Side and/or Summer Jobs for Teachers?

Question

I was wondering if there are other teachers out there or people who work with teachers and know of jobs for teachers to earn extra cash?

In the fall I will begin my first year as a teacher and many teachers I've worked with have said the first year is the hardest and most time consuming. I've even heard seasoned teachers say that they've tried part time jobs in the evenings and/or weekends and found it being way too much work. I've even found it difficult to find a part time job or summer job because no one seems to want to hire someone temporarily.

So I ask if anyone knows of a good way for teachers to earn extra cash during the school year and during the summer? I definately don't want to burn myself out or slack on my responsibilities to my students.

Answer 1

When I worked in retail I had three full time elementary teachers that worked some evenings and then the weekends. Personally I hated working with them- they were funny, smart, and really cool but they slacked on the job so much. I ended up pulling my weight and theirs which made me resent them. I cant imagine how they did in their classroom.

I would check youth centers or universities in the area. Sometimes they are looking for part-time chaperones or mentors especially during the summer when youth day camps are being set up. Or the library would welcome part-time staff.

Answer 2

I'm not a teacher...so I can't help you much.

But I do know I had a teacher who worked a summer job at the park pool.

We also have the fairgrounds where I live, and people take temporary jobs during the summer when the fairs start popping up.

It can't be too much different when it comes to working as a student...just you're older than I am. xD

Personally I've learned not to set my standards too high when it comes to looking for a job. I'm not ashamed to work some place part time if they are willing to hire me, even if all of my peers laugh.

Hey, if you need the money...

But don't over-exert yourself. I understand the summer job more than I do the job for the evenings and/or weekends because you obviously have more free time. During the school year however, as you've heard from many other teachers, you're going to have alot on your plate. Your primary concern is going to be teaching.

I advise you to listen to the others who have experience teaching and how they have handled teaching and holding another part time job. Chances are if they say it's going to be difficult, then it is. I'd at least wait until your second year maybe or after you've adjusted and gotten comfortable with the schedule during your first year to know what exactly is going on and how much you can actually handle before you jump into the deep end and get in over your head.

As for a summer job: do what the kids are doing. Well, teenagers anyways. Find something that has a flexible schedule if you want to work there year round. (Fast food resteraunts! :D Mc D's is good to me.) Or find something that is only available during the summer.

Answer 3

Congratulations on your first teaching position!  

Your first year, without a doubt, will be a challenge. Hopefully, you will have a great team to work with who will offer you guidance and support.

As a mentor to a new teacher this past school year, I can honestly tell you that getting a second job would be really rough.  If your school offers opportunities to earn more money by teaching tutorials or sponsoring clubs. Try that!  Summer school can really roll in the bucks during the summer time!  It usually lasts four days a week and the school days are shorter than regular session.  At least, in my experience it has been that way.  

As far as summer work, I know what you mean about no one wanting to hire you.  I tried picking up a job one summer as I was saving money for my wedding.  I finally decide to go to a job placement service and do temp work.  I didn't tell them that I would be teaching in fall.  I was placed at a CPA's office as a receptionist.  It was fun and paid well.  When it came time for the school year to begin, I explained to the wonderful people at the CPA's office that I'd been offered a job as a fourth grade teacher and would be taking it.  I gave them two weeks notice so that they could find time before I left. They were so nice!  They even gave me a Congratulations/Good Bye Party!

Another summer I worked for a Temporary Placement agency and worked at several different offices doing secretarial type work.  Easy, paid well, and it was in the A/C.

I have also worked Summer Day camps which are a lot of fun because you get to work with the kiddos.  Summer day camps like to hire people have experience with kiddos.  If you are an outdoorsy, active type you would love this.

Many teachers sell Avon, Pampered Chef, Silpada jewelry, Beauty Control on the side.  They leave their catalogs in the teacher's lounge and take orders.  At the schools I've been at there was always an Avon rep who took care of everyone's Avon needs.   If you were interested in doing something like that you could get started this summer and then continue into the school year.

Answer 4

I am a tutor for a summer enrichment program.

Answer 5

I'm a teacher. Every summer I work at a day camp for extra cash. I actually make really good money doing it, too. When I was hired, I showed a portfolio with my experience doing games and crafts plus the after school programs I was involved with. I applied to about 2 dozen and received interviews with several.

I've also worked at Barnes & Noble - which more than understands that teachers and students are only looking for summer work.

Since I live in Los Angeles, I've applied to the local amusement parks such as Universal Studios (I ended up turning them down to work the day camp). I've also applied with temp agencies (not fun), movie theaters (not fun), and various stores at local malls.

The day camp has been the best job I've found as it ends just as school is beginning.