If you’re an educator looking to escape the time-for-money tradeoff, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m sharing five tried-and-true ways to build passive income for teachers. As a former high school math teacher and mom of two, I’ve used these exact methods to earn over two million dollars and create a life of flexibility and freedom—and you can too.
Whether you’re currently in the classroom, retired, tutoring, or homeschooling, these strategies are tailor-made to help you generate income without constantly showing up live.
What Is Passive Income (Really)?
Let’s clear something up—true passive income (like winning the lottery or inheriting money) is rare. But what we’re talking about here is leveraged income: do the work once, set up your systems, and continue earning month after month. It’s not instant, but it is powerful when done right!
1. Sell Teacher Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers
This is the perfect place to start. Most teachers are already creating resources for their own classrooms—why not polish them up and earn money from them?
- Start by uploading your resources to TPT.
- Learn how to use keywords and engaging cover photos.
- With consistency and strategy, many sellers earn $1K–$10K+ per month!
This is how I replaced my teaching salary and earned up to $10,000/month just from TPT.
2. Sell Resources on Your Own Website
Once you’ve built your TPT store, consider branching out to sell those same resources on your own website.
- Use platforms like WordPress with WooCommerce or Shopify.
- Set it up once and let SEO + Pinterest do the work.
- While sales may be lower than TPT, you have full control and better margins.
3. Create a Low-Ticket Digital Product
Low-ticket products (like mini-courses, printables, or eBooks) are great for teachers ready to step outside the classroom niche.
- Choose a topic you’re passionate about and experienced in.
- Use Instagram or paid ads to drive sales.
- Sell passively through automated systems and funnels.
Whether you’re a Cricut pro or a meal-planning wizard, there’s room for you!
4. Launch an Online Course
Online courses take more work upfront but can lead to major rewards.
- Focus on high-demand niches: money, health, or relationships.
- Package your knowledge into a course that delivers real transformation.
- Sell it passively through Facebook ads or evergreen funnels.
My course, The Resource Academy, is now my top income stream—and I only had to create it once!
5. Start a Membership
A membership offers recurring monthly revenue and deeper community support.
- Offer access to exclusive resources or ongoing coaching.
- Ideal for evolving topics like real estate, homeschooling, or parenting.
- Charge monthly (anywhere from $27–$197+) and build consistent income.
Final Thoughts on Passive Income for Teachers
You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of trading hours for dollars. With these five methods, passive income for teachers is not only possible—it’s totally achievable with the right mindset and strategy.
Ready to get started? Check out my free trainings below to learn how to create and sell your first product online:
Click here to watch my free training and make a teacher resource!
Click here to watch my free training and make a digital product!
You’ve got this, teacher friend!
