Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers? One of the perks of being a teacher is having the summers off. However, the lower salary that teachers take means that many teachers need to look for a summer work. There are a wide variety of summer job ideas for teachers, and the key is to find a type of work that will pay well while still allowing you to relax over the summer. The best summer employment for teachers will fit your interests, expand your horizons, contribute to your professional experience, and give you the opportunity to make the most money possible.
Other considerations may be that, when you take on an additional job, it may change your tax picture. If you are working as an independent contractor, tutor, or freelancer, be sure to set aside about 25 percent of the money to cover the additional taxes you might need to pay when you receive a 1099.
Here are a list of good summer job opportunities for teachers who want to earn extra money!
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Best Summer Jobs For Teachers
While all teachers deserve to have the summer off, some educators have the need to stay mentally and physically active. Here are a few of the best summer jobs teachers can take advantage of, including teaching, tutoring, and outdoor activities.
Summer Camps
While school is out, parents may be looking for a way to keep their kids entertained and happy. Summer camps are just one way to do this. There are always positions available in the summer for camp counselors, directors, staff and other related administrative or supervisory positions. You can choose to work at a wilderness-based camp, through your school district or your state’s Parks and Recreation Department. If you need a break from children, you can work as the director. Find a camp that offers an experience or theme you will enjoy, whether it is an outdoors, film, science, art, or band camp. Pay generally ranges from $200 to $500 per week, with room and board provided.
Private Tutor
Private tutoring is one of the most lucrative options available to teachers. You can set up a roster of clients by networking through your colleagues, students and parents, and still have free time to relax. Private tutors can make between $20 to $50 an hour depending on the subject and the location. If you choose to tutor graduate school students or applicants, especially for the LSAT, GMAT, or GRE, you may even be able to charge $50 to $100 an hour. You can build repeat clients and maintain your tutoring services during the school year to supplement your income. This allows you to capitalize on the skills you already have and earn a great hourly rate for a part-time job.
Teaching Abroad
Teaching aboard is a great summer job for teachers. There is a variety of teaching abroad opportunities available and some of the opportunities will last all summer, while others may be for a couple weeks or months. In addition to your teaching salary, your airfare, living expenses, and room and board will either be paid for or subsidized. There are opportunities in Asia, Europe, and South America. Each summer, you can choose another destination – a different continent, country or city to travel to and explore.
This opportunity will give you a chance to see the world for free, while earning some extra money. You can choose whether you want to work with children or with adults in intensive workshops and seminars. This is a great way to make friends around the world, network, and meet new people. But make sure that you go through a service with a good reputation.
Landscaping
Landscaping can be a lucrative way to supplement your income, whether you are looking for summer jobs for college students or teachers. You may work for a landscaping company or freelance on your own and start a landscaping business. This home business idea gives you the opportunity to work outside during the summer, stay active, and make extra money.
The other advantage of being self-employed is that it allows you to keep all of the money that you earn from the jobs. You can build repeat clients each summer and if you market yourself well, you may be able to earn nearly as much as you would during the school year. Finally, if you have a green thumb, don’t forget to offer your services as a skilled gardener. Don’t forget to mention how a beautiful garden, flower bed, or landscaped yard can add to their home value.
Museums, Zoos, Galleries
Another amazing and educational summer job you may want to consider is working at a local zoo, museum, art gallery or aquarium over the summer. Cultural institutions are always offering summer programs for kids and may be hiring docents, curators, or tour guides who have experience working with children. This can be a fun, interesting job where you are teaching but in an entirely different environment. Some of these positions may even be seasonal and available during holidays and breaks.
Amusement Parks, Outdoor Activities
Amusement parks and outdoor businesses always hire additional summer staff. You can apply to be part of the Disney World Summer Program or you can apply for jobs at local outdoor businesses, such as horseback riding and whitewater rafting companies, golf courses, cross-fit gyms, jet ski or kayak rentals, carnivals, etc. The hours are flexible, and you can choose between part-time and full-time work.
National Parks
With national or state parks, you can work as a Forest Ranger, Park Guide or in one of the gift shops. This is another job that you can do every year in a different city or state. If you love the outdoors and want to stay fit, you will want to look into this summer job.
In addition to working with the public, you may be able to find a team of environmentalist building hiking or mountain biking trails and conserving the environment. These jobs are perfect if you love spending time outdoors because you can hike, go rock climbing or enjoy your favorite outdoor activity on your downtime.
Summer School or Program
If you want to stay where you are, you may want to look into working at your District’s summer school or a nearby community college. Each district offers a different schedule, though almost all provide shorter hours and less stress. You may be able to work both full or part time and sign up for the entire summer or for just one session. The pay should be comparable to what you are currently making at your teaching job, if not a bit higher. This is an easy way to earn extra money, and you will not need to do much prep work for the summer curriculum. Additionally, you can help students catch up and get closer to graduation or assist with pre-college preparation and guidance.
Freelance Work
Finally, if you are a teacher looking for one of the best summer jobs, you should consider freelance work and ways to make money from home. Freelance work online can range from writing and editing web content to developing lesson plans for online schools or homeschool resources. If you are artistically gifted, you can consider graphic and web design. If you speak or teach a foreign language, translation services pay very well. If you enjoy making jewelry or other arts and crafts, teachers can set up an Etsy store.
You can even spend the summer setting up your own online business by starting a blog. A blog or teacher resource website can earn passive income through ad revenue, selling eBooks, or becoming an affiliate. Building your own business can provide you a flexible schedule, increased earnings, and the satisfaction of self-employment.
