40 Business Ideas for Teachers

Business Ideas for Teachers

1. Business Plan Writing Service

Teachers that are entrepreneurs at heart may enjoy running a business plan writing business. Much of the work involves writing, and having a love for business will help writers stay motivated while working on plans. Writers should also be detail-oriented, as much of the writing process includes in-depth research.

A successful business plan writing business can bring in a six-figure revenue annually. Moreover, most of this is profit because the ongoing expenses for this type of business are low. Also, many writers who open business plan writing businesses eventually get into consulting. As writers learn about a particular business, this is a natural service to offer the client.

Learn how to start a business plan writing service.

2. Children's Book Business

Teachers with a knack for writing for children could find success in a children's book business. Most people who start a children’s book business have either already written or plan to write their own children’s book(s). Some business owners first try to publish their stories through traditional publishers, and others go directly into self-publishing.

A children’s book business makes money by selling copies of books. Books may be sold individually at retail prices or in bulk at wholesale prices. With a successful title, a children's book business can bring in six-figure revenues.

Learn how to start a children's book business.

3. Copywriting Business

This business is suitable for educators who have a passion for writing or managing writers. It helps to have an excellent command of the English language, but you don’t need to be an English teacher. You will work long hours and work tends to be unpredictable. Some clients will demand nights and weekend work for projects.

The profit potential for a copywriting agency is almost unlimited. The average wage for a freelance writer is $24.24 per hour. As the owner of a copywriting agency, you could earn between $31,000 and $95,000 per year. Focusing your business on technical subjects like law, finance, tutorials, and educational material may allow you to make more money than writing general topics.

Learn how to start a copywriting business.

4. Freelance Writing Business

If you enjoy expressing yourself and have a way with words, you should give consideration to working as a freelance writer. This line of work is ideal for teachers who enjoy autonomy, as the typical freelance writer does not have to deal with an overbearing boss. However, freelance writers must meet tight deadlines, satisfy clients' nuanced demands, and create captivating content.

A freelance writer can make upwards of $20,000 or more in his first year. Stick with the business and you can earn $30,000 or more in subsequent years. Continue to add clients and you might reach the $50,000 mark or higher after several years of hard work.

Learn how to start a freelance writing business.

5. Ghostwriting Business

Teachers that like to work in the background and have no interest in gaining popularity through writing can be successful ghostwriters. You need to be adaptable and flexible, both in your writing style and your work schedule. At the same time, ghostwriters require the self-discipline to remain on task and see a project through by delivering exactly what they promise.

Due to the low fixed expenses, the majority of the money ghostwriters earn are pure profits. Ghostwriters can increase their writing rates by becoming an expert in a niche subject. Taking courses or earning a degree can significantly add to a ghostwriter's bottom line. Many writers who start off ghostwriting eventual begin to publish under their own names.

Learn how to start a ghostwriting business.

6. Grant Writing Business

Next up on our list of business ideas for teachers is a grant writing business. A teacher looking into grant writing will need talents involved in business writing and a clear understanding of the nonprofit and funding worlds. It also helps if you currently volunteer with nonprofit organizations, have done so in the past, or can network comfortably within that environment.

In-house grant writers can earn an average annual income of about $45,000. Use this as only a starting point, because those who work on their own have more control over their income. It will only be limited by your success in generating clients, nurturing funding source relationships, winning grants and marketing your successes.

Learn how to start a grant writing business.

7. Professional Speechwriting Business

This business is excellent for teachers who love inspiring people with words. It’s a niche form of writing that is far more dependent on choice of vocabulary and syntax than it is on technical writing skills (e.g., formal grammar, etc). Most speechwriters only need a computer and a fast internet connection to do any type of research they may need.

Profits can be substantial, especially considering how low the upfront and ongoing costs can be. If a speechwriter charges an average of $200 a speech with an average of 10 clients a month, they may only need to deduct the direct costs of their monthly internet bill for a total profit of around $1,950.

Learn how to start a professional speechwriting business.

8. Proofreader Business

In addition to being a meticulous writer from a mechanical standpoint, teachers must be the kind of people who pay close attention to detail. Keep in mind, a proofreader is not the same as an editor. You’re not reviewing what your clients are trying to communicate, but rather how they write it in terms of spelling, punctuation, typographical errors, and word usage.

