What is it you do best? That’s the thing people will happily pay you to do. After a long day in the classroom, what can you do to supplement your income? Some general ideas involve taking the educator to those who need to be educated. Many children and adults need tutoring. If you love to teach, you will find those who love to learn. Tutoring a subject that you enjoy and are good at is a valuable service to your community and one that can boost your yearly salary. As a matter of fact, tutoring could be your main job and you would not need to set foot in a classroom.

A teacher is a leader. That is why teacher businesses are so successful. You could tutor a basic school subject like math or reading, but the choices expand well past required classes. How about teaching piano lessons? Violin? Or guitar? Music is appreciated and has proven to be valuable in so many ways. If you are an educator with a background in business, you automatically expand the possibilities. You can start a business of your own or help to turn an existing business around for the better. Opportunities are available out in the business field or at home, in your own office.

We never get to a place where we no longer need to be educated. There is something to learn everyday. You may retire from a classroom, but you cannot resign from teaching those around you. Educating comes naturally to the one who loves to teach.

Tutoring is the most obvious answer but shouldn’t be overlooked. Many companies exist in the marketplace that are hiring. They especially love to hire existing teachers as they know the curriculum better than those out of the loop. If you can’t pick up a job with one of the companies, solicit your own clients and offer tutoring out of your own home or in a public place like a library using one of their private rooms. Place ads in public places like the gym, library or bookstores. Maybe you can also place ads on message boards related to parent issues.

Work at home jobs are growing increasingly popular. To bring in extra money for teachers, apply for some of the editorial positions that allow you to work from home. The requirements are usually basic, ie a computer, high-speed Internet and an aptitude for proof reading. And isn’t that what teaching is about 50% of the time anyway? There are also online opportunities to teach English as a second language. Look into that. Or, if you want to get away from the teaching arena for a break, try some of the customer service positions that exist for work at homers.

Just know that you are not dependent on the salary you receive currently. There are always other avenues out there you can and should explore to bring in the extra income you need and deserve. For someone willing to work a bit after the bell rings, there are definite part-time and seasonal positions you can claim. Use your teaching background as the biggest selling point as you have experience with parents, children and administrators. You’re used to public speaking in front of all the above and are a quick thinker on your feet. This is what all these companies are looking for.

Many teachers are finding jobs that they can do on the side of teaching. A teacher salary can increase by coaching or working with the students in extracurricular activities after school. Tutoring is a great option for teachers to earn a little extra income. Online tutoring websites have opened up a new world of possibilities for teachers to make extra income by tutoring. Teachers can still tutor local students, and tutor online at the same time. Another possibility for earning money online is creating an online business.

Music teachers can give private lessons to increase their income. Some teachers get a second job. Jobs that provide tips can be a good way to overcome the slump of a bad teacher salary. Delivering pizza or working as a waiter or waitress during the evenings, even just a few nights a week, can give a teacher an extra hourly wage and a decent income from tips. Janitorial work is often available in the evenings, which is an ideal time for a teacher to work a second job.

Teachers often make the mistake of believing they can not change their circumstances. Maybe a teacher salary supported their family ten years ago, but after a few more kids and the changes in the economy that kind of money does not provide significant support for their family now. If teachers can get out of their comfort zones, they may find ways to earn more money. Sometimes teachers should take a break from teaching and go back to college to further their knowledge in order to make it possible to find a better paying job. Teachers should not have to settle for a salary that does not even provide for their families.

Substitute teachers are not compensated for when they are not working. Substitute teachers and unemployment in the summer is addressed all the time. Some teacher’s unions do not have a stance on substitute teachers. The eligibility requirements change so often that substitute teachers have to deal with a surprise every year if they choose to apply for unemployment during the summer. On top of being unemployed during the summer, substitute teachers do not get health benefits or paid for holiday vacations. Substitute teachers are having a difficult time even finding jobs because of the economic recession. Employers are more picky about who they hire because so many people are out of work. Schools used to hire anyone with a college degree to be a substitute teacher, but now they look for people with a degree in Education.

While some people think being unemployed would be an easy life to lead, those people do not understand the stress that comes with being unemployed. It is interesting how teachers and unemployment in the summer can seem appealing to some people. It would not be luxurious to be unemployed for three to four months out of the year. At least teachers are employed around Christmas time. Christmas can be the most stressful time of the year for those who are unemployed. Unemployment does not provide enough money to pay bills, buy groceries, and still have money left over for gifts during the Christmas season.