It would be wonderful if teachers were paid what they are worth. However, as every educator knows, there is a huge discrepancy between what teachers earn and the responsibilities that they have. This discrepancy often leads to the necessity of a part-time summer job. If you are hoping to supplement your teaching income this summer, or simply want to earn money to help save up for a big trip, the seven jobs below are super sweet options.
Summer Jobs
1. Tutor
Many parents are interested in hiring tutors for their children over the summer months. If you have a specialty in reading, math or a foreign language, you can offer your skills as a private tutor.
2. Camp Counselor
Camps love to hire teachers to work for them. Your natural love for children makes you an excellent candidate. Work for the entire summer or pick and choose which weeks you are available.
3. Freelancer
Are you good at data entry? Check into online freelancing websites to find available jobs. You can work as much or as little as you like.
4. Amusement Park Attendant
If you live near a local amusement park, see if they are hiring. This fun atmosphere will be a big distraction from the rigors of teaching.
5. Retail
It takes a special mindset to work in the retail world, but if you have experience in the field and enjoy it, a part-time retail job might just be perfect. Try to get a job at a store where you frequently shop (or would like to!), and reap the benefits of an employee discount.
6. Run a Class
If you have a special talent or skill that you would like to share, contact your local park and rec department to see if you can get listed in their class offerings for the summer. You will be doing something you enjoy doing and be getting paid for it.
7. House and Pet Sitting
While you are hoping to work a summer job, everyone else is going away. This is perfect for you if you are a house or pet sitter. Contact local pet sitting companies to see if they are hiring for the summer months, or advertise on local community boards and work for yourself.
If you have a summer job that you love that’s not listed, leave a comment below and share your ideas. We would love to know how you spend your summer.
These are all wonderful summer ideas! I am finishing up my student teaching in a few weeks and will need to find some work for the summer and these ideas are a really great starting point for me to start looking around.
I’ve never thought of running a class through parks and rec. I’ll have to think about that for next summer!
Another great place, where I have worked the last 10 summers, is a golf course. There are many options between working grounds (flowers, mowing, etc.), beverage cart, pro shop/merchandise, wait staff, etc.
Another job to consider would be a lifeguard, although I intend to be a stay at home mommy during the summer 🙂
I totally agree that the summer is a great time for us teachers to make some extra money and do something fun. I have done a number of interesting things over the summer – although I must say that I have tried to avoid tutoring / teaching as I think it can lead to burn out during the following year. I generally have tried to find and apply to as many summer opportunities as possible One great resource I have found in finding specific summer jobs for teachers is Summer Workation http://www.SummerWorkation.org. Great free site to find summer opportunities specifically for teachers. Otherwise Google is also pretty good or you can look out for district postings! Happy hunting!
Awesome!!!!
I tutor college students…avoids the burnouts of teaching kids and amazing how willing they are to listen, learn, AND pay food good help
I’ve been teaching for 20 years and have never taken the summer “off”. I find teaching outside of my special education speciality area recharges me for the next school year.
Great ideas, that I would have never thought of…
So, the only other jobs we are qualified for as educators are minimum wage teenager jobs . . . Wow.
No, not at all! Many of the jobs listed pay significantly more. Tutors can earn between $50-$75 an hour. It just depends on where you live, the job market, and who is hiring. Don’t give up! You’ll find something (or can start something!)! Let me know if I can be of any help! =)
~Brandi
Cool ideas. I would love to start art tutoring in my new studio. Need to get the space organized! Thanks!
For tutoring, consider doing a mini back to school camp in August for 3-4 kids. It gives kids a good booster right before they go back and still gives me time in June and July with my own kiddos..
Super ideas!
Great ideas! Thanks!
Wow their are some great ideas here! I especially love the SummerWorkation.org site John. I have been concerned about the ‘burn-out’ factor for teaching summer school this year. I will be looking into this site. Thanks for the tip.
I think that I would like the life guard job for the summer. I like to be by the pool or in the pool for the summer!!
These are all great ideas! I live close to a university and they often have paid tutoring that includes teacher training! It is the best summer job ever 🙂
These are wonderful ideas. I tutor each summer when I am not teaching and also babysit for friends, family, etc. I love working with children and this only adds to a resume! 🙂
I personally tutor. I do so not only in the summer but after school all year. Its a great way to earn cash
I guess this was somewhat mentioned by being a freelance writer, but teachers should consider joining Teachers Pay Teachers. I LOVE creating activities for other teachers to use!
Good ideas. Most park districts have summer jobs available also. Temp agencies probably look for summer help to fill in for vacations. Or just relax and start preparing for the next year!