Revenue can be highly variable depending on your clientele and self-marketing skills. One wage estimate shows a median salary of about $48,900 for proofreaders. Keep in mind that this is about salaried proofreaders rather than freelancers, so that will make a difference. You should make more since you must be concerned with the added cost of your own tax withholdings and benefits.

Learn how to start a proofreading business.

9. Resume Writing Business

Teachers with English or journalism backgrounds will be attracted to the writing aspect of this business, but there's more to it than that. A resume is like a sales letter, and it needs to be easy to read. When most hiring managers spend only a few seconds on each one, the format and word choices have to count. Those who have experience in HR and a thorough understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will do well.

Fortunately, most of the money you make will be pure profit. If you have 100 clients in a year, then you can make $100,000 at the top price echelon. These services are definitely worth it for many people, and the average yearly salary of a resume writer is just under $60,000 a year.

Learn how to start a resume writing business.

10. Technical Writing Business

Technical writers should be excited to explain complicated concepts to readers quickly without patronizing them. They should be able to boil down a lot of information into a helpful document that a reader will retain. Ideally, it’s for someone who has an interest in engineering or technology who craves flexibility beyond a standard 9 to 5 and a touch of creativity.

A technical writer would need to write about 33,000 words to make $50,000 a year if they're charging $1.50 per word. Technical writers make an average of $70,000 a year or so, but this number can go up significantly for someone who’s willing to put in extra work.

Learn how to start a technical writing business.

11. Translation Agency

This business is ideal for teachers educated in more than one language and that have a desire to contribute to achieving greater understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures. You will be providing translation services for a variety of different types of documents while ensuring that the meaning and context of the material is not changed from the original document.

Translators can earn from $30,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the volume of work available. If you're working alone, your business will be confined to your own language skills and areas of expertise. If you own a larger translation agency, you can either hire employees or contract with other freelancers with experience in other languages and specialties.

Learn how to start a translation agency business.

12. Acting Classes Business

Teachers with connections in the entertainment business can find success teaching acting to others. You do not need to be famous, but you need to have relationships with others in the industry, so they can verify that you have the knowledge needed to teach others the art of acting. Your reputation in the acting community and how you promote your credentials will be critical to your success.

An industry source references an average annual salary of $38,000 for an acting coach. The profit you might make is highly variable, depending on your location, industry reputation, and many other factors. It will also depend on the classes and services offered and your ability to sell your services and grow your business.

Learn how to start an acting classes business.

13. Art Lessons Business

Obviously, this business is ideal for veteran, practicing artists. It is also educational in nature, so it is good for those who have formal or informal experience with being a teacher or teacher's assistant. Finally, it's a job that is best for a “people person,” as your entire business model revolves around prolonged contact with strangers, so being able to engage and connect with them immediately is crucial.

Depending on your amount of clients, this can be a very profitable business. If you imagine a “standard workday” of teaching for eight hours and charging students a lower end of $50 an hour, then the job can easily net over $100,000 a year. The freedom of your schedule means you can also supplement your business income by selling your own art and/or teaching at local colleges.

Learn how to start an art lessons business.

14. College Planning Business

Teachers with a thirst for knowledge and who are passionate about helping others will excel in this profession. Your primary focus will be to get to know these young adults on a personal level, using this knowledge to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Since colleges consistently change their admissions process, you must be also committed to keeping up with these changes.

Your annual profit is largely defined by how many clients you’re able to take on, how many consultants you hire, what your customer’s individual needs are, and your fee structure. Experienced consulting firms report earning a profit of $40,000 to $80,000 annually per consultant, with the potential for more as your agency grows in experience and reputation.

Learn how to start a college planning business.

15. ESL School

A person who is passionate about education and loves languages makes a great ESL instructor, but a successful owner of an ESL school needs to also possess the skillset required to run a business. In addition, an owner needs to have the desire to work with individuals from a wide range of cultural and sociological backgrounds. Being able to keep a flexible schedule is a must.

Most ESL schools have multiple pricing tiers based on the number of students in a class, the level of instruction, or the time when the students attend classes. Experts predict revenues for educational services will grow 2.4% over the next five years. An English language school that keeps tight control of its expenses can expect to see a good return.

Learn how to start an ESL school.

