Ideas to help you ease the squeeze
Around the world teachers aren't well paid, and sometimes we need to earn a little extra to help ease the finances. Here's some tips to help you use your credentials to earn yourself some extra cash.
5 Ways for Teachers to Make a Little Extra Money
- Tutoring in Your First Language
- Tutoring in Your Subject Area
- Marking exams
- Teach Evening Classes
- Teach English Overseas
- Exam Coaching
Make some Extra Money to Supplement Your Teaching Salary by Tutoring
I think it's a worldwide problem for teachers, we just aren't well-paid. I'm sure we've all had times in our lives when we have been little short of some ready-cash. In this article I like to share with you some of the things I've done, or thought about doing, in order to relieve my cash flow worries. And the method I have finally found to relieve my cash flow worries long-term.
Tutoring in Your First Language
One of the first things I ever did was to tutor people in the English language. At the time I was living in Taiwan, working as an English language teacher so it didn't take me long to realise that I could make extra money tutoring people. This was extremely lucrative for me and it was easy to find clients.
Now you might be thinking that you don't live in Taiwan so how is this helpful to you? With the amount of migration in the last five to 10 years it should be easy to find someone in need of English language tutoring, regardless of where you're living.
Tutoring in Your Subject Area
Of course the other alternative to tutoring people in the English language is to tutor them in your teaching subject. I have tutored students in math and accounting, and these aren't even my teaching subjects!
Something I've never done, but have seen people do very successfully, is to tutor students in English language using the curriculum they were covering at school. This will work for students in high-school and university, and you can certainly charge more per hour for this kind of tutoring.
Tutoring in Your First Language
One of the first things I ever did was to tutor people in the English language. At the time I was living in Taiwan, working as an English language teacher so it didn't take me long to realise that I could make extra money tutoring people. This was extremely lucrative for me and it was easy to find clients.
Now you might be thinking that you don't live in Taiwan so how is this helpful to you? With the amount of migration in the last five to 10 years it should be easy to find someone in need of English language tutoring, regardless of where you're living.
Tutoring in Your Subject Area
Of course the other alternative to tutoring people in the English language is to tutor them in your teaching subject. I have tutored students in math and accounting, and these aren't even my teaching subjects!
Something I've never done, but have seen people do very successfully, is to tutor students in English language using the curriculum they were covering at school. This will work for students in high-school and university, and you can certainly charge more per hour for this kind of tutoring.
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Supplement your Teaching Salary by Marking Examinations and Getting Paid for it!
Marking exams
When I lived in the United Kingdom I marked A-level exams for three years. This is another way I have earned a substantial amount of extra money. But the benefit wasn't just monetary; I became better able to prepare my students for the exams they sat. After I had marked exams for the first time, I noticed that my students' grades improved and continued to do so over the next two years.
I made around £3000 ($US 5930) my first year, rising to around £6,500 ($US 12,850) in my third year. The reason I made more money was because I marked more papers, began to moderate coursework, and became a team leader.
The two problems with marking exams is that you have to do it right to be for the summer holidays at the end of a long hard year, and that you can only do it once a year. With this method you cannot control when you earn the extra money.
When I lived in the United Kingdom I marked A-level exams for three years. This is another way I have earned a substantial amount of extra money. But the benefit wasn't just monetary; I became better able to prepare my students for the exams they sat. After I had marked exams for the first time, I noticed that my students' grades improved and continued to do so over the next two years.
I made around £3000 ($US 5930) my first year, rising to around £6,500 ($US 12,850) in my third year. The reason I made more money was because I marked more papers, began to moderate coursework, and became a team leader.
The two problems with marking exams is that you have to do it right to be for the summer holidays at the end of a long hard year, and that you can only do it once a year. With this method you cannot control when you earn the extra money.
If you're in the UK, here are the contacts for examination marking...
- Edexcel Online - Job Application Form
- Edexcel offer examinations at GCSE and GCE (A) levels. I've worked for them. It's a great opportunity to earn some extra money, meet with professional peers and learn how to prepare your own students better.
- Recruitment of Examiners and Moderators
- AQA are another UK examination board. I moderated for AQA over two years and learned a lot about holistic marking and positive assessment. They have information on their site about how much you can earn and a case study of an examiner.
- OCR - Working for Us
- "OCR Qualifications are nationally recognised and represent the most respected names in education."
Resources for Making Extra Money
Money (1-year)
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/01/2009) 
SmartMoney (1-year)
Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 12/01/2009)
Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 12/01/2009)
Don't Do Much in the Evenings? Use Them to Make Some Extra Money Teaching Evening Classes.
Teach Evening Classes
I worked my way through my Post Graduate Teaching Diploma by teaching English Language evening classes at the local high school. The pay was excellent and the hours suited the lifestyle I wanted to lead. The government put a cap on how much I was allowed to earn and I reached that limit teaching evening classes four hours a week.
