Substitute teaching is a great way to make money and gain experience in the educational field. However, if you’re just starting out, we recommend reading our guide on substitute teacher salaries and understanding that the income isn’t always reliable. If your only gig is substituting, you may want to look for additional ways to make money. Having another job can help you feel financially secure and build towards career goals. 

There are plenty of jobs that work well with substitute teaching; it’s just a matter of finding the right one. Below, we’ll detail exactly what to look for and list specific jobs that work well with substitute teaching.

Things to Consider When Looking for Extra Work as a Substitute Teacher

Juggling multiple jobs is no joke. It requires adaptability, time management, and organization. The combination of work you choose must also be sustainable. Otherwise, your work quality will suffer, putting your livelihood at risk – or worse, you may end up dealing with serious burnout. Choose additional jobs carefully, and while searching, consider the following: 

Flexibility and Scheduling

Does the job allow for flexible scheduling? Since substitute teaching primarily takes place during school hours, you’ll need a job that exists outside that timeframe (at least for a portion of the week). 

Part-time jobs in the late afternoon, evening, or on weekends complement the school schedule well. Remote jobs or freelance gigs that allow you to arrange your own schedule are also ideal.

Energy Demands

Can you meet the energy demands of both jobs? When juggling multiple jobs, you’ll need to account for:

• Transportation to and from each job

• Any prep work required

• Each job’s stress load

• Each job’s physical and mental energy requirements 

Some subbing gigs require more energy than others. If you find yourself consistently tired after substitute teaching, consider taking on an additional job that is less demanding.

Personal Skills and Career Goals

Let’s get real: some jobs are just a paycheck. But if you can find one aligned with your skills and goals, it’ll be far more rewarding.

If looking to become a teacher, aim for jobs in the educational or childcare fields. These provide the perfect stepping stone to becoming a qualified teacher. Similarly, if you want that sub gig to turn into a full-time position, we encourage you to learn about building substitute teachers. These professionals work for longer periods at one school, helping them develop connections. 

Others can use this second job as a way to explore personal interests. This could mean working in a completely different field, like the arts, IT, or hospitality. By combining substitute teaching with other passions, you may feel more fulfilled in your everyday life. 

Income

Will the job provide income stability? While you can find long-term substitute teaching jobs, many subbing gigs are short-term and require supplementary income. Ensure the job, combined with substitute teaching, can cover your expenses and provide savings. Consider a job with a steady base salary (and hopefully potential for commission). 

Extra Jobs that Work Well for Substitute Teachers 

Part-time Paraprofessional

If you enjoy working in schools, consider other education-related jobs. You do not need a teaching license for many educational roles, and some are offered part-time. If you want to continue substituting, look for part-time opportunities, leaving days open for subbing shifts. 

What are paraprofessionals? These education professionals work under a certified teacher and carry out diverse tasks, from lesson planning and classroom management to assisting special needs students and administration.  Paraprofessionals are also called paraeducators, instructional aides, or teacher’s aides/assistants (TAs). 

When applying for these roles, you’ll need to know how to write a standout teaching assistant resume. And once you land an interview, read our tips to prepare for your TA interview. 

Ready to find a paraeducator job? Sign up and get matched with a role here. 

Afterschool Program Leader or Assistant

Afterschool enrichment programs happen outside school hours and are often on school campuses, making it very convenient. If the afterschool program is on the same campus as your subbing gig, you won’t even need to commute. 

Positions include leaders or assistants for enrichment programs related to arts, sports, academic clubs, or tutoring. These opportunities can be found through schools, community centers, and special organizations like the YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club of America. 

Childcare Worker

Working in childcare helps teachers develop essential skills for connecting with kids. Childcare jobs could include babysitting and nannying on a freelance basis. Daycares also offer part-time work. Aim for evening hours or full days off to maintain the opportunity to pick up extra sub jobs. On your resume, make sure to highlight the skills you’ve developed as a substitute teacher.

Flexible Online Gigs

With flexible online jobs, you can adjust your schedule as needed. Substitute teaching skills are useful for online gigs within the educational field, like curriculum development, tutoring, and ESL teaching. There are many international ESL companies that hire part-time native English-speaking teachers, offering both weekday and weekend hours. 

Those who prefer to diversify should consider online jobs that appeal to their interests and skill set. Think writing, editing, data entry, or virtual assistant jobs. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help connect you to potential clients. Remember: roles that allow you to choose your own hours will make juggling multiple jobs even easier.

Creative Freelance Roles

Freelance or entrepreneurial roles give you more control over scheduling. They also allow you to pursue other career goals and passions. Teaching skills translate well to coaching in fields like fitness, health, business, or public speaking. Other job ideas include becoming a freelance photographer, artist, social media manager, web designer, or event planner.

Hospitality Jobs

Hotels, restaurants, and bars require staff outside standard school hours. Potential roles include hotel receptionist, cleaning staff, manager, waitstaff, kitchen staff, and bartender, among others. 

Consider working late afternoons or evenings to leave shifts available for substitute teaching. But bear in mind – these positions often require late-night hours that could cut into your sleep schedule (especially if you’ve got an early morning teaching gig).  

Need more subbing gigs? Or looking to land a full-time career? Sign up as an educator and we’ll connect you to job opportunities.