How to Make Extra Income as a Teacher (Without Burning Out)
Jun 05, 2025
Let’s face it—being a teacher isn’t cheap.
Between rising rent, the cost of living crisis, and stagnant wages, many of us are wondering how to make ends meet—let alone get on the property ladder. But here's the good news: you already have incredibly valuable skills, and with a few smart moves, you can turn those into extra income.
This post will walk you through practical ways to monetize your teaching skills—without quitting your job, selling your soul, or spending hours you don’t have. These are strategies I’ve personally tried, and they’ve made a real difference in my life.
🎥 Prefer to Watch or Listen?
Want to watch or listen instead?
This post is based on a recent episode of my Teach & Tell podcast—your weekly coffee break filled with practical tips and real talk for teachers.
▶️ Watch on YouTube: Miss Estruch Teach & Tell on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Miss Estruch Teach & Tell on Spotify
☕ Coffee Catch-Up
Before we jump in—yes, I’m still riding the Grind Coffee train (highly recommend!). If you’re a fellow coffee-fueled teacher, grab £10 off with my referral code KATIE-PW2474M. It’s not sponsored—just great coffee that’s keeping this blog and my brain running!
💼 5 Realistic Ways to Monetize Your Teaching Skills
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about “get rich quick.” It’s about using the skills you already have to earn a little extra and feel more in control financially.
1. Tutoring: The Easiest Way to Start
Tutoring is the low-hanging fruit. If you’ve got the time (even just 1-2 hours a week), this can make a serious dent in your monthly bills. Start on platforms like TutorHunt, or build your client base through word of mouth and social media.
📧 If you're a Maths or Science teacher and want tutoring referrals, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I still get more requests than I can take on!
2. Sell Your Teaching Resources Online
Already have PowerPoints, worksheets, assessments, or revision guides? You can upload and sell them on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers or TES Resources.
Make sure they’re entirely your own (no copyrighted images or textbook excerpts), and start with just a few well-polished files.
📥 Grab my free checklist for getting started on TPT and TES at the bottom of this post!
3. Freelance Writing for Publishers
Education publishers are always looking for teacher-writers! Reach out to publishers like OUP, CUP, or smaller educational brands during holiday breaks. I’ve worked with several during summer and half-terms—it's flexible and rewarding.
You can also contact other teacher-creators to see if they need help with resource writing or proofreading!
4. Build a Teacher Brand on Social Media
This one takes time, but the potential is huge. You can grow a loyal audience, promote your own resources or tutoring services, and even collaborate with brands.
My Miss Estruch Biology brand grew from simply sharing tips and revision resources on Instagram. Now it supports my full-time income!
✨ I offer coaching on building a teacher brand too—just email me at [email protected] if you're curious.
5. Become an Examiner
Marking exam papers is intense—but lucrative and eye-opening. If you teach GCSEs or A-Levels, consider applying to mark for an exam board like AQA or Edexcel.
It’s seasonal, paid, and gives you insider insight into how to help your students succeed.
🔥 Quick Tip of the Week
Not quite ready to dive into content creation or tutoring?
Start with a simple referral or affiliate link. If there’s a product or service you love (like my coffee subscription), check if they offer a referral bonus. Share it with your network—you’d be surprised how quickly a few clicks add up.
📦 Resource Roundup
🎁 Freebie of the week:
Download my Teachers Pay Teachers & TES Start-Up Checklist — it’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your first resources online without the overwhelm.
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to quit your job or hustle 24/7 to feel more financially secure. A few hours a week—or even just a few quality resources—can be enough to give you extra breathing room, boost your confidence, and remind you just how valuable your teaching skills really are.
If today’s post helped you, be sure to:
✅ Subscribe to the Teach & Tell podcast
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
✅ Follow me on Instagram: @Miss.Estruch.Teach.And.Tell
You bring the coffee, and I’ll bring the Teach & Tell.
See you next week!
- Katie
Author