16. Foreign Language Instruction Business

Teaching a language generally requires a person to be fluent in that language. However, a language lover who is still learning might consider teaming up with others who are fluent in order to start this business. Definitely, one must possess a real passion for world culture, and an interest in sharing that appreciation with their students.

A foreign language instruction business makes money by offering lessons in one or more world languages. Your ability to generate income will depend on how many teachers you have on your team, and how many classes you are able to schedule each week. As your business’ reputation grows, you can expect to increase profits considerably.

Learn how to start a foreign language instruction business.

17. Home Tutoring Business

This business is ideal for current and former teachers, which is why many teachers begin their home tutoring business as a part-time job. You must be a people person, as most of the business regards direct, one-on-one interaction with others. It helps to be good with children of all ages, as they comprise the vast majority of your customers.

The profit for a home tutoring business is entirely dependent on your hourly rate and the number of students you have at any given time. It is important to be mindful of the season: summer typically has much fewer students than other seasons because your primary clients—students--are mostly out of school. When budgeting profits for the year, it is important to remember that.

Learn how to start a home tutoring business.

18. Museum Consulting Business

This profession is recommended for those with an understanding of the art and design world. If you possess this knowledge, as well as a keen eye for style and forward-thinking trends, museum consulting might be your niche.

Depending on the number of clients your firm is currently consulting, monthly revenue will vary. Anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $10,000 per project can be made in this profession. Make sure you do your research on the front end to determine if you have enough of an art community within (at least) your regional area to give you a start and sustain you.

Learn how to start a museum consulting business.

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19. Music Lessons Business

People who are passionate about music and can play at least one instrument well may be interested in starting a music lessons business. Music teachers in schools and band members are especially qualified, as they both have credentials and connections to people who love music. Business owners should have a significant amount of time available for teaching lessons, but this time doesn’t need to be during typical business hours.

Even a part-time music lessons business can generate significant revenue. An instructor who offers private lessons for 20 hours a week could earn between $600 and $1200 each week if they charged $30 to $60 per hour. Because the ongoing expenses are low, the vast majority of this is profit.

Learn how to start a music lessons business.

20. Notary Business

When not notarizing documents for clients, business owners spend their time networking and implementing ideas defined in their marketing strategy. Mobile business owners spend a portion of each day traveling to meet their customer’s needs. Teachers with the drive and ambition to work hard at building a reputable and profitable career as their own boss are well-equipped for this career. 

Once you have built a referral base and are getting regular signings each week, the business can be very profitable. Full-time notary signing agents work an average of forty to forty-five hours a week, including driving to appointments. This works out to fifteen signings per month. If your fee is $100 per signing, you will bring in an average of $6,000 per month or $78,000 annually. Since your overhead is low, much of those earnings turn into profit.

Learn how to start a notary business.

21. Professional Organizing Business

A professional organizing business is perfect for teachers who are good at creating systems to keep things organized. Successful owners of this type of business love to work directly with a variety of different types of people, and have the ability to help others learn new skills. A professional organizing business offers flexible hours, but owners will need to be able to stick to project deadlines without any oversight.

The income range for a professional organizer is approximately $30,000 to $115,000 a year. One of the best ways to make your business more profitable is to become a specialist in a particular aspect of the organization industry, such as moving organization. Choose whichever aspect of organizing is the most interesting to you, but it is usually more profitable to specialize in business-related areas. 

Learn how to start a professional organizing business.

22. Public Speaking Instruction Business

This job is great for those who are good at public speaking. Former teachers do well in this job due to their experience writing and conducting lectures. Writers are also good at this job because part of good speech instruction is knowing which words will have certain effects on certain audiences.

How much profit you can make depends on how you charge clients, how much you charge clients, and how many clients you have. If you see twenty clients a week for fifty weeks of the year for four hours a week and $25 an hour, for instance, you will make $100,000 a year. Your first year is less likely to be this profitable, though increased community awareness should lead to increased revenue each year.

Learn how to start a public speaking instruction business.

23. Real Estate Brokerage

Local ordinances require you to be a real estate agent for a certain amount of time before you can get your broker's license and start your own brokerage, complete a certain number of deals per year, complete a certain number of hours of continuing education, and pass the real estate broker's exam. If you've worked as an agent and enjoy the experience, you might enjoy opening a real estate brokerage.

