How do I Choose the Best Summer Teaching Jobs?

Students working towards a teaching degree or teachers who are looking for additional work opportunities and experience often seek out summer teaching jobs. To choose the best summer teaching job, look for an opportunity to teach in your primary subject area, to work with students in your preferred age groups, and to work in a convenient location. Also, be sure the jobs you're applying for suit your qualifications, whether you're a student teacher or a certified and experienced classroom professional.

To choose the best summer teaching jobs, consider the market for your primary subject area. An English teacher, for instance, may only find jobs in her subject area at school districts. Teachers who specialize in subjects like art, music, or science may have broader opportunities, however. They may find summer teaching jobs at summer enrichment programs and camps run by civic and religious organizations.

Teachers often focus on specific age groups and grade levels, such as elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students. Look for opportunities to teach students in your preferred age groups. Some teachers who look for summer teaching jobs may also find work at the college level as adjunct instructors. By determining the age and ability level of the students you are comfortable working with, it will be easier to choose from the many summer teaching opportunities available in the community.

A big consideration when choosing the best summer teaching jobs is where the instruction will take place. For many traditional teachers, this will either take place in a local school, civic organization, or church building. In other cases, teachers may be required to meet students in their own homes for part of the time. Some teachers may find summer jobs that allow them to work with students virtually, from the comfort of home computers.

In most cases, student teachers and certified teachers will need to demonstrate their ability to teach certain subjects and handle classroom management when selecting summer teaching jobs. Student teachers may have opportunities to work in unpaid teaching roles in exchange for school learning credits. More experienced teachers usually will be paid for their summer work.