If there are any evening classes being offered in your area, you could try approaching the organiser with a proposal. In my experience evening class organisers are always looking for new classes to add to their brochure.
I worked my way through my Post Graduate Teaching Diploma by teaching English Language evening classes at the local high school. The pay was excellent and the hours suited the lifestyle I wanted to lead. The government put a cap on how much I was allowed to earn and I reached that limit teaching evening classes four hours a week.
If there are any evening classes being offered in your area, you could try approaching the organiser with a proposal. In my experience evening class organisers are always looking for new classes to add to their brochure.
Ever Thought About Writing?
You can earn extra money with your writng talents...
Travel writing or novel writing, where does your talent lie?
- Travel the World For Free as a Published Travel Writer
- Combine something you love with something that will earn you an income! Travel Writing - this blueprint to successful and lucrative travel writing could be great for you. Or, if you are moving overseas, maybe it'll be great for your partner!
- NewNovelist
- Software to bring out the novelist in you! Go high-tech with this novel writing tool.
Teaching English Overseas to Earn Extra Money May Seem Extreme
But it's lucrative and fun!
Teach English Overseas
Teaching is a skill that can be adapted to almost any subject. Once you can teach you can teach almost anything, including language. There are a lot of hungry students in the world looking to learn English. If you can speak English, and you are a teacher, then you can teach English.
I know that I earlier mentioned that you can tutor the English language in addition to your current salary, but one way to increase your current salary without increasing your workload would be to move overseas and teach English abroad. A non-monetary side benefit to this option is that you get to live an exotic lifestyle and explore new cultures.
Teaching is a skill that can be adapted to almost any subject. Once you can teach you can teach almost anything, including language. There are a lot of hungry students in the world looking to learn English. If you can speak English, and you are a teacher, then you can teach English.
I know that I earlier mentioned that you can tutor the English language in addition to your current salary, but one way to increase your current salary without increasing your workload would be to move overseas and teach English abroad. A non-monetary side benefit to this option is that you get to live an exotic lifestyle and explore new cultures.
Opportunities to Earn Extra Money Through Exam Coaching
Exams are stressful and you can help students cope with this and earn some extra cash at the same time!
Whether you are teaching abroad or teaching at home, you can supplement your teaching salary by earning some extra cash doing some exam coaching.
Students and their parents stress about exams, and getting some coaching from a qualified experienced teacher can make a real difference to a student's confidence and performance.
You can coach students on content and on exam technique. I spend a lot of time with my senior students going over how to read questions, how to manage their time, what to do if they are faced with a question they don't recognise...
Set yourself up as an exam coach in your local community and help out your neighbor's children.
If you are teaching abroad you can coach students for exams that you have at home, like A-Levels for the UK, or the GED. Many overseas students also sit the SAT exams, and are often looking for coaches for this.
One problem with this technique for earning extra income is that it is seasonal. Unless you are teaching content all year, which is more tutoring than exam coaching, you will only secure short term work. Still, it's a great way to take something on for a short time and then be free of the commitment.
Students and their parents stress about exams, and getting some coaching from a qualified experienced teacher can make a real difference to a student's confidence and performance.
You can coach students on content and on exam technique. I spend a lot of time with my senior students going over how to read questions, how to manage their time, what to do if they are faced with a question they don't recognise...
Set yourself up as an exam coach in your local community and help out your neighbor's children.
If you are teaching abroad you can coach students for exams that you have at home, like A-Levels for the UK, or the GED. Many overseas students also sit the SAT exams, and are often looking for coaches for this.
One problem with this technique for earning extra income is that it is seasonal. Unless you are teaching content all year, which is more tutoring than exam coaching, you will only secure short term work. Still, it's a great way to take something on for a short time and then be free of the commitment.
TEFL Courses Worth Checking Out
Whether you are thinking of moving your teaching career overseas or not, this is something to look at...
TEFL skills can be used to supplement your income, both abroad and at home.
- i-to-i TEFL Courses
Teaching English Abroad is where I first got started in teaching. The course I did was a fantastic investment and has kept me rolling in the green for nearly a decade.
i-to-i even offer TEFL Training Courses online!- The WorldWide TEFL School
The great thing about TEFL Training is that you can use the methods you learn in your regular teaching.
Maybe you can spend your Professional Development allowance on doing a TEFL course?
Teaching English Abroad in International Schools
Teaching English abroad in international schools is an alternative to teaching in private language schools which ESL teachers may not be aware of, learn more...
