In the last few days online (I’ve been on vacation and completing vegging), I’ve discovered an amazing array of talented people who vary widely in terms of abilties, age, privilege, and attractiveness. They have all gone “viral” in some way or another and have all been wildly succesful in terms of getting attention and making money (if either of those are your thing).
They include:
A woman who just published her first book at age 58 and is rewarding herself with a solo trip to the Galapagos islands.
A woman in her 60s who is brand new at cycling and just cycled 250 miles with her son.
A woman who creates Tik Tok livestreams in which she acts like an NPC and pops corn using a hair straightener.
A woman who is not conventally attractive or rich or privilged (bascially a nobody) who has a wildly successful podcast in which she interviews celebrities. She has only posted 9 episodes! Her unique approach is to be really, really bad at interviewing. People love her!
A little old man who livestreams himself eating his lunch.
WHY have I included these examples?
Because you can do anything you want.
I repeat: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT!
I grew up in the 70s and 80s and was an adult in the 90s. It was a time when gatekeepers had all the power. I was told I couldn’t be a writer, a photographer, or a playwright. Back then, when there was no internet, you bascially had to be independently wealthy to pursue those dreams. Instead, I became an English teacher, which I LOVE, and since then, with the rise of the internet, then Web 2.0 and interactive digital media, social media, and creative sharing sites like YouTube, you can do anything and be anything.
IT DOES NOT MATTER:
How old you are.
How much you weigh.
How attractive you are.
Where you starting from.
Right now, I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about and reflecting on what you’d like to do and who you’d like to be, WITH NO LIMITS.
I’ll start first. I’m 52 years old and I’m writing my first novel. I want to finish it (it’s HARD work) and I want to sell it. I want it to become a best seller and I want to make a ton of money off of it. This is actually possible, and if I don’t sell it, I will publish it myself on Amazon, which writers can now do for free.
There are many reasons for this, which I list below. First of all, if you are a teacher, it’s okay to fantasize about leaving your profession. Teachers are not paid well or treated well, and there is no shame in leaving YOU are not the problem.
And even if you keep teaching, having a side hustle will make a you better teacher. This has been the case for me. In trying out and creating several different side hustles (mainly TpT and Fiverr), I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher, and a lot about creating engaging content. As a result, my lessons, assessments, and overall approach to teaching have gotten better, which has been a benefit to both me and my students.
Teaching is undoubtedly a noble profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of young individuals. However, the demands of the job can sometimes leave teachers with limited time and financial resources. In recent years, many teachers have turned to side hustles as a way to supplement their income, pursue their passions, and gain valuable experiences outside the classroom. In this blog post, we will explore why teachers should consider having a side hustle and how it can bring numerous benefits to their personal and professional lives.
If you’re here as a writer, someone in another profession, or as a stay-at-home mom, finding a side hustle and creating content will change your life for the better.
I’m going to help you get started.
What creating content and making money online can provide:
Financial Stability and Flexibility
While teaching is rewarding in many ways, it’s no secret that the pay scale for educators may not always reflect the hard work and dedication they put into their profession. A side hustle can provide an additional source of income, allowing teachers to better meet their financial needs and alleviate any financial stress they may experience. Whether it’s tutoring, freelance writing, or offering online courses, a side hustle can contribute to greater financial stability and flexibility.
Pursuing Passions and Talents
Teaching is a multifaceted profession, and educators possess a wide range of skills and talents beyond their classroom expertise. A side hustle presents an opportunity for teachers to explore and monetize their passions. Whether it’s photography, graphic design, crafting, or playing a musical instrument, a side hustle can serve as a platform to showcase and develop these skills. Not only does this enhance personal fulfillment, but it can also inspire creativity and bring a renewed sense of purpose to teaching.
Professional Growth and Skill Enhancement
Engaging in a side hustle outside of the teaching realm can lead to professional growth and skill enhancement. It allows teachers to gain valuable experiences that can be applied in the classroom, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives in their teaching practices. For instance, starting a blog or YouTube channel can hone communication and technology skills, while running a small business can develop entrepreneurial acumen. These transferable skills can ultimately enhance the quality of education provided to students.
