Best Online Jobs for Retired Teachers
Introduction
Thinking about ways to earn from home after years in the classroom? Good news! With your teaching experience, there are countless flexible, rewarding jobs waiting for you. The best part? Many can be done from the comfort of your home. You’ll stay engaged, keep growing, and earn income on your terms.
Today, we’re diving into some of the best online jobs for retired teachers. From consulting and curriculum design to coaching and writing, each role makes the most of your skills.
Ready to explore your options? Let’s dive in and see which path fits your goals and lifestyle!
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Overview:
- Government Jobs for Retired Teachers
- Work from Home Jobs for Retired Teachers
- Best Online Jobs for Retired Teachers
- Part-Time Jobs for Retired Teachers at Home
- Best Remote Jobs for Former Teachers
- Fun Jobs for Retired Teachers
- Legitimate Work from Home Jobs for Teachers
Government Jobs for Retired Teachers
Educational Program Coordinator
First, if you’re looking for a role that keeps you connected to education, an Educational Program Coordinator position could be a great fit. In this role, you’ll plan and oversee programs aimed at enhancing student achievement and teacher support across entire districts or states. Responsibilities include developing and managing teacher training initiatives, organizing educational events, and collaborating with school districts to implement new learning standards. With structured hours and steady income, government jobs like this offer stability, making them ideal for retirees. Plus, the work you do impacts communities on a broad scale, positively shaping the educational experiences of teachers, students, and families. Working remotely or part-time may also be possible, depending on the program’s needs.
Policy Consultant for Education
Want to shape the future of education without stepping back into the classroom? Consider working as an Educational Policy Consultant. In this position, you’ll provide insights to shape curriculum standards, advise on classroom management policies, and help design initiatives that promote student success. You could work with state education boards, think tanks, non-profits, or consulting firms, where your expertise in curriculum planning and student outcomes would be invaluable. Many policy consultants are contract-based, which allows for flexibility in both hours and work setting. Additionally, consulting fees can range from $50 to $100 per hour, giving you the opportunity to earn a respectable income while balancing retirement goals. And since much of the work can be completed remotely, it’s perfect for teachers who want to stay engaged with education in a new and impactful way.
Test Scorer
Another flexible option for retired teachers is scoring standardized tests for state education departments or testing companies. As a Test Scorer, you’ll evaluate student exams, often in the subjects you once taught. Scoring work tends to be seasonal and project-based, making it a low-commitment choice for retirees. Many retired teachers find it easy to manage from home, with a flexible schedule that lets you pick hours that suit you. This role is ideal if you’re looking for a lower-stress way to stay engaged with education—no lesson planning, no grading headaches, just straightforward scoring. Positions usually pay between $15 and $25 per hour, and the workload can vary, so you can work as much or as little as you want.
How to Find Government Jobs for Retired Teachers
If a government role sounds like the perfect fit, start by exploring USAJobs.gov, the go-to site for federal and state agency jobs. There, you’ll find postings tailored to experienced educators, with options for remote or hybrid roles that match your expertise. You might also consider networking with educational non-profits or government-funded programs that look for retired teachers to consult on short-term projects. And if you’re interested in more flexible ways to earn income with your teaching background, be sure to read our blog on Side Hustles for Teachers for additional inspiration.
Work from Home Jobs for Retired Teachers
Virtual Tutoring
One of the most flexible options for retired teachers is virtual tutoring. Platforms like VIPKid and Tutor.com make it easy to connect with students from all over the world, covering subjects from math to English. You can set your own schedule, working mornings, evenings, or weekends, which means virtual tutoring can fit seamlessly around your retirement plans. Hourly rates generally range from $15 to $30, depending on the subject and platform, and since it’s one-on-one teaching, you’ll get to focus more on individual student progress. Virtual tutoring allows you to continue making a difference in students’ lives while enjoying a balanced, work-from-home lifestyle.