International schools are elementary, middle and high schools for expatriate children whose families live abroad. There are international schools that offer an American curriculum, those that offer a British curriculum and many more. The language of instruction in most international schools is English but many of the students have English as a second or third language, and so most international schools have teachers who support these students by teaching them English language.
Teaching English abroad in international schools can be done with the same qualifications that are required for teaching in a private language school however you will be competing with people who have teaching diplomas. With over 4000 international schools worldwide, there are many positions vacant every year.
Teaching in an international school often offers better pay and more benefits than teaching in a private language school. Some benefits you are likely to receive teaching in an international school are annual flights, accommodation allowance, medical insurance and, free tuition for your children in the school.
International schools follow the regular school year, so you will only be teaching for around 200 days, and you will be paid for your vacation time, unlike private language school where you will receive 3-4 weeks holiday in a 12 month contract.
Teaching English abroad in international schools can be done with the same qualifications that are required for teaching in a private language school however you will be competing with people who have teaching diplomas. With over 4000 international schools worldwide, there are many positions vacant every year.
Teaching in an international school often offers better pay and more benefits than teaching in a private language school. Some benefits you are likely to receive teaching in an international school are annual flights, accommodation allowance, medical insurance and, free tuition for your children in the school.
International schools follow the regular school year, so you will only be teaching for around 200 days, and you will be paid for your vacation time, unlike private language school where you will receive 3-4 weeks holiday in a 12 month contract.
In Summary
In this lens I have discussed five ways for teachers to earn extra money. I hope that this has given you some ideas for improving your own cash flow situation. Oh, I forgot to tell you how I've improved my cash flow situation long-term. I moved overseas, I now teach at an international school in Thailand full-time. I now earn enough money from this one teaching position that I don't need to look for any other way to supplement my income. In non monetary benefits I now live in summer weather 12 months of the year, teach only 180 days a year, and have a sizeable professional development allowance. I have found teaching abroad to be a fantastic opportunity, you should check it out.I've been teaching for 9 years, and while I love the job I've never been pleased with the lack of money in my pay-packet at the end of the month. I've done extra work for 8 of the last 9 years to supplement my income, but now I've found a more permanent solution, I'm making much more money teaching overseas. Check it out!
Best Paid Teaching Jobs Abroad
Teaching jobs abroad come in many shapes and sizes. You can teach English in private language schools, teach at universities set up for local students from the host countries and, you can teach at international schools which are set up for expatriate chil
The most lucrative position is usually teaching at an international school for expatriate children. There are over 4000 international schools worldwide so there is plenty from which to choose.
Salary and Benefits
When considering a teaching position abroad it is important that you consider the overall package rather than simply the salary offered. This is what makes an international school teaching job the best paid teaching position abroad.
Some benefits offered by many international schools that can add to the overall package are:
* flights paid from your home to the school's location at the beginning and end of your contract. Depending on how far your home is from the school, this benefit alone can save you several thousand dollars.
* housing allowance. Often international schools will pay you a monthly housing allowance, or even provide accommodation for you in an apartment or a housing complex. When you are offered a housing allowance you can usually find yourself adequate housing for the amount you are paid, and sometimes you can even end up with a surplus.
* end-of-contract bonus. International schools want you to remain for the full length of your contract and are willing to give you a financial incentive to do so. You may be able to negotiate an end-of-contract bonus of 10-15%.
Salary and Benefits
When considering a teaching position abroad it is important that you consider the overall package rather than simply the salary offered. This is what makes an international school teaching job the best paid teaching position abroad.
Some benefits offered by many international schools that can add to the overall package are:
* flights paid from your home to the school's location at the beginning and end of your contract. Depending on how far your home is from the school, this benefit alone can save you several thousand dollars.
* housing allowance. Often international schools will pay you a monthly housing allowance, or even provide accommodation for you in an apartment or a housing complex. When you are offered a housing allowance you can usually find yourself adequate housing for the amount you are paid, and sometimes you can even end up with a surplus.
* end-of-contract bonus. International schools want you to remain for the full length of your contract and are willing to give you a financial incentive to do so. You may be able to negotiate an end-of-contract bonus of 10-15%.
The Effect of Income Tax on Teaching Abroad Salaries
To ensure you land the best paid overseas teaching job you need to consider more than just the salary being offered. Income tax can either significantly subtract from your savings potential. Here's how...
Another consideration when considering teaching positions abroad and attempting to evaluate which one will be the most profitable is how much tax you will have to pay. Countries have the differing tax rules, for example in Taiwan you may only pay 10% tax, but in Poland you will have to pay closer to 20%. Therefore it is important to find out how much tax you will have to pay and establish how this will affect your overall take home salary.
Also, some benefits are taxable as well, so it is wise to check whether the dollar amounts you are quoted are gross (before tax) or net (after tax).
