Summer break can be a much-needed time to breathe, reset, and catch up on life. But let’s be honest, summer can also be the perfect time to earn extra income without taking on something that drains every ounce of your energy.
If you’re looking for the best summer jobs for teachers, I want this post to help you find options that are actually worth your time. I’m sharing flexible summer jobs with great pay, including remote jobs, in-person opportunities, and teacher-friendly roles that can sometimes turn into year-round side income too.
I’ve personally tried a few of these myself, and I know how important it is to find something that pays well enough to make a real difference.
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which do not cost any extra for you. Please see the full disclosure here.
⚠️ While I strive to keep this information updated, hiring needs and application processes can change quickly. I’m including these job links for your convenience, but be sure to double-check each company or employer site to make sure the job, pay, and availability are still current before you apply.
Quick Look: Best Summer Jobs for Teachers
Depending on when you’re reading this, time may be of the essence. ⏰ So, to kick things off and help you find the best summer work opportunity, I’ve put together this quick list of options. Of course, each one is detailed below with links to companies where you can find these jobs. For now, here you go:
- Summer school teaching
- ESY (Extended School Year) teaching jobs
- Online tutoring
- Remote test scoring
- Curriculum writing and academic design
- Summer camp education jobs
- Museum and library education jobs
- Remote education company jobs
- Local tutoring you run yourself
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you see which summer job opportunities for teachers might be the best fit based on pay, location, and how fast the hiring process could be. ⬇️
| Summer Job | Remote or In-Person | Typical Pay | Flexibility | Fast Hiring Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer school teacher | In-person | $28-$42+ per hour in some districts | Medium | Medium |
| ESY teacher | In-person | $39+ per hour in some postings | Medium | Medium |
| Summer tutor | In-person | You set your own rates | High | High since you recruit your own clients |
| Pearson scoring | Remote | Around $17.50+ per hour in some roles | High | High |
| Measurement Incorporated reader/evaluator | Remote | Project-based pay varies | Medium to High | Medium |
| VIPKid | Remote | Around $14-$22 per hour base, sometimes higher with incentives | High | Low to Medium |
| Wyzant or OutSchool tutoring | Remote or local | Often varies by platform; many tutors set their own rates | Very High | High |
| IXL or curriculum jobs | Remote | Varies by role | Medium | Low to Medium |
| Summer camp education jobs | In-person | Often $19-$23+ per hour, sometimes more | Medium | High |
| Museum or library jobs | In-person | Varies by location and role | Medium | Medium |
Why Summer Jobs Make Sense for Teachers
I know a lot of teachers want summer to be a true break, and I completely understand that. But I also know how helpful it can be to have a summer job that gives you some breathing room financially.
A good summer job can help you:
- pay off debt
- catch up on bills
- carry you through summer expenses if you’re school / district doesn’t pay summer wages
- fund a family vacation
- build an emergency cushion
- create income without committing to a second full-time job
The key is finding something that feels flexible enough to work with your life and pays well enough to be worth it.
The Best Summer Jobs for Teachers With Great Pay
If you’ve been searching for high paying summer jobs for teachers, this is where to start.
When I think about the best summer jobs for teachers, I’m looking for a few things:
- decent to great pay based on your location’s cost of living
- flexibility with time
- teacher-friendly work
- a hiring process that is not painfully long
- something that does not create more stress than profit
Below you’ll find details on the best categories to consider when looking for a job throughout the summer. 🌞
1. Summer School Teaching
Summer school teaching is one of the most obvious summer teaching jobs for teachers, but it can also be one of the best-paying options.
In many districts, summer school jobs pay hourly or come with a stipend. Some current postings around the U.S. show rates around $28 per hour, $35 per hour, and even $41+ per hour, depending on the district and the role.
Why this one works:
- You already know how to plan and teach lessons
- The work is familiar
- It is often short-term
- Many districts need teachers every summer
Possible downside:
- It may not feel like much of a break from the school year
- Hiring is location-specific
- Schedules are usually less flexible than remote work
If you’re thinking about teaching summer school, keep these pros and cons in mind, but overall it’s a great option for work since you already teach. Not only that, but being in the school building gives you time to start prepping for back-to-school to have your classroom ready far in advance.
2. ESY Teaching Jobs
Extended School Year, or ESY, can be one of the highest paying summer positions for teachers.
