Teaching Assistants are a vital component within the educational system, providing invaluable support and guidance to both teachers and students. Though many are employed on a full-time basis, there are still those who are looking for additional ways to supplement their income and use their skills and expertise in meaningful ways. With the growth of the gig economy and virtual work, many Teaching Assistants have more options than ever before when it comes to generating an income.
This article will explore some of the alternative income streams available for Teaching Assistants such as online tutoring, freelance writing, online teaching, blogging, and working within the community. The article will also provide advice on how to utilise your expertise to maximise your income through tutoring services, courses, and temp work.
Identifying Alternative Income Opportunities and Utilising your Expertise
Tutoring
As a Teaching Assistant, you have a wealth of knowledge to share with students. Online tutoring could be an excellent way for you to share that knowledge as well as earn some additional income.
With online teaching platforms such as Tutor.com, Wonderschool, and Teach Starter, you can easily create lessons, upload worksheets, and answer student questions. Couple this with resources like Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Skype and it's never been easier to connect with students from all over the world.
Whether you are teaching students one-on-one or leading a group session, tutoring online offers advantages such as flexibility in hours, the ability to reach a larger audience, and the opportunity to set your own hourly rate.
Exam Marking
Exam marking can provide Teaching Assistants with increased financial security, this is especially beneficial during the summer holidays when other income sources may be scarce. Exam marking can provide a more consistent income during this time, giving Teaching Assistants access to additional income.
Taking on exam marking is also beneficial in terms of your own professional development. Exam marking offers the opportunity to develop a new skill as you will learn how to effectively mark and score students. Teaching Assistants are assessed on their ability to score students fairly and accurately.
Getting started with exam marking is easy. The first step is to research different companies and exam boards that offer exam marking services. There are a variety of companies to choose from, and they vary in terms of hours, pay rate, and workloads. In many cases, it is possible to apply online. Teaching Assistants should take the time to read the job description carefully and make sure they are suited for the role.
Freelance Writing/Blogging
Freelance writing can be another enjoyable and lucrative alternative income opportunity for Teaching Assistants. From writing articles for websites and blogs, to creating copy for marketing materials and books, freelance writing can be an excellent way to share your expertise and creative ideas with a global audience. Many sites, like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, offer a wide range of freelance writing opportunities, so you're sure to find something that suits your interests.
Consider Working in the Community
Working in the community can be a great way for Teaching Assistants to increase their income. Summer camps, working in local libraries, and assisting in daycare centres are all great options that can be both financially and professionally rewarding. Summer camps present a unique opportunity to help children learn and develop, while working in local libraries may be a great way to use your research skils and gain valuable work experience. Working in daycare centres also provide Teaching Assistants with a great way to work with children, while gaining valuable childcare experience.
Consider Temp Work in a Similar Sector
Taking on temporary work within the social care sector can be a great way for Teaching Assistants to earn extra money over the holidays.
Some of the job profiles and skills required for Teaching Assistants lend themselves very well to certain social care opportunities, especially those supporting children. As well as working within the children's sector, you're likely to have a lot of transitional skills for roles supporting adults too which opens up even more care opportunities to you. These services run 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year, so offer a great opportunity to pick up flexible supplementary income.
Working in another sector provides an opportunity to develop professional skills and experience within a new area. This can help you to gain new qualifications and practical training which can be useful in achieving promotion and development in all your places of work.
Working in care is an incredibly rewarding way to spend your holidays. If you think you might be interested in learning more about care roles that could be suitable for you, we are more than happy to speak to you about the roles we have available.
