Do Teachers Get Paid in the Summer?

Do teachers get paid in the summer? It’s a question that many teachers ask themselves when they are deciding whether or not to stay with their current job – not to mention anyone who’s considering becoming a teacher and wondering if they’ll still get paid during all those months of vacation.

If either of those sound like you, then keep reading. Not only will I take you through whether teachers get paid in the summer (or winter), I’ll also look at what it means for teachers if they do not get paid during the summer months (spoiler alert: these summer jobs for teachers can really help).

Finally, I’ll share some thoughts on the idea of teachers getting paychecks while school is out!

Do teachers get paid in the summer?

No, teachers do not get paid in the summer holidays if they are on break. They may, however, receive paychecks for work done during the school year, as many teachers have their pay spread out over the full 12-month period. This is not, however, the same as getting paid for the summer months.

The reasoning behind many teachers getting paid throughout the entire year, not just when school is in session, is actually really sound. In brief, it ensures they also receive any medical coverage during the summer months.

This also allows them to accrue retirement service credits during the full 12 months of the year.

It can also help teachers with their own money management. That is, someone who’s used to receiving a steady paycheck during the year may struggle when suddenly presented with a six-week summer break where no income is coming in at all.

With various financial obligations still due, some people may have an issue in stretching their money out to cover this period.

At the same time, you should also keep in mind that most teachers don’t get the full summer vacation period as a break for themselves.

Many will often be asked to work throughout the month of July because there is so much curriculum that needs to be covered, in order for teachers to prepare their classes for when they return at the beginning of the next school year.

Nevertheless, if you are a teacher just starting out, the period where you’re not being paid is something that could be very difficult to make up for.

You may want to consider taking on extra tutoring jobs during the summer months, as it’s not uncommon for teachers who don’t work through these two months to go into debt trying to keep their bank account in the black.

What if a teacher works extra in the summer?

If a teacher works extra in the summer, like at summer school, then they will get paid for their work. This is based on an hourly rate and while the amount will depend on where you are and the teacher’s experience, the average hourly rate is $25.40 in the US.

Of course, not all teachers choose to work in the summer. Some prefer to take that time off to recharge and relax, while others may use it to pursue other professional development opportunities.

But for those who do work during the summer, those teachers will get paid making it a great way to earn some extra money and gain some valuable experience in a different setting.

How do teachers survive in the summer?

Many teachers take on summer jobs to survive the summer financially. Fortunately, the skills involved in teaching transfer well to a number of other jobs, meaning it’s often not so difficult for there to be other opportunities for teachers to get paid in the summer.

This means that while teachers don’t get paid in the summer, it doesn’t mean they’re not making money. Teachers just starting out might want to be careful about taking on too many extra jobs during those months, though, especially if they don’t know exactly how long their summer break will be.

Luckily, teachers who are working throughout the summer months will often be able to make pretty good money. For example, if their salary is $60,000 per year and they work through July and August (that’s two extra paychecks), then that teacher could easily receive an additional $10k in annual earnings!

This can definitely help teachers make up for that summer vacation!

What do teachers do for money during the summer?

Teachers must either budget for the summer period throughout the year, by ensuring they have enough money saved to cover their expenses, or take on an extra job to ensure they still have an income throughout the vacation time.

Of course, expenses don’t stop just because a teacher isn’t getting paid in the summer. This means that teachers have to find a way to ensure those expenses continue to be paid.

And this basically boils down to two options: have enough saved up from your teaching job or get another job to ensure you’re covered. There are definitely pros and cons to each.

How do teachers make money in the summer?

There are plenty of opportunities for summer jobs for teachers that allow you to take advantage of the skills you’ve developed from your teaching job.

For instance, one way teachers make money in the summer is by teaching adult-level courses at colleges. This will often require teachers to be available for most of the day, but it’s a great option because they get paid more per hour.

Another idea that teachers have had success with is starting their own tutoring business after school or on weekends – especially if teachers have a degree in the subject they are tutoring.

Of course, you could consider a summer job that’s completely unrelated to your teaching experience, especially if you need a bit of a break from that side of things. It’s your summer break too, after all!

This means you could consider basically any sort of short term job. One of these weekend jobs could be a good option, for example, or any freelancing odd job where you can choose the amount of work you do, especially if you’re a bit burned out after the end of the school year.

As some easy ways to make some extra cash, consider the ones below.

1. Proofreading

Teachers are skilled in reading and editing, making a proofreading job a great summer option for making money.

There are plenty of businesses and individuals who need documents, articles, and other materials proofread, making it a flexible and potentially lucrative option.

2. Transcriptionist

Transcription involves transcribing audio or video recordings into written form.

This makes working as a transcriptionist a great option for teachers who have strong typing skills and an eye for detail. Many businesses and individuals need transcription services, making it a flexible and potentially lucrative option.

3. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative support to businesses and individuals remotely. Teachers have strong organizational and communication skills, making them great candidates for this role.

Becoming a VA is a great option for teachers who want to work from home, especially as you can work on a flexible schedule.