Finally on the subject of income tax, you should check with the tax department in your home country to establish what your tax commitment to them will be. Simply not living in your home country does not mean your government will not require you to pay tax there, for example, the government in Holland expects citizens who teach abroad to pay 'wealth tax' on any assets they leave behind.
This information is difficult to come by for most international schools in the initial stages of the recruitment process. Some international teacher job fair organisers require member schools to complete some of this information in their vacancy listings, but others do not. In order to ensure you have the required information to make the best decision possible before you sign a contract for a teaching job overseas, make up a set of interview questions that will cover this ground.
Also, some benefits are taxable as well, so it is wise to check whether the dollar amounts you are quoted are gross (before tax) or net (after tax).
Finally on the subject of income tax, you should check with the tax department in your home country to establish what your tax commitment to them will be. Simply not living in your home country does not mean your government will not require you to pay tax there, for example, the government in Holland expects citizens who teach abroad to pay 'wealth tax' on any assets they leave behind.
This information is difficult to come by for most international schools in the initial stages of the recruitment process. Some international teacher job fair organisers require member schools to complete some of this information in their vacancy listings, but others do not. In order to ensure you have the required information to make the best decision possible before you sign a contract for a teaching job overseas, make up a set of interview questions that will cover this ground.
Learn a New Skill...
You can earn money by learning a new skill and then selling your services
I've spent my last vacation learning traditional Thai massage. While I'm not doing it for the money I could earn, some of my classmates are.Learn more about Thai Massage on my personal lens.
One of the bonuses of learning a new skill is that it sends us back to the classroom and we get the opportunity to refresh our outlook on education from the inside out.
5 More Ways for Teachers to Make a Little Extra Money
Check out the Sequel
Sometimes it's not about making money
Sometimes it's about the fringe benefits!
The last year I lived in England I managed to fit in 4 weeks skiing, and I only paid for one of them!
How did I manage this?
Well, when I was looking for vacancies teaching overseas I found an advertisement for Skiclass a company that organises skiing holidays for UK school children. I applied for a job and they hired me to go on three school trips as an accompanying rep.
It was a great opportunity to ski and it didn't cost me a thing. I did have to wear a rather ugly jacket that they supplied for me, but other than that, I skiied and skiied and skiied that year.
I had a blast doing this job, but it didn't pay hardly anything. The pay wasn't my motivation for taking the position, I took it because they paid for my transportation, accomodation and lift pass for three weeks of skiing. In return I solved any problems the school group had, and as the students travelled with their teachers, I didn't really have to do much of that either!
How did I manage this?
Well, when I was looking for vacancies teaching overseas I found an advertisement for Skiclass a company that organises skiing holidays for UK school children. I applied for a job and they hired me to go on three school trips as an accompanying rep.
It was a great opportunity to ski and it didn't cost me a thing. I did have to wear a rather ugly jacket that they supplied for me, but other than that, I skiied and skiied and skiied that year.
I had a blast doing this job, but it didn't pay hardly anything. The pay wasn't my motivation for taking the position, I took it because they paid for my transportation, accomodation and lift pass for three weeks of skiing. In return I solved any problems the school group had, and as the students travelled with their teachers, I didn't really have to do much of that either!
What have you done to supplement your income?
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- ClassroomCanada ClassroomCanada Feb 23, 2009 @ 11:07 pm
- I tutor on the side in Canada, but also tutored when I taught in London. I made an extra 800 pounds/month just by tutoring 2 hours every Tuesday & Thursday evening, and Saturday mornings. It was the best way to earn lots of money & do what I love. Check out the blog post I wrote about how to tutor in Canada and the UK here: http://classroomcanada.blogspot.com/2009/02/tutoring-in-canada-how-teachers-can.html
Great lens!
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- anilg anilg Jun 22, 2008 @ 9:48 am
- Nice ideas here, great lens too - thumbs up
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- Coral_Milburn_Curtis Coral_Milburn_Curtis May 28, 2007 @ 11:59 pm
- Playground-poets.com will give you a poetry lesson and will then publish your class/school anthology. You make £2 per book sold. It's fun - children are happy, parents are proud and you get brownie points for promoting your school too!
Best wishes
Coral
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- Mobiiart Mobiiart Apr 30, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
- Great lens! I have never met a teacher yet that wouldn't welcome an extra dollar at the end of the month (especially me!).
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- Michael Werner Michael Werner Feb 17, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
- We've started a new site to help teachers earn supplemental income. http://www.teachmarket.com. We're looking for TEACHERS to interview who earn supplemental income through tutoring, test prep, evening teaching, or related.
Michael Werner
mwerner@infosourcelearning.com
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by Miss_Kelly
I started my teaching career teaching English abroad. I've supplemented my income with all of these ideas. Now I've written a book on how to teach in...
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