These jobs are especially common in special education. Some postings list rates around $39.76 per hour, while others offer a flat stipend plus planning pay.
Why teachers like it:
- Strong pay in many districts
- Work is still aligned to your skill set
- Seasonal and temporary
Possible downside:
- These jobs are not always available in every district
- The schedule is usually fixed
- It can be demanding depending on the student needs
What’s the Difference Between ESY Teaching and Summer School Teaching?
If you’re wondering about ESY teaching, it is not the same as regular summer school teaching.
Summer school teaching usually focuses on extra academic support, credit or grade recovery, enrichment, or helping students keep learning during the break. It is often open to a wider group of students and usually looks more like a traditional summer class.
ESY teaching, on the other hand, is usually tied to special education services for students who qualify through their IEP. The goal is to help students maintain critical skills and prevent major regression during school breaks.
Because of that, ESY jobs often have more specific hiring requirements. In many districts, teachers do need a valid teaching license and an appropriate special education endorsement or certification for the role, plus experience working with students with disabilities.
Some postings also prefer current district employees or teachers with prior ESY or special education experience. Requirements can vary by state and district, so teachers should always check the exact job posting before applying.
In simple terms:
- Summer school = academic support or enrichment
- ESY = special education support based on IEP needs
That’s one reason ESY jobs can sometimes pay more, but they may also come with more specialized responsibilities and certification requirements.
3. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is considered to truly be one of the best summer jobs for teachers because it can work for so many different schedules with work you’re fully qualified to do.
Platforms like Wyzant and OutSchool can be especially appealing because you can often move through the application process quickly, and in many cases, tutors set their own rates + teach whatever subject you want.
That means your pay could be much higher than a fixed hourly job, depending on your subject area, experience, and local demand.
Why this one works:
- Very flexible
- You can tutor from home
- You can set your own schedule on some platforms
- It may continue into the school year as an ongoing side hustle
Possible downside:
- Income can be inconsistent at first
- You may need to build client demand
- Some platforms take a cut of your earnings
- You need to do a lot of lesson planning OR purchase a curriculum to teach your subject
4. Remote Test Scoring
This is one of the summer jobs I can personally recommend because I did this work consistently.
I worked for Pearson scoring as a summer job when I was a classroom teacher, and I did that for three summers. I graded fifth-grade standardized writing tests. I’m not going to sugarcoat it—it was tedious. But the pay worked well for me, the hours were flexible, and I could work from home.
That mattered a lot to me.
Remote scoring is one of the best work from home summer jobs for teachers because it uses the skills you already have: reading student responses, evaluating writing, and applying a rubric carefully.
Some current scoring roles–based on location–are listed around $17.50 per hour and may offer immediate openings depending on the season.
If you want more details about my experience with this kind of work, I shared more in this post: Work From Home Jobs for Teachers.
Why this one works:
- Remote
- Seasonal
- Flexible hours in many cases
- Familiar work for teachers
Possible downside:
- It can be repetitive
- Work may be available only during certain testing windows
- Accuracy expectations are usually very high
5. VIPKid or Other Online Teaching Platforms
I also worked for VIPKid for a few hours each week for about 10 months, which helped me pay off all my graduate degree student loans faster.
It originally started as a side hustle I picked up during a long break, but the flexibility was there, so I kept doing it on weekends and other breaks too, like spring break and Christmas break.
My biggest gripe was the time zone difference. For me, that was the hardest part because it was about 13 hours apart, and that can really affect what time you’re working.Because of my time zone, I would wake up at 3:30am to start teaching by 4:00am, then work ’til about 9:00am.
Not ideal if you aren’t an early bird 🙃, but I was also able to fit that chunk of teaching time in with the rest of my life, and I didn’t need to leave my house to make extra money. Since I was also teaching in the classroom, I didn’t need to spend a ton of money on teaching materials for this side hustle.
VIPKid has advertised pay around $14-$22 per hour, with some earnings higher depending on incentives and class volume.
Why this one works:
- You teach from home
- You do not have to commute
- It can sometimes continue beyond the summer
- It fits teachers who like one-on-one or small group online instruction
Possible downsides:
- Time zone issues can be rough
- Onboarding may take longer than some other summer jobs
- Income depends on bookings and platform demand
If you do pursue this option, be prepared to find or create several teaching props. I printed some sets from TPT, but I also shopped The Dollar Tree for things I needed.
