40 side hustles for teachers in New Zealand (that go beyond tutoring)

Teachers are resourceful, organised and know how to explain complex stuff in a way people understand. That makes them perfect for side hustles.

Whether you want to earn a bit extra, save for something big or eventually step away from the classroom, here are 40 side hustle ideas that make sense for teachers in Aotearoa.

Some are education-based, others lean into creativity, community or digital skills. Pick what suits your energy and lifestyle.

Education-based and tutoring-style hustles

1. Offer private tutoring – In-person or online, solo or through a platform like MyTuition or Cluey.
2. Create digital teaching resources – Sell on Teachers Pay Teachers or a Kiwi alternative.
3. Run study groups before NCEA – Charge a small fee per student.
4. Offer adult literacy or ESOL lessons – There’s strong demand, especially in communities with new migrants.
5. Teach home-schooled kids – Join a co-op or offer structured sessions to local families.
6. Specialise in neurodiverse support – Help parents with tailored strategies for ADHD, dyslexia or autism.
7. Mark NCEA papers or moderate work – Paid contract work through NZQA or schools.
8. Run school holiday programmes – Educational, fun and parent-approved.
9. Create revision packs – Sell downloadable notes, worksheets or quizzes.
10. Help with uni prep – Essay planning, referencing, research skills for school leavers.

Online, digital or creative hustles

11. Start a YouTube channel or podcast – Education tips, NZ curriculum insights or subject-specific help.
12. Create a Substack or newsletter – “Teaching tips from a Kiwi classroom.”
13. Design and sell printables – Reward charts, planners, early childhood activities.
14. Start a teaching blog – Share classroom ideas and monetise with affiliate links.
15. Sell Canva templates – For lessons, resources or school admin.
16. Offer online classes – Teach creative writing, science experiments or art via Zoom.
17. Voiceover work – You already know how to project and speak clearly.
18. Create courses on Skillshare or Teachable – Share subject knowledge with adult learners.
19. Proofread or edit academic work – University students and ESL learners always need help.
20. Transcription or captioning gigs – Flexible, quiet-time side work.

Education-adjacent or parenting-focused ideas

21. Start a parenting Instagram or blog – Share routines, educational games, or lunchbox inspo.
22. Offer school-readiness assessments – For parents unsure if their child is ready for Year 1.
23. Run workshops for new teachers – Help grads settle into classroom life.
24. Sell classroom decor – Create themed packs or handmade signs.
25. Create behaviour management tools – Online resources for other teachers.
26. Offer kids’ birthday party entertainment – Educational games, science themes or storytelling.
27. Host family learning events – Literacy nights, maths games or science afternoons.
28. Write a children’s book – Use your knowledge of what kids love.

Admin, writing or low-key work

29. Freelance writing – Education articles, curriculum guides, parenting content.
30. Virtual assistant for education businesses – Help with admin, content or support emails.
31. Set up a resume writing service – Especially for young jobseekers or career changers.
32. Mark practice exams – Offer feedback on past papers or practice essays.
33. Create editable rubrics and planning templates – Sell on Gumroad or Etsy.
34. Sell second-hand teaching gear – Unused books, posters, or classroom supplies.

Community-based or in-person gigs

35. Tutoring at your local library – Quiet, trusted and often free to hire.
36. Run a Saturday STEM club – Kids love robots, slime and volcanoes.
37. Start a babysitting or nanny side hustle – Trusted by parents because of your background.
38. Offer homework help hours – Group support in person or online.
39. Organise school holiday walks or bushcraft sessions – Nature-based learning is popular.
40. Host adult workshops – Public speaking, parenting through school, basic te reo Māori.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to leave the classroom to grow your income. Teachers in New Zealand are in a great spot to start something flexible and fulfilling on the side. Whether it’s online, in-person or resource-based, there’s a side hustle to suit every skillset.