Curriculum Developer
If lesson planning was your favorite part of teaching, consider becoming a Curriculum Developer. Many education companies and online schools hire experienced teachers to create engaging curriculum, which might involve designing lesson plans, developing assessments, or organizing materials to align with educational standards. Starting a career in curriculum development requires a solid portfolio, so consider gathering a few sample lesson plans or units you’ve already created. Once you’ve polished these materials, you can begin applying for remote positions with companies like Pearson or McGraw-Hill. The role offers flexibility, with many projects done on a contract basis, allowing you to work as little or as much as you’d like. Plus, hourly pay for curriculum developers can range from $20 to $50, making it both a rewarding and profitable choice.
Educational Consultant
Retired teachers with deep expertise in specific subjects or school administration can thrive as Educational Consultants. This role lets you work with schools, districts, or even private education companies, advising on curriculum, classroom management, or teacher training programs. Educational consulting provides an opportunity to work on high-level initiatives without daily classroom responsibilities. Curious about what this transition looks like in action? Check out Danielle Greene’s journey from teaching to consulting on our YouTube channel for some inspiration! Consulting rates often range from $50 to $100 per hour, giving retired teachers the chance to earn a meaningful income in retirement.
Course Creation
For those who love sharing knowledge and want to earn passive income, creating online courses can be a game-changer. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy allow you to create courses on topics you know well, whether it’s elementary reading skills, time management for high schoolers, or even parenting tips. Once the course is live, it generates income as students enroll—without additional work on your part. Building a successful course requires planning, but with your teaching expertise, you’re already ahead of the curve! For tips on starting an online business, explore resources on thecpsm.com for guidance on launching a rewarding new venture.
Best Online Jobs for Retired Teachers
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing offers retired teachers an ideal path to use their expertise and earn income online. If you’re passionate about writing, consider niches like educational content, child development, or even parenting advice. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Freelancer connect writers with clients, making it easy to find jobs with flexible schedules. Pay ranges vary, generally from $0.10 to $0.50 per word, depending on your experience and the niche you specialize in. If you have samples of past teaching materials, consider creating a portfolio—this can help you attract higher-paying clients. With freelance writing, you manage your workload and work at your own pace, making it a great option for balancing retirement with earning.
Content Creation
Digital content creation opens up an enjoyable avenue for retired teachers to continue educating in a new, modern way. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest offer endless possibilities for sharing knowledge through video, visuals, and posts—perfect for an audience of parents and educators. For example, you might create a YouTube series about effective reading strategies or interactive math tips, while Instagram can be a great place to share educational graphics and quick tips. Pinterest is also highly popular for educational content, especially when it comes to sharing visuals like classroom setup ideas or engaging learning activities. Here’s a great Pinterest Pin that offers inspiration for retired teachers looking to enter sleep consulting:
Content creators often monetize their work through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue. For example, if you build a following on YouTube, you can place ads on your videos, or on Instagram, collaborate with brands related to education or family wellness. Content creation lets you explore your creative side and make an impact beyond the classroom while working at your own pace.
Blogging
If you enjoy storytelling and have plenty of insights from your teaching years, blogging could be a rewarding online venture. Starting an education-focused blog allows you to share expertise on topics such as classroom management, homeschooling tips, or advice for teachers in retirement. Blogging platforms like WordPress and Blogger make it easy to get started, and your blog could even turn into a valuable resource for other educators. Once you’ve built an audience, there are several ways to monetize your blog, including ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
Part-Time Jobs for Retired Teachers at Home
Sleep Consultant
For a unique, family-oriented career path, consider becoming a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. This role lets you help parents establish healthy sleep routines for their children—a highly valued service. Many retired teachers find this a fulfilling and flexible way to use their problem-solving skills in a new setting. It’s also fully remote and allows you to set your own hours. Interested? Explore the CPSM course page to learn how you can get certified and start your new journey!
