5 Reasons You Are Not Earning Enough as a Teacher and What You Can Do About It
You cannot ignore No. 4
Teaching is one of the most fulfilling careers, but for many educators, the financial rewards don’t match the level of commitment they invest. While most teachers depend solely on their salaries, which can be limited by public-sector budgets or school policies, there are countless ways to improve income beyond the classroom. If you feel financially stuck, it’s time to explore why this might be happening and what you can do about it.
Reason 1: Relying Solely on Salary-Based Income
For many teachers, the salary from their job is their only source of income. However, relying on one income stream can limit financial growth, especially when inflation or rising costs outpace salary increases.
What You Can Do: Explore Alternative Income Streams
Consider leveraging your skills to diversify your income through online platforms or local opportunities:
- Offer private tutoring in-person or online using platforms like Preply, Chegg, or Superprof.
- Develop online courses and sell them on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
- Create educational materials and sell them on Teachers Pay Teachers.
By generating multiple income streams, you’ll have more financial stability and independence.
Reason 2: Ignoring Online Opportunities
The world is rapidly shifting online, and many teachers miss out on lucrative opportunities by not embracing digital tools and platforms. Whether it’s online tutoring or content creation, the digital space offers an untapped potential to reach a global audience.
What You Can Do: Build a Digital Presence and Use Technology
This solution cannot be ignored—learning to navigate online platforms and social media is essential for today’s educators. Here are some ideas:
- Start a YouTube Channel: Create engaging educational content for students. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or channel memberships. Visit YouTube to get started.
- Freelance Writing: Write articles or blog posts about teaching techniques, parenting advice, or education trends.
- Virtual Workshops: Host webinars or online training sessions for teachers or parents. Use tools like Zoom or Google Meet.
- Virtual Classes: You can teach subjects or topics to students virtually. Special needs learners can also be taught online.
Successful teachers have embraced online spaces to scale their work beyond the classroom. With consistency, you can build a personal brand that generates income and opens new doors for opportunities.
Reason 3: Underutilizing Skills Beyond Teaching
Many teachers have a wealth of skills that go beyond the traditional classroom, but they don’t always capitalize on them. Skills like leadership, communication, public speaking, marketing and curriculum development can be monetized.
What You Can Do: Offer Consulting or Start Coaching Programs
- Educational Consulting: Work with schools, educational organizations, or NGOs to offer curriculum design, training, or management consulting.
- Marketing: Work with companies that provide educational solutions to learners and teachers and connect them to schools, educational organizations, or NGOs. For instance, AyaPrep in Ghana helps learners in Secondary Schools learn mathematics subject in local languages online. Get in touch if you are interested in marketing this to learners to earn some extra income.
- After-School Programs: Launch extracurricular clubs in areas like arts, drama, or sports and charge fees. You can also set up exam-preparation centers focused on key exams like WAEC or JAMB.
By identifying your hidden skills, you can expand your professional opportunities and earn additional income.
Reason 4: Not Building a Brand or Network
The most successful teachers stand out because they build a recognizable personal brand and grow their network. Teachers who fail to engage on social media or attend industry events, like workshops, may miss out on opportunities for collaboration, sponsorships, or consulting jobs.
What You Can Do: Establish a Strong Brand and Network
- Engage on Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to share your expertise and connect with like-minded educators.
- Collaborate with Peers: Work with other teachers to create joint projects or businesses, such as learning centers or community workshops.
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Build connections with other educators, NGOs, and industry professionals to find speaking or consulting gigs.
By being visible and building connections, you’ll increase your chances of landing better-paying opportunities.
Reason 5: Lack of Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Some teachers become complacent, failing to upgrade their skills or adapt to changes in education. As new teaching methods and technologies emerge, teachers who don’t keep learning risk becoming irrelevant in the job market.
What You Can Do: Invest in Personal Development
Stay ahead by:
- Taking Online Courses to learn about new teaching strategies or entrepreneurship. Explore platforms like Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn.
- Participating in Workshops that focus on digital tools, public speaking, or leadership.
- Exploring New Trends in education, such as eLearning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education, or blended learning models.
Teachers who invest in personal growth become more valuable, both in and outside the classroom.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
The reality is that many teachers aren’t earning enough because they rely solely on their salary and overlook other opportunities to create wealth. The good news is that you can change this by embracing multiple income streams, digital tools, and entrepreneurial ventures. The most successful teachers—those who earn far beyond their salaries—have diversified their efforts and built strong personal brands.
If you’re in Africa or elsewhere, these lessons are highly relevant. Start small by exploring local needs for tutoring or educational services, then expand into online opportunities. Whether it’s setting up a YouTube channel, developing online courses, or launching an after-school program, taking proactive steps today will lead to sustainable financial growth.
The key is to stay adaptable, build a brand, and continuously learn. With persistence, your teaching career can become a powerful foundation for multiple streams of income. Don’t wait—start exploring what’s possible today!
I believe this is a must read for all and not only teachers. With the rate of inflation and the fast depreciation of our currency, we cannot rely on a single source of income. Exploring other opportunities is a must! Thanks Mr Arhin – very insightful
Thank you Philomena.