4. Make and sell things on Etsy

Teachers who have a creative streak can use their summer break to make and sell things on Etsy.

They can create handmade goods like jewelry, art, and home decor, and sell them online. It’s a fun and potentially lucrative option that allows teachers to express their creativity and learn new skills.

Check out some of the dozens of Etsy shop ideas here.

5. Start a blog

Teachers who are passionate about a particular topic or subject can start a blog during the summer break. They can share their knowledge and expertise with others and potentially make money through advertising, sponsored content, and other methods.

It’s a flexible and creative option that allows teachers to share their insights and ideas with a wide audience.

6. Summer school teacher

Many school districts offer summer school programs to help students catch up or get ahead, and they need teachers to lead these programs.

Since teachers are already familiar with the curriculum and teaching methods, they can make a smooth transition into a summer school role.

7. Summer camp counselor or instructor

Working as a summer camp counselor or instructor is a fun way to spend the summer and can be a great fit for teachers.

Many camps offer programs that focus on academics, like math and science, so teachers can put their expertise to use. Plus, the experience of working with kids in a camp setting can be a great way to develop new skills and perspectives.

8. Private tutor

Since teachers have expertise in their subject areas, they can offer their services as private tutors during the summer. This can be a flexible and lucrative option, as they can set their own schedule and rates.

Additionally, it can be a great way to build relationships with students and help them achieve their academic goals.

9. Online tutor

With the rise of online learning, there are many opportunities for teachers to work as online tutors or course instructors during the summer. This can be a flexible and convenient option, as they can work from home and set their own schedule.

At the same time, online learning can be a great way to reach students who may not have access to traditional learning opportunities.

10. Test prep instructor

Many students take standardized tests during the summer, like the SAT or ACT, and need help preparing for them.

Teachers can work as test prep instructors during the summer, helping students prepare for these exams and improve their scores. This can be a flexible and lucrative option, as they can set their own schedule and rates.

What is the best summer job for teachers?

The best summer job will depend on the teacher’s interests, skills, and availability. If you want to stick with education-related work, working at a summer camp or summer school or even tutoring would be a great fit. You may, however, want something completely different.

Summer camps offer a variety of programs that need instructors, and some of these programs are based on academics, like math and science. You could also look into summer school programs, as many school districts offer these to help students catch up or get ahead.

Another option is private tutoring. With the summer break, many students use this time to get ahead or catch up on their studies.

If you’re skilled in a particular subject, you could offer your services as a tutor. You can do it online or in-person, and you can set your own schedule and rates.

Alternatively, if you enjoy the outdoors, you could consider working as a park ranger or naturalist. Many state and national parks hire seasonal workers during the summer, and you can educate visitors on the flora, fauna, and history of the area.

Finally, if you’re looking to try something different, you could consider working in retail, hospitality, or as a tour guide during the summer break. These jobs can be a lot of fun, and you can meet new people while earning some extra money.

Related: 15 Legit Ways to Get Paid to Watch Netflix

What do teachers do in the summer?

While plenty of teachers take the summer months off, some do work a summer job as a way to get paid during the vacation period. Others use the time to further develop the curriculum, while some other teachers work on their own professional development, such as by taking courses or earning certifications.

The teachers who make money during the summer months can include those teachers working at elementary, middle and high schools. That said, these teachers may also use the time to prepare their classes for when they return in August, meaning that the summer period hardly involves a vacation for them.

Most teachers just work a few days during the summer months, with summer jobs like tutoring allowing them to accept as many or as few clients as they want based on how much work they’re looking for.

Do teachers get paid during winter break?

Teachers generally don’t get paid for the winter break, as it’s part of their regular scheduled time off. Instead, teachers are typically paid an annual salary that’s divided up over the course of the school year, including the time they are not working such as winter break.

So, while teachers may not get paid for winter break, they often still receive their regular salary during this time.

It’s just that this salary is based on the days actually worked throughout the year, so is one reason why it may seem lower than it should be (although noting, as always, that teachers are criminally underpaid in general!)

How many weeks do teachers get off?

Teachers have a summer break for around six or seven weeks, with the total number of weeks off per year generally equating to around twelve weeks. That said, these are the number of weeks they don’t have teaching hours with students. It doesn’t, however, mean that these are all vacation days for teachers.

Instead, teachers are often required to work during school breaks to prepare for the coming school year. This could include such things as:

• Working on the curriculum
• Developing teaching materials
• Preparing the classroom (particularly for younger students)
• Attending professional development sessions with the rest of the faculty

At the same time, teachers definitely get more time off than many other professions. However, before considering a career switch, keep in mind what we mentioned earlier: teachers don’t get paid during summer holidays.

This means they’re effectively earning less overall than many jobs where you’re paid for a full 12 months of work.

Of course, you may say that’s understandable if they’re not working as many days overall. Just make sure then that you’re not considering becoming a teacher for all those free days off from work you’ll be getting, as while those can be great, you also won’t be getting money for those days either.