Many preschools and daycares don’t have the funding to offer extracurricular programs like music, Spanish or French lessons. Even many public elementary schools have a difficult time offering some of these supplementary programs due to budget constraints.  Most cannot afford to hire someone to be a music or language teacher full time.  However, some are willing and able to pay someone with these skills to teach them on a part-time, interim or itinerant basis.

Schools that cannot afford full time or permanent part time music and language teachers still like to offer these activities. Many hire someone to be a music or language teacher on a short-term, contract basis. Instructors visit the school to teach on a periodic basis (once per week for several weeks, one day per week after school, or daily for a couple of weeks, etc.).

If you think you have what it takes to be a music or language teacher for children, start by:

1) Preparing a resume or one-sheet: You’ll need something to hand out to schools which describes your abilities, credentials and training. Resumes are great tools; one-sheets are even better.  (A “one-sheet” is like a promotional flyer containing information about your services and skills. It’s a way for someone to see at a quick glance who you are and what you’re about.)  You can get some practical ideas online for preparing attractive resumes and one-sheets.
2) Contacting local preschools, daycares and elementary schools: Visit in person if possible (rather than making phone calls).  Meet the supervisor or principal and briefly introduce yourself.  Let him/her know what you think you have to offer and how you feel your skills can enhance the school’s educational programs.  Make sure you are clear about what you charge.  Leave your resume/one-sheet, and ask if you can contact him/her for follow up in a few weeks. 

3) Making a follow-up call: Give schools a few weeks.  If you don’t hear from someone, call them back (if you have permission to do so).  Remind them that you’re still available to be a music or language teacher.  Even if a school can’t use your services right now, many are willing to keep your contact information on file for perusal at a later time.

Working as a music or language teacher on a contract basis can either be a way to make extra money, or blossom into a full time career.  Either way, many individuals with these skills find being a music or language teacher for children fulfilling and rewarding.