Full time teaching positions in Ontario can be difficult to find in today’s economy. There are many, many teachers in the province, firmly entrenched in their lucrative positions. Many of them are hanging on to their jobs for as long as possible, to take advantage of the perks and benefits that go with the gig. There are always going to be budgetary restraints from the government. Finally, the teachers’ colleges keep on churning out new teachers, and immigration keeps new talent coming into the country as well. For an aspiring teacher having difficulty nailing down that perfect, plum position, here are some ways you might consider, to make some extra money.
In-home Tutoring
This one is pretty obvious. You’re qualified teaching professional. Put those valuable skills to work, by putting yourself out there as a tutor. Many families recognize the benefit to their children of having in-home help: It’s one-on-one, and it’s convenient for them. For you, it gets you to flex your teaching muscles in a nice, controlled setting.
Helping with Test Preparation
Perhaps parents recognize that their kid isn’t in need of weekly tutoring help, but that they could stand to gain from additional coaching, for tests and exams. Put your teaching skills to work for this type of requirement. Become a test preparation resource in your community. You get the benefit of putting your teaching passion to work, and your clients benefit from your teaching skillset.
After-School Programs
Check out what possibilities exist out there for you to get involved with your area’s after-school programs. If you are already associated with a school on a part-time or temp/contract basis, you may not even have to leave the building you work at, to make extra money teaching or assisting after school.
Adjunct Professor
If you are looking to gain experience working with more advanced levels of students, consider seeking out an adjunct professor role. You’ll get to put your skills and experience to work at the post-secondary level. It will allow you to get your feet wet if you have ideas about a full-time college or university position down the road.
ESL Teaching
The constant flow of immigrants into Ontario means that there is an ongoing need for English as Second Language expertise. There are many community-based programs that seek qualified teachers for newly landed students, both at the adult and children’s levels. It’s an excellent way to hone or keep up your teaching skills, in a challenging setting.
Teach Summer School
There may be opportunities in the off-season for you to get teaching work. These are obviously temporary positions, but you will be in a school setting, doing what you love to do. Summer school teaching positions exist; they are well worth going after.
Teaching Abroad
If the idea of seeing the world while using your teaching skills appeals to you, you may consider teaching positions outside Canada. Many countries seek outside help, particularly for English language teaching professionals. It’s a job; it’s an adventure.
Coaching or Refereeing
Your teaching training has provided you with a skill set that can be applied in many different forms. Let’s face it, a teacher is as much a coach as anything. Assisting and developing children’s athletic skills may be just the ticket if you have a background in sports or athletics. Similarly, the job of the referee is also out there; if you have some background in this area, it’s a good way to make extra money, and stay around young people, sharing your skills and wisdom with them.
Temp Agency Positions
There are likely temp positions out there for someone with your qualifications and experience. They may be teaching-related, or they may not. But if you have the extra time, and you want to make some extra money, there is likely a temporary position out there, through a hiring agency, that can help you realize that goal.
Rent Out Your Car
During those periods where you are taking a break from teaching, or are between assignments or temp positions, put your wheels to work for you. Car sharing services, such as RideAlike, in the Greater Toronto Area, are looking for people like you, to lend out your vehicle. It’s good for you, and it’s a good thing for your community. There are likely many folks out there without a car, who could use one every now again. Contribute to a car-sharing community by making your vehicle available – good for them, good for you.
RideAlike is committed to bringing shared mobility to the masses in a simple and cost-effective manner while remaining environmentally conscious by leveraging existing vehicles on the road. RideAlike is forming communities of like-minded people and partners who enjoy sharing their vehicles. Talk to us about sharing your car with RideAlike.
