I love teaching. I really do. The smiles, the glue sticks, the “aha” moments, the fact that no one lets me go to the bathroom alone—even at work. Teaching is my full-time calling, and I’m not giving it up. But you know what doesn’t love teaching? My bank account.

So, this summer, I decided to dust off the old Teachers Pay Teachers shop I abandoned somewhere between a grading and a kid’s stomach bug. I opened it back up, redesigned my covers (hello farmhouse, cows, and sunflowers), and hit “publish” like I was releasing the next New York Time Bestseller. 

But that wasn’t enough. Oh no.

Somewhere between my second denergy drink and third load of laundry, I started wondering:

Could I make a little extra money on the side without selling my first born? 

Here’s what I’ve tried (or at least Googled at 2 a.m.):

1. TPT: Back from the Dead

I used to run a TpT store back before clipart had licensing rules and my idea of design was WordArt on Comic Sans. This summer, I brought it back. Now I’m uploading resources like a woman possessed—guided math bundles, cute farmhouse labels, and things I literally made for my own class anyway. If someone wants to pay me for my obsessive organizing and themed checklists, I won’t stop them.

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2. Tutoring: But Make It Chill

Tutoring is great. It’s like teaching, but with fewer kids, no fire drills, and I can wear sweatpants. I’ve picked up a few sessions this summer and it feels good to help students grow and afford my kids endless need for food, sports, and “just because” Target runs.

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3. Amazon Influencer: The Spiral Begins

I saw a girl on TikTok making thousands sharing links to things I already own.

“Surely,” I said to myself, “people want to know what lunchbox I use or which highlighters won’t smear my flair pens.”

So I applied to be an Amazon influencer.

Now I casually drop phrases like “link in bio.” That was an epic FAIL!! They didn’t want me. Haha. No influence here. 

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4. Feet Pics? Just Kidding (Kinda)

Listen. I’ve joked about it. You’ve joked about it. We’ve all said, “I should just sell feet pics.”

But then I remember I don’t even have time to get a pedicure, and my last pair of sandals has seen better days.

Still… if times get tough, and you see me posting mysterious photos, mind your business.

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5. Blogging (AKA Therapy): A goal I’ve had for a while now. 

This blog started as an outlet. A place to be honest. A place to say “I’m tired” without someone replying, “same lol.” Now it’s also where I share what works for me as a teacher and a mom (and what definitely doesn’t). If it helps someone else, even better. If it eventually pays for an energy drink. That’s just bonus caffeine.

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Why the Hustle?

Not because I hate teaching. Not because I’m trying to quit. Because I love sharing. Because I love helping. Because sometimes I want to afford a haircut without checking my bank app first.

I’m not trying to be a millionaire. I’m just trying to create something meaningful outside the chaos—and if a few dollars come with it, hallelujah.

So here I am: Teacher by day. Blogger by night. TPT creator during planning period. And maybe, just maybe, a podcast in the future. 

Wish me luck. Or caffeine. Honestly, I’ll take either.

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If you’re a teacher-mom trying to hustle too—drop a comment or DM me on Insta. Let’s cheer each other on… and maybe cry together when a Canva graphic won’t download. 🙃

Mama W 💛