#52: How to Start a Tutoring Side Hustle as a Teacher
Teaching is Fulfilling, But the Paycheck Doesn’t Always Match the Passion
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I could totally tutor on the side,” but then immediately wondering where do I even start?, you’re not alone. Teaching is deeply rewarding, but it doesn’t always pay the bills. That’s exactly why more and more teachers are turning to tutoring as a side hustle. And guess what? You already have everything you need to get started—your expertise, your experience, and your passion for helping students thrive. This podcast episode walks you through how to start a tutoring side hustle as a teacher, without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin.
The 5 Steps to Launching Your Tutoring Business
This episode breaks it all down into five clear, manageable steps:
1. Set Your Goals and Availability
Before anything else, decide what you want from this side hustle. Do you want an extra $200 a month for fun money or to replace your full-time income entirely? Your financial goals will drive all your decisions, from how many students you take on to how much you charge.
Next, look at your schedule. Are you available after school? Prefer weekends or summers? Whether you’re a night owl who loves tutoring after dinner or a morning person who’d rather run summer reading camps, define what works for you.
2. Set Your Rates and Know Your Worth
Teachers often undervalue themselves when setting prices. Don’t fall into that trap. Your experience is worth real money. In-person tutoring typically ranges from $40–$90/hour, while online tutoring often runs between $25–$50/hour.
Not sure where to start? Here are three ways to hit a $500/month goal:
- One student, 2 sessions/week at $50/session.
- Two students, 1 session/week at $50/session.
- A small group of 3 students, 1 session/week at $30 each.
3. Use Done-for-You Templates to Get Organized
Setting up contracts, progress reports, and lesson plans can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Use ready-made templates like the ones in the Formula vault to:
- Define expectations with tutoring contracts.
- Track student growth with simple progress reports.
- Streamline lesson planning with pre-made templates.
When you have these systems in place, you spend less time organizing and more time actually teaching.
4. Find Students and Fill Your Spots
Getting your first clients might feel scary, but it starts with your network. Let friends, family, and colleagues know you’re offering tutoring. Post on social media, and follow thriving Instagram accounts like Your Reading Teacher and Lemon Tree Literacy to see what works.
If you’re a Science of Reading Formula member, you can even join the free Tutor Matchmaking Network to get connected with families looking for exactly what you offer.
5. Make Tutoring Simple and Effective
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every week. Create a rinse-and-repeat structure for every session:
- Start with a quick win or review.
- Introduce a new skill.
- Practice it together.
- Wrap up with a plan for next time.
And set boundaries early. Let families know when and how you’ll communicate, and stick to it. Clear expectations keep everyone happy.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- How to choose a tutoring schedule that fits your lifestyle.
- A simple way to calculate your hourly rate.
- The must-have templates that make tutoring feel effortless.
- Easy strategies to find your first (or next) student.
- How to streamline sessions with systems that work every time.
Bringing It All Together
Starting a tutoring side hustle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You already have the skills—now it’s about turning them into a system that works for your life and goals. With a little planning, the right templates, and a clear path, you can build something meaningful and profitable.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
Inside The Science of Reading Formula, you’ll find everything you need to make your tutoring business a success—from detailed lesson plans and assessments to that free Tutor Matchmaking Network.
Join now and take your next step toward more income, more impact, and more joy in teaching
LINKS
Join the Side Hustle Challenge in the Formula vault.
Lemon Tree Literacy on Instagram
Your Reading Tutor on Instagram
Brightest Little Readers on Instagram
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
WHAT TO LISTEN TO NEXT
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