Virtual Assistant
Virtual Assistant (VA) work is perfect for retired teachers who enjoy organization and supporting educational or small business operations. Typical tasks include managing emails, scheduling, coordinating projects, and handling social media. Many VAs work part-time and set their own hours, making this role highly adaptable to any schedule. Hourly rates range from $15 to $30 depending on the level of responsibility. As the demand for VAs grows, this is a flexible way to stay connected professionally without committing to full-time hours.
Educational Product Reviewer
Educational companies are always looking for experienced voices to test and review their latest products. As an Educational Product Reviewer, you might assess educational apps, children’s books, or online learning tools. This role lets you work entirely from home on a flexible, part-time basis, with pay typically between $15 to $30 per hour. Plus, some companies may offer free access to the products you review. It’s an excellent fit for retired teachers who want to stay involved in education by improving resources for future learners.
Online Course Moderator
If you enjoy interacting with students but don’t want the full responsibility of teaching, consider working as an Online Course Moderator. Moderators support online courses by answering student questions, facilitating discussions, and ensuring guidelines are followed. This part-time role offers a flexible schedule and lets you engage with learners without creating lesson plans or grading. Many education and training companies offer these roles, with hourly pay ranging from $20 to $40. It’s a fulfilling way to stay connected to education while working on a manageable, flexible basis.
Freelance Curriculum Writer
Freelance Curriculum Writing allows you to develop lessons and materials for schools and publishers. Retired teachers bring invaluable expertise to this role, creating content for various educational needs. With project-based work, you can set your own hours and choose assignments that interest you. Pay typically ranges between $25 to $50 per hour depending on experience and project scope. This part-time role is ideal for those who want to contribute to education in a meaningful, flexible way.
Best Remote Jobs for Former Teachers
Adjunct Online Professor
Retired teachers looking to stay engaged in education at a higher level may enjoy working as an Adjunct Online Professor. In this role, you’ll teach college-level courses remotely, managing lectures, discussions, and assignments online. This work allows you to make a meaningful impact from anywhere, with the flexibility to work around your retirement schedule. Online adjunct positions are available in many subjects, and they often come with structured but flexible hours, making them ideal for those looking to stay active in the academic world. Compensation typically varies by institution, but adjuncts can earn between $2,000 to $5,000 per course.
Instructional Designer
If you have a creative side and enjoy building engaging learning experiences, becoming an Instructional Designer could be an excellent fit. Instructional designers create digital learning materials like lesson plans, interactive activities, and multimedia resources. This role often involves collaborating with education companies or corporate training departments to design materials that engage learners of all ages. Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn frequently feature instructional design roles, and companies like Edmentum and K12 often look for experienced educators with instructional design skills. Instructional designers typically earn between $30 and $50 per hour, depending on experience.
Customer Success Manager
Customer success management is another fantastic option for former teachers, especially those with strong interpersonal skills. In this role, you’ll help clients—often in educational technology (ed-tech) companies—maximize their experience with products and services. Your teaching background provides the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to guide clients, address their needs, and help them succeed. Customer success managers earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year, and many companies offer remote roles with flexible schedules. This position allows former teachers to support education in a new way, focusing on customer satisfaction without direct classroom responsibilities.
Corporate Trainer
For retired teachers who miss the teaching element of their profession but want a fresh setting, Corporate Trainer positions can be an ideal fit. As a corporate trainer, you’ll develop and lead training sessions for employees, covering topics like communication skills, team collaboration, or technical proficiency. Your teaching expertise makes you well-suited to manage workshops and online training programs, and many companies offer these roles remotely. Corporate trainers typically earn $30 to $60 per hour, depending on the industry and training complexity.
Online Researcher or Curriculum Reviewer
If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy academic work, consider becoming an Online Researcher or Curriculum Reviewer. These roles involve reviewing educational materials, conducting research, or providing feedback on instructional resources. Many companies need educators to assess content for accuracy and relevance, making it a suitable role for retired teachers with expertise in specific subjects. Curriculum reviewers often work remotely and are typically paid $20 to $40 per hour, depending on the project and level of expertise. This flexible, part-time role lets you stay engaged in education without a demanding schedule.
