As society continues to become increasingly complex, traditional education still fails to provide students with what they need. To really excel in today’s economy, academic success alone simply doesn’t suffice. Students also need to learn advanced life skills for their careers and in life. Enter the side-hustle teacher!
But how to start a teaching side hustle?

Fortunately, a new movement is emerging that aims to empower teachers to provide students with the education they need to thrive. Side Hustling (with a twist) is a Teacher’s new mission. TLS jumped in with both feet because this mission dovetails with ours. If you’re a teacher, we want to help you as a partner-in-arms. If you’re NOT a teacher, join us in becoming one!
What do you see in the above photo? How would you respond if I told you she actually works full-time as a teacher? Would you be surprised that the photo was taken during her “business hours” at home in the late afternoon? What’s your guess for her monthly side income putting customized health/fitness programs and coaching for entire families online?
Enter the Side Hustling Teacher
Let’s be clear. From the TLS perspective, formal education isn’t really failing. Contrary to conventional belief, from day one, schools were about training the masses to provide the required labor for the corporate world. We’re not waiting around or even trying to change that system. We’re supporting teachers in the quest to target the problem directly… within AND without schools.
The side-hustling teacher movement is a growing community of educators seeking to earn extra income while also providing their students with a more well-rounded education. These teachers are using their expertise and experience to create innovative, engaging, and practical lessons that go beyond the traditional curriculum. And the results speak for themselves: students who learn from side-hustling teachers are better equipped to succeed in the real world.
More than Just the Hustle
But why are teachers turning to side hustle in the first place? The answer is rather simple. Even in affluent societies, many traditional teaching salaries are simply not enough to make ends meet. Although it varies widely from state to state, according to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary in the United States is just over $61,000 per year.
This is far below the average salary for other professions requiring a similar level of education and expertise. It’s no wonder that many teachers are seeking ways to supplement their income. For developing countries, the situation tends to be much worse.
side gigs have always been common for teachers worldwide. This current trend is different though. It’s about more than just earning extra income. It’s about empowering teachers to provide their students with the education they need to truly shine as their best selves. That’s next-level. All kinds of students in greater numbers will now be able to construct an environment truly suited to their God-given talents and interests. It’s less about conforming to what it takes to be the perfect employee.
Traditional education systems are often bogged down by bureaucracy and outdated curricula. As a result, they don’t reflect the real-world skills that students need. By creating their own business, teachers bypass these limitations and provide their students with the education they truly need.
Overcoming Resistance
The benefits of the side-hustling teacher movement are becoming clear. Students who learn from them are better equipped to succeed in the real world. At the same time, teachers are able to earn the income they need to make ends meet. But this movement is not without its challenges.
Many traditional education systems view the proliferation of side-gigs as a threat and are resistant to change. In fact, the movement is already being blamed for an increasing shortage of teachers. Additionally, some parents may be skeptical of non-traditional teaching methods.
Finally, teachers themselves are scrambling to upgrade their own knowledge and skills. After all, they teach best what they already know. The pandemic, for example, helped in some ways by incentivizing many teachers to learn how to use remote teaching tools.
No Turning Back
But despite these challenges, the trend is growing. More and more teachers realize the benefits of educational entrepreneurship. At the same time, parents and students see the value of a more well-rounded education. If we want to ensure that our students are prepared for the challenges of the real world, we must support the side-hustling teacher movement and empower our educators to create innovative and engaging lessons that truly prepare our students for success. Where the classroom is situated is less relevant
Furthermore, the “side hustle for teachers” movement does more than benefit students. It’s also creating a community of innovative and passionate educators who are influencing radical changes in the education system from within. By sharing their ideas and experiences, side-hustling teachers are able to collaborate and innovate in ways that traditional education systems simply cannot.

In a recent survey by EdWeek Research Center, 71% of teachers reported that they’ve considered leaving the profession. They cited low salaries as an underlying reason. This is a staggering statistic that’s sure to be even worse in developing countries. It highlights the urgent need for change in the education system. By supporting the side-hustling teacher movement, we can help to retain talented and passionate educators who might otherwise leave the profession.
Moreover, the skills and knowledge that side-hustling teachers provide go beyond what traditional education systems offer. For instance, many focus on teaching entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills. All of these are crucial for skyrocketing success in the modern world. By supplementing traditional curricula with these skills, students are better prepared to navigate the complex and rapidly-changing job market.
Join the Movement
In conclusion, the side-hustling teacher movement represents a powerful and necessary shift in education as a whole. By empowering teachers to create innovative and practical lessons, our students are better prepared for real-world challenges. Get involved! We can all help to retain talented educators and create a community of innovative and passionate educators. For us, it’s been clear for generations now that the shift was never going to happen from within the traditional system. We’re just working together to ensure that the job gets done.
Let’s rally behind the side-hustling teacher movement and support our educators in providing the education that our students need to succeed.
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