What is a teacherpreneur? 

A teacherpreneur is a current or former teacher who works in the field of education but not necessarily in the classroom.

A teacherpreneur is also known as an edupreneur. A teachpreneur/edupreneur differs from the traditional entrepreneur in that they are focussed more on transformative learning and information dispersal rather than profit.

In other words, knowledge is more important to them than money – but they’ve happily found a way to – as Ross would say – PIVOT! and combine the two.

ELT teacherpreneurs

In mainstream education, teacherpreneurs often work closely with policy-makers and government organisations to bring about educational reform. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is not restricted by the same policies as mainstream education. 

TEFL teachers have more freedom in their teaching approach. This is why teacherprenuers in English Language Teaching (ELT) work more with lesson materials, course creation and teacher development than policy as such. 

Teacherpreneurs in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) are teaching EFL in their home country, abroad or online – or were teaching previously but are no longer in the classroom.

They are looking for a change from the usual TEFL teaching life, but want to stay in the field. Being a teachpreneur is exactly how they get to have their cake and eat it too. 

But what exactly do teacherpreneurs do?

Jobs for teacherpreneurs

There are a number of opportunities for teacherpreneurs. Teacherpreneurs can start their own business, become a freelancer or take on work as a side hustle.

Read more: Can I Be A Freelance Teacher?

Work can  include:

• Digital course creation
• Lesson materials development 
• Teacher influencer
• Teaching coach
• School owner
• Motivational speaker
• Book author
• Consultant

How to become a teacherpreneur 

• Define your expertise. What specialist knowledge or skill can you share?

• Identify  your audience. Who will naturally be interested in the knowledge you have?
• Identify their challenges and pain points. Think about how you can solve their issues and meet their needs.
• Utilise social media. Make a name for yourself on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit.
• Create content to spread your teachings. This can be in the form of blog posts, youtube videos, classroom materials, podcasts or webinars.
• Get online. Set up a blog for yourself or sign up to websites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy to advertise your products. 

Read more: The Best Side Hustles For Teachers

Who should become a teacherpreneur?

If you have TEFL teaching experience but are looking at ways to further your skills and development, you should consider becoming a teacherpreneur.

If you’re a qualified teacher dissatisfied with the current educational materials and resources on offer, you should become a teacherpreneur.

If you’re looking to take a break from teaching and expand your skillset in related fields, you should become a teacherpreneur. 

If you are passionate about learning and education, have grit, and are excited about branching out and doing your own thing, you should be a teacherpreneur.

But let’s look at a real-life example:

Gabriella is an alumna of The TEFL Academy. She is an online English teacher as well as a travel blogger. 

The work is fun and flexible, which means I can work as much or as little as I want to. I’m also able to fit it around my other jobs which all helps me save for my next trip. My classroom is portable which means I can teach from anywhere and as long as I’m available for peak time in China, I know I’ll have work available.

Teaching online is such a fun way for me to work and I can’t wait for my next trip where I’ll still be earning money while I’m travelling. I also like that my qualification means I can teach in schools around the world, as I love having the option of teaching in person as well as online.

I’m hoping to keep teaching online whilst in the UK and looking to spend some time in Bali where I still want to keep teaching online while I explore. The flexibility of teaching online allows me to do this but none of this would be possible without my qualification from The TEFL Academy.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a teacherpreneur?

“Teachers make the best entrepreneurs. The best innovators, fundraisers, and problem-solvers are often found at the front of a classroom.” Rob Grimshaw, CEO 

Check out our TEFL courses and you could be on your way not only to a fulfilling teaching career but to a whole new world of possibilities.