Fun Jobs for Retired Teachers
Museum Guide (Virtual or In-Person)
If you enjoy storytelling and sharing knowledge, consider becoming a museum guide. Retired teachers often excel as museum guides, whether virtually or in person, because they bring stories to life. Many museums, from local historical sites to large art institutions, seek guides with educational backgrounds who can engage visitors of all ages. Plus, guiding roles are frequently seasonal or part-time, making them a flexible option for retirees. If you’re interested in history, art, or science, this role lets you immerse yourself in a subject you love and share it with others.
Teaching Hobbies Online
Do you have a passion for a hobby outside of teaching? Now’s the time to turn that interest into income by teaching hobbies online. Platforms like Skillshare and TakeLessons allow you to teach everything from gardening and crafts to cooking and creative writing. With flexible scheduling, you can teach at your own pace, making it a low-stress way to stay active and earn a side income. This role is perfect if you enjoy working with people but want a break from the academic side of teaching.
Tour Guide
For those who love travel or local history, becoming a tour guide is an exciting and flexible job option. Virtual tours have become increasingly popular, allowing you to share your knowledge with a global audience. You could guide online “visits” to famous landmarks or local historical sites, all from the comfort of home. Alternatively, if you prefer in-person work, look for opportunities in your area. Many tour companies allow part-time or seasonal work, so you can choose when and where you want to share your passion.
These fun roles not only keep you engaged but allow you to explore new interests and connect with diverse audiences—all on your own schedule.
Legitimate Work from Home Jobs for Teachers
1. Academic Transcriptionist
For teachers who are detail-oriented and have strong listening skills, academic transcription could be a great fit. This role involves listening to lectures, seminars, or recorded class sessions and transcribing them accurately. Many transcription companies need people familiar with academic jargon, which makes retired teachers especially valuable. Transcription jobs often pay per audio hour and can be flexible, allowing you to work at your own pace from anywhere.
2. Virtual Literacy Coach
If you’re passionate about reading and helping others improve literacy skills, consider becoming a virtual literacy coach. Working with students, parents, or even other educators, you can provide guidance on reading strategies, comprehension skills, and vocabulary development. Many literacy coaches work with schools, nonprofit organizations, or tutoring companies to support remote learning initiatives. This role pays well and is ideal for retired teachers looking to make a meaningful impact.
3. Educational Pod Facilitator
With the rise of hybrid and remote learning, educational pods are becoming a popular option for small groups of students needing a structured learning environment. Retired teachers are perfect for this role, facilitating learning pods that cover various subjects in a home or virtual setting. As an educational pod facilitator, you can set your own curriculum or follow state guidelines, all while maintaining a flexible schedule. This role typically pays per session or by the hour and allows for significant creativity in how you teach.
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People Also Ask
1. How can a retired teacher make extra money?
Retired teachers have many flexible options to earn extra income from home:
- Tutoring: Offer subject-specific tutoring to students online through platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant.
- Freelance Writing: Write for educational websites, blogs, or publications that need expert insights.
- Consulting: Work as an educational consultant for schools, curriculum companies, or ed-tech firms.
- Test Scoring: Score standardized tests remotely for companies like Pearson or ETS.
- Online Course Creation: Build and sell courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
2. What jobs can teachers transition to from home?
Teachers looking to work from home have several career paths that leverage their expertise:
- Virtual Tutor: Provide one-on-one or group tutoring to students of all ages.
- Curriculum Developer: Create educational materials and resources for schools or learning platforms.
- Content Writer: Write articles, blogs, or educational resources tailored to parents, teachers, or students.
- Corporate Trainer: Lead online training programs for corporate employees, often in communication or leadership skills.
- Online Adjunct Professor: Teach college courses remotely on subjects within your expertise.
