoring, word of mouth is your ally. Talk to friends, students, and parents to have your name and skills travel around town.
As much as we crave our summer break, it’s a long time to go without steady work and a steady income. But options are out there that will keep your skills sharp, and let you put some money into your bank account for a rainy day.
With the flexibility of American College of Education’s online programs, you’ll be able to earn your master’s degree while working and pursuing your other passions. Explore all our graduate-level degrees in the field of education.
