How to Make More Money as a Teacher in Missouri

Discover how to make more money as a teacher in Missouri with actionable strategies, including advanced certifications, side gigs, and online tutoring, and fellowship programs to boost earning potential.

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career, but it often comes with financial challenges, especially in states like Missouri, where average teacher salaries can lag behind the national average. While there have been recent strides toward improvement, Missouri’s teacher pay still leaves some educators feeling the financial strain despite their dedication and hard work.

If you’re a teacher in Missouri, you may be exploring ways to supplement your income, increase your salary, or maximize your earning potential while continuing to make a difference in students’ lives.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to boost your income as an educator. Missouri teachers have several paths to financial improvement, from pursuing advanced degrees and taking on additional duties to exploring side hustles and online teaching opportunities.

How to Make More Money as a Teacher in Missouri

Whether you’re looking to make a little extra money on the side or significantly increase your salary through certification and leadership roles, this article will help you navigate your options and build a stronger financial future. For those teaching without certification, there’s even a pathway to gain credentials in just one year while unlocking career growth opportunities. Read on to discover actionable strategies to make more money as a teacher in Missouri.

1. Pursue Advanced Education and Certifications

One of the most straightforward ways to earn more money as a teacher in Missouri is by pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Many districts offer salary increases based on educational attainment. Consider enrolling in a master’s program or taking additional coursework to earn endorsements in specialized areas, such as English Language Learning (ELL), Special Education, or STEM subjects. These certifications can lead to better-paying teaching positions and make you more competitive for leadership roles, such as department head or instructional coach.

Additionally, some districts in Missouri provide stipends for National Board Certification. Achieving this certification demonstrates a high level of teaching expertise and can result in annual bonuses or pay bumps depending on your district’s pay scale.

2. Take on Extra Duties at School

Many Missouri school districts offer stipends for teachers who take on extra responsibilities. Coaching sports teams, advising extracurricular clubs, or leading school events are all great ways to earn extra income. Activities such as drama club, debate team, or academic decathlon often require significant time outside of regular school hours, but they come with the bonus of additional pay.

For teachers who enjoy working with students outside the classroom, these opportunities provide a chance to build strong relationships with students while supplementing your income. You can also consider taking on summer school teaching, tutoring programs, or mentoring new teachers, all of which can bring in extra money. Teacher residency programs, such as The Educator Academy, rely on mentor teachers to guide residents and offer a stipend as compensation for their valuable mentorship.

3. Explore Online Teaching and Tutoring

The rise of online learning platforms has created numerous opportunities for teachers to earn extra money from the comfort of their own homes. Platforms like VIPKid, Outschool, and Wyzant allow you to teach or tutor students online in various subjects. Many Missouri teachers find that they can fit online tutoring sessions into their evenings or weekends, making it a flexible option for earning additional income.

In addition to tutoring, creating and selling your own teaching materials on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) can be a lucrative side hustle. If you have a knack for designing lesson plans, worksheets, or educational activities, consider selling your resources online to help other educators while boosting your income.

4. Work a Part-Time Job or Start a Side Business

Many teachers take on part-time jobs outside of school hours to supplement their income. Popular options include working as a barista, retail associate, or server, but some teachers opt for more specialized roles, such as freelance writing, graphic design, or photography. Teachers have the perfect skillset for excelling as a virtual assistant. These side jobs can be great opportunities to pursue passions or develop skills that may complement your teaching career.

Alternatively, you could start your own side business. If you have a hobby or skill that could be turned into a money-making venture, such as baking, crafting, or gardening, consider turning it into a small business. Many teachers have found success in running Etsy shops, selling handmade goods, or offering services like lawn care or photography during weekends and summer breaks.

5. Take Advantage of Teacher Discounts and Grants

While not a direct increase in salary, taking advantage of teacher discounts and grants can help stretch your paycheck further. Many businesses, from retail stores to insurance companies, offer discounts to educators. Check with your local stores, as well as national chains, for teacher appreciation programs. Check out the discounts from popular teacher associations such as Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA) and Missouri National Education Association (MNEA). 

Additionally, there are various grants and scholarships available to Missouri teachers, particularly those working in high-need areas. Research opportunities through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or your district for professional development grants, classroom funding, or scholarships like the TEACH grant to pursue advanced education.

6. Consider Relocating to a Higher-Paying District

In Missouri, teacher salaries can vary widely depending on the district. Larger metropolitan areas tend to offer higher base salaries compared to rural districts. While relocating may not be feasible for everyone, if you’re open to a move, research districts that offer better pay or more opportunities for advancement. According to Zip Recruiter, the highest teacher salaries in Missouri are in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, and St. Louis. 

7. Join a Fellowship Program to Get Certified and Boost Your Earning Potential

If you’re currently teaching in Missouri but are not fully certified, consider joining a fellowship program that provides a pathway to certification in just one year. The Educator Academy’s Fellowship Program offers a structured approach to gaining the credentials you need to enhance your career and earning potential. Through the fellowship, you can earn your teaching certification while receiving mentorship, support, and access to valuable resources.

Not only will you become a certified teacher, but you can also pursue a master’s degree during or after the program. Earning an advanced degree can lead to higher salaries and increased opportunities for leadership roles, allowing you to maximize your earnings throughout your teaching career. Joining a fellowship program is an excellent way to fast-track your professional growth, gain classroom experience, and unlock greater financial rewards in the education field.

8. Advocate for Better Pay and Benefits

Finally, one of the most impactful ways to increase your earning potential as a teacher is to get involved in advocating for higher pay and better benefits. Joining your local teachers’ union or professional organization can help you stay informed about opportunities to negotiate for better contracts or advocate for state-wide policy changes that improve teacher pay. Missouri’s teacher shortage is a pressing issue, and raising awareness about the importance of fair compensation is key to ensuring that educators are paid what they deserve.

Making more money as a teacher in Missouri may require some creativity and additional effort, but there are many avenues to explore. Whether it’s pursuing advanced education, taking on extra duties, or exploring opportunities outside the classroom, teachers have the potential to supplement their income in meaningful ways. With a bit of planning and dedication, you can improve your financial situation while continuing to make a difference in the lives of your students.