Being a Self-Employed Teacher Costs Less Than You Think

Are you yearning to break free from the confines of the traditional classroom but worry about the daunting start-up costs of launching your own teaching business? Fear not! Contrary to popular belief, venturing into private practice teaching is far more affordable than you may think. In fact, with the right resources, you can kickstart your journey with minimal financial investment.

Here’s a rundown of my favorite free resources that have been instrumental in running my teaching business and are highly recommended for you, especially if you’re just starting out:

Immediate Essentials:

1. Business Registration: Take advantage of free federal registration, and check state-specific requirements. Learn more here
2. Online Learning Space: Utilize Google Classroom (free) for seamless virtual teaching. Note: Students need a compatible email.
3. Invoicing/Bookkeeping: Streamline your finances with Wave.com (free). Stay tuned for a free PPT Guest Training soon.
4. Communication: Stay connected with Slack (free) and Google Voice (free for personal use).
5. Business Email & Google Suite: Invest in Google Workspace ($7.20 + tax) for professional email and productivity tools.
6. Marketing: Leverage social media platforms like Facebook business pages and Instagram business accounts (both free) to reach your audience effectively.
7. Scheduling: Simplify appointment management with TidyCal (free with optional upgrade for $29).

Total Monthly Cost: Approximately $8 

Recommended within 3-6 Months:

1. Website: Establish your online presence with Wix.com ($17/month).
2. Graphics and Design: Enhance your branding with Canva Pro (free 30-day trial, $14.99/mo or $119.99/yr).

Total w/ Additional Monthly Cost: Approximately $40

It's important for me that aspiring self-employed teachers understand the feasibility of embarking on a private practice teaching journey. With minimal overhead costs, just one hour of instruction with a single student can cover your monthly operating expenses, especially when implementing our recommended pricing strategies.

At The Private Practice Teacher®, our mission is to empower educators to seize control of their careers, thereby reshaping the narrative around the teacher shortage and elevating the teaching profession as a whole. Together, let’s spark meaningful change in education, where teachers are rightfully recognized as the educational experts we truly are.

Best wishes always,

Rachel