Real estate brokers, who are well-established and successful, typically make more than $100,000 per year after paying for the expenses of their operations. The one thing to remember is that it is just as easy to sell a home that sells for $1 million, if it is fairly priced, as it is to sell a home for $100,000. The paperwork and the selling process are very similar in both cases. However, the commission for selling a $1 million home versus the commission for selling a $100,000 home is quite different.

Learn how to start a real estate brokerage business.

24. Babysitting Business

If you're a teacher who enjoys the company of children and is able to connect and communicate with both children and their parents comfortably, owning a babysitting service could prove to be a profitable business venture.

The national average hourly wage for babysitting is $13.97. Your fees should vary, depending upon a number of factors, such as: how many children, the age of the children, special needs or instructions, and the length of time your services are needed. Fees are typically determined by hourly rate, flat fee, or on a per-child basis.

Learn how to start a babysitting business.

25. Charter School

This business is perfect for someone with previous experience in public education. Those who have been teachers, principals, or other administrators in a public school are often able to take what they learned from previous experiences in order to help their charter school thrive.

The exact amount of profit you can make depends ultimately on the number of students, how much you receive per student, and any money that might come from charitable donations and wealthy patrons. Overall, though, for-profit education is a market valued at over $1.3 trillion. Combined with the growth of charter schools themselves and their support from the latest Secretary of Education, this venture may prove quite profitable.

Learn how to start a charter school.

26. Daycare

A daycare is an excellent business for parents who wish to spend more time with their own children, while at the same time helping other parents by providing high-quality childcare. Daycare providers are responsible, friendly, patient, and good communicators. Taking care of multiple children is a real challenge; it takes a special person who can give adequate attention to every child in their care.

In a smaller center that can accommodate thirty kids, with six full-time staff, annual profit could reach $40,000 to $60,000. This is based on a monthly rate of $800 per child and allows for a generous budget of $180,000 to cover employee expenses. Net profit for your business will change according to your unique business model.

Learn how to start a daycare.

27. Special Needs Coaching Business

Special Needs Coaching is a very challenging, yet rewarding career. This business pursuit is best suited for the individual who enjoys working with children, helping them gain confidence and happiness through positive motivation, as they work to reach their full potential.

The average profit realized for this industry is $59,100. Each additional coach that represents the business will contribute to an increase in annual profit. Special Needs Coaches can increase annual profits by offering online coaching meetings or through guest spots at speaking conventions.

Learn how to start a special needs coaching business.

28. Summer Camp

This business is a good choice for people who love teaching but prefer a beautiful natural setting to a formal classroom. Those who enjoy working with and enriching the lives of children and families experience a high level of job satisfaction within this industry.

A summer camp business can be very lucrative. Well-managed camps usually enjoy a profit margin of between 25% to 40%. Whatever type of summer camp business you have, to ensure a steady source of income throughout the year, you can offer specialized day camps on weekends for both children and adults.

Learn how to start a summer camp.

29. Pottery Business

Some teachers dream of a more creative outlet. Many potters dream of turning their talents into a full-time business venture; of ditching the suit and corporate world to spend their days in the studio creating pieces that will bring joy to others for years to come. Such a business leaves the soul fulfilled and offers the opportunity to interact with other artists within the community.

Being able to craft a quality clay piece is only half the challenge. You must also possess the creativity and drive to continuously seek out new avenues for displaying and selling your work.

Learn how to start a pottery business.

30. Restaurant

The culinary world is full of teachers and students, why not take the plunge. This type of business serves prepared food and drinks and caters to consumers who don’t want to cook or who want the experience of dining out.

A restaurant is a fast-paced business and very stressful to run. As such, it's best suited to people with excellent organization skills and entrepreneurs who have a passion for food. Restaurateurs often live a modest and hectic lifestyle, which some teachers may already be used to. 

Learn how to start a restaurant.

31. Vineyard Business

For the teacher that wants to get away from it all. A vineyard cultivates grapes for wine, juice, and fresh fruit for local markets and consumers. Some vineyards process the grapes for consumption in-house, while others concentrate on the farming aspect, selling directly to wineries in the area.

Owning a vineyard is a lifelong dream for many people. Entrepreneurs with a significant amount of capital and a passion for horticulture are best suited for this business venture. Managing a business of this magnitude requires dedication and a love for working outdoors with plants.