3. How to get a remote job as a teacher?
To find remote teaching jobs, try these steps:
- Research Platforms: Sign up on tutoring sites like VIPKid, Outschool, or Indeed’s education section.
- Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight online teaching skills and experience with digital tools.
- Network: Connect with other teachers on LinkedIn or education forums for remote job leads.
- Apply Consistently: Apply to positions on job boards specializing in remote education like FlexJobs.
- Prepare for Virtual Interviews: Practice using video conferencing tools to ensure a smooth interview process.
4. What is the best side hustle for retirees?
Top side hustles for retirees that offer flexibility and decent pay include:
- Freelance Tutoring: Use your teaching skills to tutor part-time online or locally.
- Proofreading and Editing: Work as a freelance proofreader, especially on educational or academic content.
- Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Low-stress, flexible work that brings in steady income.
- Selling Crafts Online: Use platforms like Etsy to sell handmade items if you enjoy creative hobbies.
- Sleep Consulting: Train as a pediatric sleep consultant to work with families on child sleep solutions.
5. What is the best job for a former teacher?
The best jobs for former teachers utilize their communication, organization, and instructional skills:
- Educational Consultant: Advise schools or companies on curriculum, teaching strategies, or instructional technology.
- Instructional Designer: Design digital learning resources for educational organizations or corporate training.
- Corporate Trainer: Teach workplace skills to employees in corporate settings.
- Online College Instructor: Teach college courses remotely on a part-time or adjunct basis.
- Test Prep Tutor: Help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE.
6. What other jobs can I do after teaching?
Here are additional roles for teachers interested in career change:
- Librarian: Work in a school or public library, helping students and the public access resources.
- Human Resources Trainer: Use your teaching skills to train employees on workplace policies and procedures.
- Academic Coach: Support students in high school or college with study skills and academic strategies.
- Customer Success Manager: Guide customers in using educational or tech products effectively.
- Nonprofit Educator: Work with nonprofits to create and run educational programs for communities in need.
7. How can teachers make money from home?
Teachers have a variety of ways to earn from home, including:
- Online Tutoring: Offer tutoring on sites like Chegg, VIPKid, or TutorMe.
- Freelance Writing and Blogging: Write educational content for websites or start your own blog.
- Curriculum Writing: Develop lesson plans and resources for online learning platforms.
- Virtual Assistant: Support small businesses with scheduling, social media, or project management.
- Create Printables: Design and sell educational printables or teaching resources on Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers.
8. Can you make a living as an online teacher?
Yes, making a living as an online teacher is possible, especially if you diversify income streams:
- Work with Multiple Platforms: Sign up for several tutoring or teaching platforms to reach more students.
- Offer Private Lessons: Set up your own tutoring service for higher, direct earnings.
- Develop a Niche: Specialize in high-demand areas like SAT prep, STEM, or English as a Second Language.
- Create Courses or Membership Programs: Sell recurring membership options for ongoing lessons.
- Market on Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to build a client base and promote your services.
9. What is the best side hustle for teachers?
Great side hustles for teachers that fit into a busy schedule include:
- Tutoring Students: Provide local or online tutoring sessions for additional income.
- Creating Educational Resources: Design and sell teaching resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.
- Freelance Writing: Write articles, e-books, or educational guides for websites and publications.
- Virtual Assistant Services: Offer administrative support to education-based businesses or bloggers.
- Test Scoring: Score standardized tests from home for a flexible, part-time gig.
10. How can teachers make passive income?
Teachers can build passive income streams by:
- Selling Printables or Worksheets: Use platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers for recurring income.
- Creating an Online Course: Develop a course that generates sales over time on platforms like Udemy.
- Starting a Blog or YouTube Channel: Earn ad revenue and affiliate income by sharing teaching tips or resources.
- Publishing an E-Book: Write and publish guides or instructional books to sell on Amazon.
- Affiliate Marketing: Recommend educational products on a blog or social media and earn commissions.