Teacher Side Hustle Success: How Get Your Teach On’s Amy Lemons Built an Education Business Beyond the Classroom
Are you a teacher dreaming of building a side hustle that not only supplements your income but also fuels your passion for education? You’re not alone! In a recent episode of The Flip Side Podcast, Hope sits down with Amy Lemons, a former elementary school teacher turned education entrepreneur, to unpack the real journey behind creating a thriving side hustle outside the classroom. Amy’s story is a masterclass in authenticity, perseverance, and the power of community.
Start with Passion, Not Profit
Amy’s journey began with a love for creating engaging lessons and resources for her own students. She didn’t set out to make money; she simply wanted to share her ideas and help other teachers. This authenticity is the foundation of a sustainable side hustle.
Actionable Advice:
Ask yourself: What do I love doing in my classroom? What problems am I solving for myself or my students?
Document your process: Start a blog, Instagram account, or YouTube channel to share what you’re already doing.
Don’t chase trends: Focus on what excites you, not what you think will go viral or sell quickly.
Expert Insight:
Amy’s early blog posts were about her real classroom experiences, not polished products. This genuine approach built trust and a loyal following.
Find Your Niche and Play to Your Strengths
You can’t be everything to everyone and you shouldn’t try! Amy emphasizes the importance of identifying your unique strengths and focusing your efforts there.
Actionable Advice:
Reflect on your expertise: Are you great at math manipulatives? Classroom management? Creative writing prompts?
Test and refine: Share different types of content and see what resonates most with your audience.
Develop your signature style: Whether it’s your design aesthetic, teaching philosophy, or resource format, let your personality shine.
Expert Insight:
Amy’s “gallon guy” math manipulatives and creative journal projects became her signature, setting her apart in a crowded space.
Build Community and Collaborate
The early days of teacher blogging were marked by collaboration, not competition. Hope and her peers openly shared ideas, credited each other, and supported one another’s growth.
Actionable Advice:
Engage with other educators: Comment on blogs, join Facebook groups, and participate in Twitter chats.
Give credit generously: If you’re inspired by someone else’s idea, shout them out!
Attend meetups and conferences: In-person connections can lead to collaborations, book deals, and lifelong friendships.
Expert Insight:
Hopes network led to co-authoring a book and launching the “Get Your Teach On” conference—opportunities that grew from genuine relationships.
Embrace Consistency and the Long Game
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Hope and Amy both worked late nights, balanced teaching and side projects, and kept showing up even when results were slow.
Actionable Advice:
Set a realistic schedule: Even one blog post or resource a month adds up over time.
Track your progress: Celebrate milestones, no matter how small.
Be patient: The education space is always evolving; what matters is your sustained effort.
Expert Insight:
Both Amy's and Hope's side hustles were a marathon, not a sprint. She didn’t see significant income for years, but her consistent output built a solid foundation.
Leverage the Right Tools and Platforms
Technology has made it easier than ever to create and share resources. Hope and Amy started with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, but today’s teachers have access to powerful, user-friendly tools.
Actionable Advice:
Explore design tools: Canva, Adobe Express, and Google Slides are great for creating professional-looking resources.
Invest in quality assets: Purchase fonts, clip art, and templates to elevate your products.
Value Your Work and Price Fairly
Teachers deserve to be compensated for their expertise. Amy started by offering free and low-cost resources but learned to price her products to reflect their value and the investment of time and money.
Actionable Advice:
Start with a mix of free and paid resources: Freebies build trust; paid products sustain your business.
Research market rates: See what similar resources are selling for on TPT.
Don’t undervalue yourself: As your skills and products improve, adjust your prices accordingly.
Expert Insight:
Amy’s shift to fair pricing came as she invested in better tools and created more comprehensive resources. Remember, your time and expertise are valuable!
Balance, Sacrifice, and Self-Care
Building a side hustle while teaching full-time is demanding. Amy and her husband juggled late nights, early mornings, and personal sacrifices to make it work.
Actionable Advice:
Set boundaries: Designate specific times for side hustle work to avoid burnout.
Prioritize self-care: Rest, exercise, and time with loved ones are essential for long-term success.
Communicate with your support system: Let family and friends know about your goals and ask for their encouragement.
Expert Insight:
Amy’s motivation came from knowing her work was helping other teachers and students. Find your “why” and let it fuel you through tough times.
Mindset: Celebrate Small Wins and Stay Authentic
Comparison is the thief of joy. In today’s world of teacher influencers and viral content, it’s easy to get discouraged. Hope and Amy urge teachers to focus on their own journey and celebrate every bit of progress.
Actionable Advice:
Keep a “praise folder”: Save positive feedback from customers and colleagues to revisit when you need encouragement.
Set sustainable goals: Aim for progress, not perfection.
Stay true to your voice: Authenticity resonates more than polished perfection.
Expert Insight:
Hope and Amy's willingness to present for free and accept any opportunity built their credibility and reach. Don’t be afraid to start small and grow from there.
Final Encouragement: There’s Room for You!
The education community is vast and diverse. There’s space for every voice, every style, and every passion. Both Hope's and Amy's stories prove that you don’t need to chase trends or followers to make a meaningful impact.
Actionable Advice:
Find your community: Connect with educators who share your values and vision.
Keep learning: Attend workshops, read books, and seek feedback to keep growing.
Remember your impact: Every resource, blog post, or product you create has the potential to change a classroom for the better.
Expert Insight:
Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, generosity, and staying true to your calling. Your side hustle can be a source of joy, purpose, and positive change—not just for you, but for teachers and students everywhere.
Ready to Start Your Side Hustle?
Building a side hustle as a teacher isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible, and incredibly rewarding. Take inspiration from both Hop and Amy, plus the many educators who have paved the way. Start small, stay consistent, and let your passion lead the way. The world needs your creativity, your expertise, and your heart.
You’ve got this!