Learn how to start a vineyard.

Learn more about starting a business by visting the U.S. Small Business Administration.

32. Waterpark

For the teacher that loves summer.  Amusement parks are a popular vacation destination for families all over the world. Few things are more exhilarating than experiencing the rides, laughing and screaming as you make your way to the bottom. Couple that with water, and you have a family friendly adventure for individuals of all ages.

Entrepreneurs with previous small business ownership or management would be best suited for this business venture. Innovators who enjoy a fast-paced atmosphere and are dedicated to reinvesting a portion of their profits can turn a small waterpark into a million dollar enterprise in a matter of years.

Learn how to start a waterpark.

33. Pet Shelter

Every year, about 3.2 million dogs and cats are adopted. Most of these adoptions are done through non-profit pet shelters. It’s possible to run pet shelters as for-profit businesses, though. Teachers may find this to be a great change of pace, especially if they love animals!

Anyone who loves pets and has good business sense might enjoy running a pet shelter business. A heart for animals is needed because these businesses focus on helping pets. Business acumen helps owners transform a traditionally non-profit model into a for-profit business.

Learn how to start a pet shelter.

34. Educational Toy Store

An educational toy store (or instructive toy store) sells toys and games that are meant to stimulate and challenge the player’s creativity and intelligence. The market for educational toys is huge. Every age level can benefit from educational or instructive toys, stores typically have different sections for infants/toddlers, children, and adults. These toys have been known to decrease stress, increase happiness, and even potentially fight debilitating diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

This business is great for someone who understands and is passionate about educational toys. Every potential customer has a different skill set they want to exercise when buying these toys. For example, a more verbal person will gravitate towards certain games over others. You will also need people skills to work with customers and employees on a regular basis.

Learn how to start an educational toy store.

35. Distillery

Most people in this business sell the liquor created from their distillery through various vendors. Additionally, some people sell their liquor directly to customers via an attached store or restaurant. Certain distilleries also offer features such as tours or tastings in order to build community engagement and brand awareness.

Obviously, this business is great for those who love alcohol. It is also good for those who are patient, as the process of making liquor can be lengthy. It is also good for those who like to work alone or in small groups, as most small distilleries start with the owner as one of the handful of workers.

Learn how to start a distillery.

36. Bookmobile

Bookmobiles offer a unique opportunity for the public to access reading materials. Since librarian Mary Titcomb launched the first bookmobile at the turn of the 20th century, these small businesses have served the reading needs of the public in both rural and urban areas.

Whether operating as a for-profit business selling books to customers or a public service offered by some libraries, bookmobiles bring entertainment and education to those who may not otherwise have access to books.

Learn how to start a bookmobile business.

37. Homeschooling Products and Services

The United States had around 2.5 million homeschooled students in 2019, according to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI). Just like teachers and students in public schools, homeschooling families need a variety of products to facilitate the education process.

rom curriculums and lesson plans to software and pencils, parents must purchase numerous items to facilitate their child’s education. Many of these parents also take advantage of homeschooling-related services, such as consulting, tutoring, and testing services.

Learn how to start a homeschooling products and services business.

38. Workshop Organizing Business

Workshops provide an important way for people to get together, learn, and grow. Workshops can cover just about any subject — from basket weaving to computer programming. What they all have in common is that they must be organized by someone, which is where workshop organizing businesses come in.

Workshop organizing businesses help clients achieve their desired outcomes through well-managed workshops. These businesses provide expertise and resources to help clients plan and execute workshops on the subject of their choosing.

Learn how to start a workshop organizing Business.

39. Tour Company

Tour guide services are most often offered in cities large, world-famous cities and cities that have rich historical backgrounds. Guests can be taken on a tour by foot or by vehicle, depending upon the distance that will be covered during the tour.

Learn how to start a tour guide business.

40. Fact Checking Business

Fact-checking organizations research the accuracy of claims of interest to the general public, including claims related to political discourse, health, and other topics found in the news and on social media platforms. Many of these businesses are part of larger media organizations, but others work independently.

Some operate as nonprofits while others are for-profit enterprises. Growing concerns about public misinformation help to explain why at least 188 fact-checking outlets already operate in more than 60 countries.

Learn how to start a fact checking business.