Boost Your Earnings as a Substitute Teacher

As a substitute teacher, you may find that your income can be supplemented in various ways. In this article, we will explore several strategies to help you earn more while teaching, ensuring your financial security and flexibility.

Maximize Your Contract Hours

The first step to boosting your earnings is to maximize the work hours available to you. This involves signing up with multiple agencies and approaching more than one school. The more opportunities you open up, the better your chances of securing more work. Although substitute teaching may not be the most glamorous job, it can be a stable source of income with the right approach. Try to aim for a schedule where you receive multiple calls every day, and you can then choose the gigs that pay the most. In the UK, you should aim for a slightly higher hourly rate for supply work and have your holiday pay covered, although this may not always be the case in the US.

Part-Time Jobs and Weekends

If you have a predictable schedule, you can look for additional part-time work. This could involve working in a shop on your days off, doing bar work on weekends, or even working as a DJ. These jobs can provide a supplementary income and help you diversify your earnings. Keep in mind that the best supplementary jobs will align well with your teaching schedule, allowing you to manage your time effectively.

Tutoring Services

Tutoring is another excellent way to supplement your income. You can either teach in your home, with the requirement that you have a separate room properly decorated and set up for this purpose, or in a student's home. Most parents prefer the latter, as it allows them to control the environment and keep a better eye on their child. In some areas, home schooling co-operatives exist, and they may hire you to teach specific subjects that they cannot cover.

Additionally, there are tutoring agencies that can connect you with parents seeking help for their children. These agencies often take a small cut as an administrative fee, but it can be an easy way to earn good pay on weekends and evenings. You can adjust the number of hours you work according to your availability, making it a flexible part-time job.

Exam Marking

Another potential source of income is exam marking. Many schools and educational organizations hire substitute teachers to mark exams, and they can allocate you a stack of papers to mark. This can be done online these days, so you need a decent computer and internet connection. Exam marking pays per paper, and you can do it during the holiday season when substitute teachers are not paid at all in the US.

Impress Employers and Secure Permanent Positions

Lastly, always work to impress the schools and educators you work for. They often view substitute teachers as potential permanent, probationary workers. Make sure to leave a positive impression and keep an eye out for openings. Knowing that you've worked for a school can significantly boost your chances of being hired permanently, as you have already demonstrated your expertise and reliability.

In conclusion, there are several ways to supplement your income as a substitute teacher. By maximizing your contract hours, seeking part-time jobs and weekends work, tutoring, and even exam marking, you can significantly boost your earnings. Always aim to impress the schools you work for, as this can lead to permanent positions and greater stability in your career.