Just like with classroom teaching, VIPKids requires you to source your own teaching and incentive materials.
6. Local Tutoring You Run Yourself
Honestly, this was one of my favorite summer jobs.
One summer, I tutored students at the public library. This wasn’t through an employer. I asked my administrator if I could send home flyers to let families know that I tutored, and then I set my own rates, made my own schedule, and met with students at our public library.
Teacher friend, I loved doing this. ❤️
It gave me the most flexibility, and I could hit my financial goals more easily because I was the one setting my hourly tutoring rates. Plus, I could bring my son to the tutoring sessions with me, so I didn’t need to find a babysitter. That alone was a huge win for me.
This kind of tutoring can also be a great bridge into platforms like Wyzant or even Outschool if you want to keep tutoring after the summer, but want less in-person sessions.
Why this one works:
- You set the rate and the schedule
- You decide who you work with
- It can be done in a library or other public meeting spot
Possible downside:
- You have to find your own clients–I was given permission to advertise at my school, but you can also post on job boards at places like 2nd & Charles OR ask around in your church or community
- You need to think through safety and meeting logistics; do you have a location for tutoring?
- Income depends on your local demand and pricing + being sure to collect payments with ease
💡Another tip on this: I offered a discount for parents willing to pay a lump sum for several hours or weeks of tutoring upfront. That locked in more sessions, which meant more pay for me and a boost for the kids I tutored since they got consistent enrichment throughout the summer.
Summer tutoring can extend to after-school or weekend sessions beyond the summer; if you’d like more options that can turn into year-round extra income, I share more here: Best Side Hustles for Teachers.
7. Curriculum Writing and Academic Design
This category is one of the best-kept secrets for teachers who enjoy writing lessons, creating assessments, or thinking deeply about instruction.
Companies like IXL and McGraw Hill sometimes post remote roles that are teacher-friendly, including content writing, assessment development, curriculum design, and instructional design positions.
The pay varies a lot based on whether the role is freelance, contract, part-time, or full-time, but these roles can pay much better than a generic part-time job.
They can also be a great fit for teachers who may one day want to transition out of the classroom.
If you’re also curious about where this kind of work can lead long-term, my post on Jobs for Former Teachers shares more companies and career paths to consider. IXL is one of those companies that can show up in this space.
Why this one works as a great summer job:
- Strong alignment with teaching skills
- Can be remote
- Often better paying than summer camp or summer school teaching jobs
Possible downside:
- Hiring may move more slowly and take longer to secure
- Some positions are not seasonal, so be sure to double check whether this can work for you if you plan on returning to the classroom in the fall
- Application requirements may be more detailed; some of these companies want work samples included with your application, so be ready to prove you can write / design curriculum
8. Summer Camp Education Jobs
Ahhh…good ole’ summer camp jobs for teachers! 🏕️ I’ll continue my honesty here; I didn’t pursue any of these during my 13 years in the classroom because I had my fair share of summer camp counseling during college! 😵💫
But I’ve had colleagues over the years rave about this kind of summer work as a teacher because it blends structure, student interaction, and seasonal flexibility. In some cases, you may even be able to travel for free based on the camp’s location or itinerary.
Summer camp jobs for teachers can be a great fit if you enjoy active, hands-on learning and want something more social than remote work.
Many camps hire teachers for enrichment, academic camps, art camps, STEM camps, and leadership programs. Current examples in some markets show pay around $19-$25+ per hour, depending on certification and role.