Networking and Building Connections
Side hustles often require teachers to interact with a diverse range of individuals and communities. This presents an excellent opportunity to expand their network and build connections outside of the education sector. Networking can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and new career possibilities. Moreover, connecting with professionals from different fields can expose teachers to alternative perspectives and innovative ideas, enriching their teaching methods and broadening their horizons.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing work responsibilities with personal life can be a challenge for many teachers. Engaging in a side hustle can actually contribute to a healthier work-life balance. While it may seem counterintuitive to take on additional work, a side hustle that aligns with personal interests and allows for flexible scheduling can provide a welcome break from the demands of the classroom. By dedicating time to their passions outside of teaching, educators can rejuvenate their energy and bring fresh enthusiasm back into their classrooms.
Conclusion
As we all continue to face financial constraints and seek personal and professional fulfillment, having a side hustle has become an appealing option. Whether for financial stability, pursuing passions, professional growth, networking, or achieving a better work-life balance, anyone can benefit greatly from the diverse opportunities and experiences that a side hustle offers. By embracing a side hustle, educators can enhance their well-being, broaden their horizons, and ultimately become even more effective and fulfilled in their role as teachers.
I am creating guides to start making money right away on Teachers Pay Teachers, Fiverr, Udemy, and Twitter. Let me know in the comments what you need and what you’re most interested in learning about.
I’ve recently started working on prep for a free online course (Coming Soon!) and for my fall classes, and I wasn’t happy with most of the course planning or unit planning guides I found online, so I created my own. I’ve included it here as a printable PDF and also a fully editable MS Word Document. Feel free to take this and use it any way you like!
Whether you’re creating online courses as a content creator, or in-person lesson plans and curriculum as a teacher, many of the same curriculum design principles apply.
Create a Plan
Creating an instructional plan is essential for organizing, guiding, and optimizing the teaching and learning process. It supports both teachers and students in achieving desired learning outcomes, managing time and resources effectively, and providing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Determine Your Learning Objectives
The most important part of creating a plan is determining your learning objectives. Many teachers balk at this because they’ve been to terrible PD sessions with too many buzz words. Just think of Learning Objectives as your GOALS for the course. What is it that you want students to learn, gain, or walk away with?
Keys to Engaging Design
Here are three of the most important elements of engaging design:
1. Small wins
Small wins are simple activities/challenges in your course that give your students a sense of accomplishment and confidence. They keep students excited about learning and refuel their motivation.
Include small wins throughout the course, and award your learners with badges and congratulatory pop-up messages every time they complete a challenge.
2. Scaffolding
Scaffolding is layering the learning experience, so students build on the concepts they already understand. Scaffolding requires that you gradually layer from simple concepts to more challenging ideas by telling students how this new information fits into what they already know. Keep in mind that scaffolding is an excellent way to prevent cognitive overload.
3. Active learning
It is not enough to include dozens of videos of yourself speaking into the camera or do a lot of screen recording. Learners must DO something to learn. Use quizzes, assignments, and interactive elements to transform learners from passive to active. Social activities like course discussions and live workshops are also incredibly effective and engaging.
If you’re currently a content creator or thinking about becoming a content creator, it’s my opinion that teachers and writers are most suited to creating online courses. I’ve also found that online courses are not only fun to create (I always learn something every time), but they are also the most potentially lucrative. Creating an online course can offer numerous benefits for content creators and their audience. Here are some key advantages to working with this medium:
Share expertise and knowledge: Online courses allow content creators to package their expertise and knowledge in a structured format. They can share their unique insights, skills, and experiences with their audience, providing valuable learning opportunities.
Reach a wider audience: By offering an online course, content creators can reach a global audience. Unlike traditional in-person workshops or seminars, online courses can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, breaking down geographical barriers and increasing the potential reach of their content.
Monetization opportunities: Online courses can be a source of income for content creators. They can charge a fee for access to the course, creating a revenue stream that complements other content creation efforts. Courses can also be offered as part of a subscription or membership model, providing ongoing revenue.
Establish authority and credibility: Developing and delivering high-quality online courses can enhance a content creator’s reputation as an authority in their field. By sharing in-depth knowledge and providing valuable educational content, they can build credibility and trust among their audience, potentially leading to additional opportunities such as speaking engagements or collaborations.
Fostering deeper engagement: Online courses often provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience compared to other forms of content. They allow content creators to engage with their audience on a deeper level, facilitating active participation, discussions, and feedback. This can strengthen the relationship between the content creator and their audience.
Flexible learning options: Online courses offer flexibility in terms of timing and accessibility. Learners can access the course material at their own pace and convenience, fitting their education into their schedule. This flexibility accommodates diverse learning styles and allows individuals to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs.
