Best Side Hustles for Teachers (and Why Baby Sleep Consulting is the Most Profitable!)
Teachers are natural multitaskers, problem-solvers, and communicators—all skills that prepare them for all different types of side hustles. And, the truth is, many teachers are needing side hustles to get by recently. So no matter why you’re here — to boost your income, to find a more flexible schedule, or just explore something new, let’s talk about the best side hustles for teachers, and why I think your skills fall PERFECTLY in line with baby sleep consulting.
One of the best side hustles for teachers today is becoming a certified baby sleep consultant. With your educational background, you already have many of the skills needed to succeed in this field. Plus, it’s a flexible, work-from-home career that lets you make a big impact on families while still leaving time for lesson planning, grading, or even enjoying a little downtime (I know — unheard of for teachers!).
Why Teachers Excel as Sleep Consultants
If you’re a teacher, you bring something truly unique to the table as a sleep consultant. Here’s why your background gives you a head start:
1. Strong Communication Skills
As a teacher, you’re used to breaking down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps. Whether you’re teaching multiplication or explaining how to establish a bedtime routine, your ability to connect with people and adapt to their needs is exactly what people need.
2. Natural Problem-Solving Abilities
Every day in the classroom, you face unique challenges—whether it’s finding creative ways to engage a student or managing behavior issues. Sleep consulting is no different. Families will come to you with unique sleep struggles, and your problem-solving mindset will help you craft tailored solutions.
3. Patience and Empathy
Teachers know how to work with people of all ages (and temperaments!) with patience and understanding. These traits are essential when working with exhausted parents and helping them navigate sleep training for their little ones. Because yes, you can deal with the occasional cranky adult in this field!
4. Experience with Structure and Routine
Teachers thrive on schedules, routines, and lesson plans—and so do babies! Your ability to plan, organize, and implement strategies aligns perfectly with helping families establish sleep routines that work.
Why Sleep Consulting is One of the Best Side Hustles for Teachers?
Becoming a sleep consultant isn’t just rewarding—it’s one of the most flexible side hustles for teachers looking to earn extra income.
Flexible Work-from-Home Setup: With sleep consulting, you can work entirely from home, setting your own hours. Whether you’re looking for a summer side hustle or something to balance during the school year, sleep consulting fits seamlessly into your schedule.
High Demand for Expertise: The demand for qualified sleep consultants is growing as more parents seek professional help to improve their children’s sleep. Your educational background makes you a trusted authority, giving you a competitive edge in the field.
Potential for Career Growth: Many teachers start sleep consulting as a side hustle and end up turning it into a full-time career. Because, let’s be honest, the money is usually better! With no ceiling on your earning potential, it’s a side hustle that grows with you.
Let’s Talk About the Money — How Much Can You Make as a Sleep Consultant?
Sleep consultants are in high demand, which means the investment in your certification can pay off quickly. With an average consultation fee of $350–$400 per family, even working part-time with just 10 clients per month can bring in $3,500–$4,000.
For those who choose to make sleep consulting a full-time career, the earning potential is impressive. In a recent survey of IPSP graduates, the average reported income was $60,000 up to $160,000. Our highest-earning graduate is making over $600,000 annually—proof that the sky truly is the limit in this field.
However, where you get your training makes all the difference in your earning potential. Not all sleep consultants make these figures, but IPSP graduates consistently outperform others in the industry because of the comprehensive training, ongoing support, and business strategies we provide.
Fun Fact: Many of our IPSP graduates have turned sleep consulting into a full-time career, moving away from teaching, earning six figures annually—all while working from home!
What Does it Take to Become a Sleep Consultant?
So as a teacher, you already have many of the skills needed to succeed as a sleep consultant, but getting certified means you’re equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to help families effectively. Here’s how you can transition into this field (whether you’re looking for summer work or changing over full-time):
1. Get Certified
The first step to becoming a sleep consultant is enrolling in a reputable certification program. Look for a program that is accredited, up-to-date with the latest sleep science, and led by experienced instructors. Certification programs like IPSP offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from the biology of sleep to the emotional needs of parents and children.
Tip for teachers: Think of this as your “professional development” in the sleep world. A high-quality program provides structure, just like your favorite lesson plans, and ensures you’re ready to make a difference.
2. Learn the Business Side
While knowing the science of sleep is essential, running a successful sleep consulting business also requires some business know-how. The best certification programs include modules on marketing, attracting clients, and running your business efficiently.
Imagine this as setting up your “classroom” for consulting. You’ll learn how to create a warm, supportive environment for parents while keeping your operations organized and professional.
3. Start Helping Families
Once you’re certified, you can begin working with families to help them achieve better sleep. You’ll create personalized plans based on each child’s needs, coach parents through the process, and celebrate with them as they experience life-changing results.
The best part? You can do all of this from home, fitting consulting sessions into your schedule when it works for you. Many teachers start by taking on a few clients in the evenings or on weekends, gradually building their side hustle into a thriving business.
Success Stories of Teachers Turned Sleep Consultants
“When searching for a program – I wanted one that blew me away. I knew if I was going to spend the time and money to give this my all… I wanted the best! My husband and I are both low-income teachers but knew I didn’t want to choose a program just based on the price. I wanted to learn and become the best consultant and I can be! I am so happy with my choice!!!
This was a fantastic program! I feel prepared and ready for this journey! I feel confident to help parents and answer questions that come my way. I truly feel like I have so many options and knowledge to troubleshoot any issue that pops up. If I am stuck, I feel comforted that I have a community of support behind me always! This has been a fantastic experience!!!”
Connie
“Deciding to leave my teaching and reading specialist position was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Getting certified through IPSP was the best choice I’ve ever made. It has created a second income to support my family and do something that truly makes a difference. Best job in the world and the education I continue to receive through the multiple courses I’ve taken make me fully confident in helping people.”
Kierstin DeRosier, Calming Roots
Why IPSP is the Best Choice for Teachers
If you’re ready to explore sleep consulting as a side hustle, choosing the right certification program is key. Here’s why IPSP is a top choice for teachers:
1. Comprehensive Certification
At IPSP, you’ll receive thorough training in sleep science, consulting strategies, and business management. Our curriculum is designed to give you everything you need to feel confident and capable as you start working with families.
2. Ongoing Support
When you join IPSP, you’re never on your own. Our program includes lifetime access to experienced instructors who are available to answer your questions, guide you through challenges, and celebrate your wins. You’ll also join a supportive community of fellow consultants who can offer advice and encouragement.
It’s like the “faculty room” in the sleep consulting world—a place where you can always find support and resources (and maybe even share a virtual coffee).
3. Flexible Learning
IPSP’s online program is designed to fit into your life as a busy teacher. You can complete the certification at your own pace, whether you’re balancing it with lesson planning or tackling it during your summer break.
Check out our curriculum here.
4. Proven Track Record
With over 1,200 graduates and a reputation as one of the most trusted programs in the industry, IPSP has a proven history of helping students succeed. Many of our graduates started as teachers, and their success stories highlight just how transferable your skills really are.
Read more success stories here — we have so many teachers who have joined out program!
Ready to Start One of the Best Side Hustles for Teachers?
Teaching is an incredible profession (I respect you all SO much), but if you’re looking for a side hustle that’s flexible, rewarding, and profitable, becoming a sleep consultant might be your perfect fit. With your unique skills and a trusted certification program, you can make a lasting impact on families while creating the freedom and flexibility you deserve.
This is one of the best side hustles for teachers out there, and so many teachers just like you have transitioned into sleep consulting. Curious to see how other teachers made the leap? Check out our reviews here and start your journey toward a flexible and impactful side hustle today.
