At the end of the school year, many educators and substitute teachers look for ways to supplement their income during the summer months. From tutoring to working at summer camps, summer jobs for substitute teachers can keep the money flowing. Some employers begin to look for summer help well before the end of the school year, while other opportunities open on the last day of school. In this article, we’ll share what many of our tens of thousands of substitute teachers do for summer jobs.
What do substitute teachers do in the summer?
Summer break opens the doors to many opportunities for growth and development. Whether you want to enhance your teaching skills or explore new interests, finding a summer job can offer valuable experience while supporting your income. Substitute teachers possess several transferable skills, like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These strengths can help you find temporary employment or vacation relief.Ask about summer school jobs.
Want to continue to work for your district? Substitute teaching in summer school often involves similar substitute teacher responsibilities to working during the regular school year. One difference is that most summer school classrooms have smaller student-to-teacher ratios. So, you might work more closely with students and provide individualized attention to help them reach their goals. Start by asking your employer about potential opportunities. That way, you can continue working in familiar schools and improve your abilities. Education staffing companies, like Kelly Education, also hire substitute teachers in districts all over the country.Become a summer tutor.
Many families enroll their students in tutoring programs during summer to prevent learning loss, improve in a specific subject, or help with test prep. Flexibility is one of the best perks of tutoring. Tutors often set their hours, which helps balance work with other summer activities. Some positions are even available virtually. Whether you work closely with one student or develop a clientele, this summer job can offer competitive rates and a consistent income. Also, you can enjoy the satisfaction of helping students reach their learning goals even when school isn’t in session. Many tutoring jobs are available on job boards. Your district may also have connections to potential openings. At Kelly Education, we also hire tutors to work with students. Let us know if you are interested .Work at a summer camp.
Working at a summer camp could be your calling if you love the outdoors. Camps offer countless fulfilling positions, including counselors, academic enrichment instructors, activity leaders, and program coordinators. With these roles, you can sharpen your skills while potentially uncovering new ones. Lesson planning, supervising field trips, organizing activities, and tutoring are just a few skills you can develop. Even better, you can enjoy the summer weather and help students at the same time. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when searching for a summer camp role. Do you want to be fully immersed in the camping experience? While some camps allow you to commute daily, residential roles typically require you to live on campus throughout the program. These positions generally offer free room and board, as well as an hourly wage, stipend, or flat rate. If summer camp sounds like an adventure, start your search early. Browsing job boards, contacting camps directly, and leveraging your network are excellent ways to secure a summer camp position.Find a temporary job in a new field.
Temp work is an outstanding option to supplement your income while strengthening career skills. Seasonal jobs hire substitute teachers during busy times of the year or to complete specific projects. These roles are often flexible, providing part-time and full-time opportunities. Since temp work offers limited employment, you’ll benefit from steady income for several weeks to months without fully committing to a new career path. Check out these ideas for temporary summer jobs for substitute teachers if you want to venture into a different field:- Administrative or office work: Organizations often hire temporary employees for extra help or special projects. You could land a role as an assistant, data entry clerk, receptionist, bookkeeper, office manager, and more.
- Event staff: Special events, like festivals, fairs, and conventions, often need seasonal servers, coordinators, and greeters to help the celebration run smoothly.
- Retail: Many retail stores look for temporary help around the holidays. Some substitute teachers take advantage of those relationships and return for summer shifts.
- Tourism and hospitality: Travel companies, hotels, and resorts are always on the hunt for seasonal workers, especially during the busy summer months.
- Outdoor recreation: Theme parks and other outdoor recreation centers typically need temporary staff during peak seasons. From customer service to collecting tickets, you can enjoy a new experience while making extra cash.
- Agriculture: Seasonal workers are vital in farming industries to plant and harvest fruits or crops.
Check out gig economy opportunities.
Rideshare, delivery apps, task services, and freelancing are other flexible ways to earn an income during summer break. These opportunities provide the chance to make your own schedule. You can stack multiple gigs to support your income while gaining valuable skills and enjoying the freedom to work at your own pace. With more spare time and versatility, gigs let you slow down and focus on enhancing your teaching skills. Whether preparing for the upcoming school year or working on professional development, you can easily fit each priority into your schedule. And you won’t have to worry about the pressure of a full-time commitment.Can substitute teachers get unemployment during the summer?
If you struggle to find a summer job, seeking unemployment benefits may be an option in some states. Note that the department of labor will determine your eligibility for unemployment, not your employer. Several factors play into eligibility, including your yearly wages and work history. States that consider substitute teaching as seasonal work may offer unemployment. Still, many states won’t provide unemployment benefits just for summer breaks. The inability to return to work after a break is generally the only way you’d qualify for unemployment in several states. However, some may provide unemployment if you’ve attempted and failed to secure summer jobs for substitute teachers. For example, substitute teachers in New York may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they’re actively seeking a job and have worked an adequate amount throughout the school year. Every state has specific qualifications, so it's best to check with your state’s Department of Labor.Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.
We have an entire library of helpful articles for substitute teachers. They include: If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners.