The school holidays are a time for teachers and support staff to recharge, but they also present a great opportunity to earn extra income. Whether you're looking to supplement your earnings, gain new experiences, or simply stay productive, there are plenty of flexible job options available during school breaks. Here are some of the best holiday jobs for teachers and support staff.
Tutoring and Private Lessons
Teachers have a natural advantage in tutoring. With many students looking for academic support during holidays, this is an ideal way to earn extra money. You can offer private lessons in-person or online through platforms like Tutor.com, Wyzant, or even local community boards.
Why It’s Great:
Flexible hours
Good pay based on experience and subject expertise
Opportunity to build lasting relationships with students
Exam Marking and Test Preparation
Many exam boards require markers to assess standardized tests, coursework, or essays. This is a great job for educators who are detail-oriented and can work efficiently within deadlines.
Why It’s Great:
Work from home
Competitive pay per script or batch
Ideal for teachers with experience in standardized testing
Seasonal Retail Jobs
The holiday season is a busy time for retail businesses, making it an ideal opportunity for temporary work. Many stores hire seasonal staff for customer service, cashier positions, or stock management.
Why It’s Great:
Extra income with flexible shifts
Employee discounts and perks
Opportunities to work in different industries
Childcare and Holiday Camps
Many parents need childcare over school breaks, and holiday camps or daycare centers seek experienced educators to supervise and lead activities. Whether it’s a local camp or a national program, teachers and support staff are highly valued in these roles.
Why It’s Great:
Fun and engaging work
Ideal for teachers who enjoy working with kids outside the classroom
Can align with your teaching skills and interests
Freelance Writing and Content Creation
If you enjoy writing, consider freelance work such as blogging, curriculum development, or educational content creation. Many websites and publishers seek teachers for subject-matter expertise.
Why It’s Great:
Remote work with flexible hours
Can become a long-term side hustle
Great way to use teaching experience creatively
Hospitality and Event Work
Holiday seasons are peak times for the hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, and event venues needing extra hands. If you enjoy working with people, this could be a great temporary job.
Why It’s Great:
Sociable and dynamic environment
Good tips and bonuses in some roles
Short-term commitment with flexible hours
Pet Sitting and House Sitting
Many families travel during school holidays and need reliable people to look after their homes or pets. Platforms like Rover or TrustedHousesitters make it easy to find opportunities.
Why It’s Great:
Minimal effort for good pay
Relaxing work compared to traditional teaching roles
Great for animal lovers
Delivery Driver or Rideshare Driving
With the rise of food delivery and rideshare services, working for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart can be a flexible way to earn money during the holidays.
Why It’s Great:
Work on your own schedule
No long-term commitment
Can be a good way to explore your city
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is a great time to earn extra money while taking a break from the classroom. Whether you choose tutoring, seasonal retail, freelance writing, or pet sitting, there’s a wide range of opportunities available for teachers and support staff. The key is to find a job that aligns with your interests, skills, and schedule. Happy holidays and happy earning!