Addressing specific needs: Online courses enable content creators to address specific pain points or needs of their audience. They can develop courses that provide practical solutions, step-by-step guides, or specialized knowledge in a particular niche. This targeted approach enhances the value of the course and increases its relevance to the learners.
Evergreen content and scalability: Once created, online courses can be available indefinitely, making them evergreen resources. Content creators can continue to generate revenue and provide value over time without constantly creating new content. Additionally, online courses can be scaled easily to accommodate a growing audience without significant additional resources.
By creating online courses, content creators can leverage their expertise, reach a wider audience, generate income, establish authority, foster engagement, provide flexible learning options, address specific needs, and scale their offerings. It can be a win-win situation for both content creators and their audience, providing valuable educational experiences while creating new opportunities for growth.
My posts on Side-Hustles for Educators and Getting Started on Teachers Pay Teachers were so popular and have generated so much feedback from my readers that I started thinking about the role that content creation can play in the lives of teachers, writers, and educators.
Let’s face it, in this economy, almost everyone is thinking about how to make more money. But I think content creation is about SO MUCH MORE, especially for educators and writers. It’s about the act of CREATION, finding an audience, and building a community.
Teachers are not lauded and respected for their expertise in teaching, learning, and creating engaging content and lessons for their students. Reaching out to the larger internet community can boost your sense of self as an educator, generate a little self-respect, and even earn a little pocket money.
What is a content creator? Basically, anyone who creates CONTENT that people want to CONSUME. This includes stories, writing of any kind, articles, blog posts, photography, artwork, comics, podcasts, educational videos, vlogs, online courses, etc.
Here are the BENEFITS of becoming a content creator.
Creative expression: Content creation allows individuals to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives with the world. Whether through writing, photography, video production, podcasting, or other mediums, content creation provides a platform for artistic and creative self-expression.
Sharing knowledge and expertise: Content creators have the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with others. By creating informative and educational content, they can contribute to the learning and growth of their audience. It can be immensely fulfilling to see the positive impact of sharing valuable information and insights.
Building a personal brand: Content creation enables individuals to build their personal brand and establish themselves as experts or thought leaders in their respective fields. By consistently creating high-quality content, they can gain visibility, credibility, and recognition among their target audience and industry peers.
Connecting with like-minded individuals: Content creation provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests or passions. It can foster a sense of community and belonging, where creators and their audience can engage in meaningful discussions, collaborations, and support one another’s creative endeavors.
Opportunity for monetization: Content creation can offer various avenues for monetization. Through advertising, sponsorships, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, or even selling products or services related to their content, creators can generate income and potentially turn their passion into a sustainable career.
Professional and personal growth: Engaging in content creation can be a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Creators often acquire new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and refine their craft through consistent practice and feedback. It can also provide opportunities for networking and professional development within their niche or industry.
Impact and influence: Content creators have the ability to make a positive impact on their audience and influence change. Through thought-provoking content, they can inspire, motivate, educate, and even advocate for causes they care about. The ability to shape opinions, raise awareness, and contribute to positive societal changes can be a driving force for many creators.
Flexibility and independence: Content creation offers a degree of flexibility and independence in terms of working hours, location, and creative direction. Creators have the freedom to work on their own terms, pursue projects they are passionate about, and establish a work-life balance that suits their needs and preferences.
While content creation requires dedication, consistency, and effort, the rewards can be significant. It provides a platform for creative expression, knowledge sharing, personal growth, professional opportunities, and the ability to make a positive impact on others. Ultimately, the decision to become a content creator depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and aspirations.
I’ll be honest, in the summer I tend to fluctuate between wanting to do nothing but sit on the couch watching Netflix and eating Taco Bell, to wanting to work on projects that I never have time for (like writing my novel), to wanting to do some prep for the coming school year.
It’s important to rest and recharge, but I also find that I get more out of summer, and have a less stressful school year, when I plan to do a little work on projects and prep. I make it fun, by working in a coffee shop or preparing a snack to eat while I work, and I stick to being producting only a few days a week, while the rest of the week I do things with my kids.
Here are some suggestions for things to do to prepare for the coming school year:
Reflect on the previous year: THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Take time to reflect on the previous school year, identifying both successes and areas for improvement. Consider what worked well and what changes you want to implement in the upcoming year.
Set goals: Establish clear and achievable goals for the upcoming school year. These can be related to student achievement, personal growth, or professional development. Setting goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose.
Create or update resources: Take the time to create or update teaching resources, such as lesson plans, worksheets, and presentations. Consider incorporating new instructional strategies, technologies, or resources that can enhance student learning.
Explore new teaching strategies: Stay up to date with the latest educational research and pedagogical approaches. Explore new teaching strategies that align with your goals and the needs of your students. Look for professional development opportunities or online courses that can expand your teaching toolkit.
Read educational literature: Read books, articles, or research papers related to education and teaching. Explore topics that interest you, such as classroom management, instructional strategies, or social-emotional learning. These readings can deepen your understanding and inform your practice.
Refresh your knowledge: Review content knowledge in your subject area. Brush up on topics you might be teaching and ensure you are up to date with any changes in your field. This will boost your confidence and help you deliver accurate and meaningful instruction.
Take care of yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care during the summer break. Engage in activities that recharge you mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take time for hobbies, relaxation, and spending quality time with loved ones. A well-rested and rejuvenated teacher can bring more energy and enthusiasm to the classroom.
Plan for classroom management: Reflect on your classroom management strategies and consider any necessary adjustments. Plan for establishing routines, rules, and procedures at the beginning of the school year to create a positive and structured learning environment.
By engaging in some of these activities, we can start the school year feeling prepared and inspired.
I’ve been pondering the problem of AI and ChatGPT for writers and teachers of writing, and there is one important, overlooked role of writing in our lives and especialy in the ELA classroom, which is the role of writing as THINKING. It would be valuable for teachers to model for their students a change in percecption as writing as a hoop to jump through or a task to check off. The focus on writing as confined, rigid final product that meets an assignment requirement will only incentivize students to take shortcuts in the form of plaigairism or overreliance on AI tools.
What is writing as thinking?
Writing as thinking is a process in which you use writing as a tool to clarify and develop your thoughts. It involves putting your ideas into words, organizing them on paper or a digital document, and refining them as you go. Here are a few examples of how writing can be used as a means of thinking:
Journaling: Keeping a journal is a common way to engage in writing as thinking. By writing about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to the world around you. It allows you to reflect on your experiences and explore different perspectives.
Example: “Today, I felt overwhelmed by the workload at my job. I started journaling to understand why I feel this way and to brainstorm possible solutions. As I wrote, I realized that my lack of time management is contributing to my stress. I made a list of tasks I need to complete and identified areas where I can improve my efficiency.”
Free Writing: Free writing involves setting a timer and writing continuously without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. The goal is to let your thoughts flow without any restrictions. This technique can help you bypass self-censorship and access deeper layers of your thinking.
Example: “I have been struggling with a decision lately. Should I take that job offer or stay in my current position? There are so many factors to consider: salary, work-life balance, career growth, and personal fulfillment. As I free wrote about it, I discovered that my fear of change and the unknown is holding me back. It made me realize that I need to explore my fears and evaluate the potential benefits of taking the leap.”
Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique that allows you to brainstorm and organize your thoughts in a non-linear manner. It involves creating a diagram with a central idea and branching out to related concepts and subtopics. Mind maps can help you see connections between ideas and generate new insights.
Example: “I was assigned a research project, and I started by creating a mind map. I wrote down the main topic in the center and then brainstormed related keywords and concepts around it. As I expanded the branches, I noticed patterns and themes emerging. This helped me clarify the scope of my project and identify potential areas of focus.”
Drafting and Revising: When working on a complex piece of writing, such as an essay or a report, you can use the drafting and revising process as a form of thinking. By writing an initial draft, you can externalize your thoughts and ideas. Then, through the process of revising and editing, you can refine and develop your arguments and structure.
Example: “I started writing an essay on climate change, and my initial draft was scattered and lacked a clear argument. As I revised my work, I realized that I needed to narrow down my focus and develop a strong thesis statement. I also found gaps in my evidence and had to conduct further research to strengthen my arguments. The act of writing and revising helped me clarify my thoughts and present a more coherent and persuasive piece.”
These are just a few examples of how writing can be used as a thinking tool. The process of putting your thoughts into words can help you explore ideas, uncover insights, and gain a deeper understanding of complex topics. It’s a valuable practice for personal reflection, problem-solving, and academic or professional writing.
ELA Source 
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