Why this one works:
- Fun environment; maybe some travel included
- Often seasonal
- Great for teachers who like movement and variety
- Faster hiring than some school district jobs
Possible downside:
- Always in-person and usually includes a lot of outdoor activities
- Heat, transportation, and activity level may be a factor
- Pay varies a lot by region and type of camp–check out this table with links to summer camp jobs for teachers ⬇️
| Organization | Best Fit for Teachers | Typical Summer Roles | Pay Notes | How to Search |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA | Teachers who enjoy camp, enrichment, youth leadership, and active learning | Camp counselor, camp teacher, enrichment instructor, site lead, youth program staff, sports coach, etc. | Pay varies by location; some summer camp roles in current markets are around $19-$23+ per hour | Start with the national camp positions page, then filter by your state or local YMCA |
| Boys & Girls Clubs | Teachers who like mentoring, academic support, and youth development | Summer program staff, youth development professional, education coordinator, camp staff, academic tutor, etc. | Pay varies by local club and region; check each local club posting for hourly rate or salary | Use the national site to find your local club, then check that club’s careers page |
| Kroc Center / The Salvation Army | Teachers who want camp, recreation, arts, faith-based community programs, or youth enrichment work | Camp counselor, camp instructor, education aide, youth programs staff, recreation staff, swim instructor, etc. | Pay varies by region and role; check local Salvation Army or Kroc Center listings for exact rates | Search The Salvation Army employment page, then look for your nearest Kroc Center or regional camp opening |
9. Museum and Library Jobs
If you’ve been exploring summer education jobs outside the classroom, libraries and museums can be a strong fit; especially if you aren’t too keen on a bunch of outdoor activities during the summer!
These jobs are great if you want something education-adjacent but not necessarily classroom teaching; museum and library jobs can be wonderful summer job opportunities for teachers.
Libraries often need help with summer reading programs, tutoring support, children’s programming, or youth engagement. Museums and children’s museums may hire educators, guides, camp instructors, or public program staff.
Pay varies widely by city and institution, so this is one category where I would tell you to search locally first.
Why this one works:
- Still student-centered with teaching involved
- Usually less classroom-like with less rigid curriculum expectations
- Can be fun and creative
Possible downside:
- Availability is very location-based
- Pay may be lower than district or remote scoring jobs
- Summer competition can be high in some cities, so apply early
Remote Summer Jobs for Teachers
If you’re specifically looking for summer jobs for teachers remotely, this section will help you narrow down the best options.
If working from home is your goal, these are some of the best remote summer jobs for teachers to focus on:
- Pearson scoring
- Measurement Incorporated reader/evaluator jobs
- Wyzant tutoring
- VIPKid
- Outschool
- IXL remote roles
- McGraw Hill remote education roles
Companies hiring former teachers usually also have temp positions available for summer jobs. Check them out to see what’s ready for you this summer.
When I think about online summer jobs for teachers, I really want them to meet more than one of these standards:
- flexible scheduling
- teacher-friendly work
- no commute costs or travel requirements
- solid pay potential
That last one matters more than ever when gas prices are high right now. A job may look fine on paper, but once you subtract gas, parking, and wear-and-tear on your car, it may not be worth it.
Working From Home vs. Going Out to Work: Pros and Cons
Here’s a side-by-side look at what I’d personally consider before choosing between remote and in-person summer jobs.
| Work Style | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Work from home summer jobs | No commute, saves gas money, easier to work around family needs, can feel more flexible, often easier to fit into a break schedule | Can feel isolating, may require strong self-discipline, some roles are tedious, you need a very strong internet connection and dedicated workspace |
| In-person summer jobs | More face-to-face interaction, clearer structure, can feel energizing, sometimes stronger hourly pay for district roles | Gas and driving costs can eat into your profit, less flexible, childcare may be harder, location matters a lot |
For many teachers, this really comes down to one question: Will this job still feel worth it after I factor in transportation, time, and stress? And if you have specific financial goals and need to make a certain amount, then the decision maker will be all about profit: which summer job pays the amount I need?
Summer Jobs for Teachers That May Hire Faster
Some of the best companies that hire teachers for summer work are the ones with shorter onboarding and simpler application steps.
Not every teacher wants to spend half the summer stuck in a long hiring process. I get it. 🖐
If you’re looking for a summer job that may be faster to land, these categories are usually worth checking first:
Wyzant and Similar Tutoring Platforms
These can move faster than district jobs, and some platforms review applications quickly. Plus, you may be able to start sooner once your profile is approved.
Remote Scoring Jobs
Seasonal scoring jobs sometimes have immediate or near-immediate openings during testing windows; this was the case for me when I first started with Pearson scoring.
Summer Camps
Many camp programs need staff quickly as summer approaches, especially for enrichment and education-based roles.
Local Tutoring
This can be the fastest route of all if you already have families interested in working with you already.
Library and Community Programs
Local organizations sometimes hire on a shorter seasonal timeline than school districts or corporate education companies.
How to Find Summer Job Opportunities for Teachers Near You
Since teachers all across the United States will be reading this, I don’t want to only point you to one district in one state and call it a day.
A better strategy is to search in categories.
Here’s how I’d search:
- your local school district website for summer school jobs
- your district or county website for ESY or other staff jobs
- your state education job board
- public library system websites
- museum career pages
- parks and recreation departments
- children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, and local learning centers
- your teachers’ union like NEA, which can also provide information on the best summer jobs for teachers
When you’re searching online for local summer jobs, here are the most helpful search phrases:
- summer school teacher jobs near me
- ESY teacher jobs near me
- summer camp teacher jobs near me
- museum educator summer jobs
- library summer program jobs
- tutoring jobs for teachers near me
Should Teachers Only Look for Teaching Jobs in the Summer?
Nope.
I think teacher-friendly jobs are usually the best place to start because your skills transfer so naturally. But that doesn’t mean every good summer job has to look exactly like classroom teaching.
You might enjoy:
- working in retail
- museums
- libraries
- office secretary or office management
- youth or enrichment programs
- church or civic centers
- bookstores like Barnes & Noble or 2nd & Charles—which is owned by Books-A-Million
And honestly, if you do not want something related to teaching so that you can have a break from that work, consider your interests, skills, and local opportunities.
I had a teacher friend one year who worked at a theme park for the summer. It was close to where he lived and he enjoyed the fast pace, high-energy aspect. Plus, he got free admission + other perks at the park, which gave him the chance to have fun on a budget, while bringing in extra cash before the school year. Do what works for you!
What to Look for Before You Apply
Before you jump into just any summer employment for teachers, check these things first:
- hourly pay or stipend
- commute and gas costs
- schedule flexibility
- whether the job ends before back-to-school season starts
- how long onboarding takes
- whether training is paid
- whether you are an employee or independent contractor
- how quickly you can realistically start earning
Sometimes the best summer work for teachers is not the job with the flashiest title. Sometimes it is the one that gets you paid quickly, works with your family schedule, and does not leave you exhausted by the time back to school rolls around.
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Are Summer Jobs for Teachers Worth It?
Yes, they can absolutely be worth it. 🤑
But I think the best summer jobs for teachers are the ones that do at least one of these things:
- pay well enough to move the needle financially
- give you flexibility
- let you use your teaching skills in a different way
- leave enough room for actual summer rest and fun things you can do as a teacher
That balance matters.
Because while extra income is helpful, none of us want to head into back-to-school season feeling like we never got a break at all 😅
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Jobs for Teachers
What are the best summer jobs for teachers?
The best summer jobs for teachers usually include summer school, ESY, remote test scoring, online tutoring, curriculum writing, summer camp education jobs, and teacher-friendly museum or library jobs.
What are the highest paying summer jobs for teachers?
In many areas, summer school and ESY can be among the highest paying in-person jobs. Remote curriculum or academic design roles can also pay well, but they may take longer to land. Tutoring can be very profitable too if you set your own rates.
Are there remote summer jobs for teachers?
Yes. Teachers can find remote summer jobs through tutoring platforms, online teaching companies, remote scoring jobs, curriculum writing, and education companies that hire teachers for content and academic roles.
What are the best part-time summer jobs for teachers?
Some of the best part time summer jobs for teachers include tutoring, camp teaching, scoring jobs, and local library or museum education roles.
Can teachers find summer jobs that hire quickly?
Yes, some can. Tutoring, seasonal camp jobs, and certain scoring jobs may move faster than district or corporate education roles.
Are summer camp jobs good for teachers?
They definitely can be. Summer camp jobs are a good fit for teachers who enjoy hands-on learning, enrichment activities, and working with students in a more relaxed setting.
What companies hire teachers during the summer?
Examples of companies and platforms that may specifically hire teachers for summer work can include Pearson, Wyzant, VIPKid, Measurement Incorporated, IXL, McGraw Hill, Outschool, and local education organizations. Availability changes, so always check the official careers page.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Summer Jobs for Teachers
If you’ve been wondering whether there are really flexible summer jobs for teachers that also come with great pay, the answer is yes…but the best fit depends on what you want most.
I’d bookmark this page and come back to it as you search, because I’ll keep the information updated as more flexible summer opportunities for teachers come along.
Did I leave any out? If so, please drop them in the comments below. Thanks teacher friend!
Happy Summering 😎
