A look inside the TeachersPayTeachers platform, showcasing the intuitive process for educators to monetize their lesson plans, worksheets, and classroom activities
Teaching has always been one of the most respected professions, but with the rising cost of living in Kenya, many teachers are looking for ways to supplement their income. Fortunately, 2025 offers more online opportunities than ever before. From government-backed programs such as Ajira Digital to global freelancing platforms like Upwork, teachers can leverage their skills to generate reliable side income without leaving the classroom.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best online platforms for teachers to earn extra income in 2025, along with tips on how to maximize earnings. We’ll also connect you with useful resources such as AI tools for Mathematics teachers, building a free Swahili AI tutor, and choosing between Microsoft vs Google for Kenyan schools. These digital skills can make your online teaching journey even more successful.
Why Teachers Should Consider Online Income in 2025
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has placed teachers at the center of innovation. However, salaries and allowances remain a challenge. With the 2025–2029 CBA still under negotiation, teachers continue to face financial pressure, particularly in hardship areas. Online platforms provide a flexible way to supplement income while still practicing what teachers know best—education.
Whether it’s tutoring, freelancing, content creation, or selling lesson plans, teachers have in-demand skills that can be monetized globally. The shift towards e-learning and digital freelancing means opportunities are no longer limited to big cities.
1. Ajira Digital (Kenya Government Program)
👉 Visit Ajira Digital
Ajira Digital is a government-backed initiative that equips Kenyans with digital skills and connects them to online jobs. Teachers benefit from free training and access to online marketplaces. Popular opportunities include transcription, online tutoring, content writing, and data entry.
Why Ajira works well for teachers:
- Free nationwide training
- Mentorship and job placement
- Support from the Kenyan government
Ajira is particularly effective for teachers new to online work because it provides a structured entry point and local community support.
2. ElimuHub (Kenyan EdTech Marketplace)
👉 Visit ElimuHub
ElimuHub is a growing local marketplace that allows teachers to sell educational resources. Teachers can upload CBC lesson plans, worksheets, revision tests, or even digital flashcards. Buyers include both parents and other teachers seeking ready-made resources.
Benefits for teachers:
- Tailored for the Kenyan education system
- Supports CBC materials in demand nationwide
- Passive income from resource sales
3. Upwork (Freelancing Platform)
👉 Visit Upwork
Upwork remains one of the largest freelancing platforms worldwide. Teachers can find clients for academic writing, editing, curriculum design, or virtual tutoring. The platform is competitive, but with a strong profile and portfolio, teachers can earn in USD while working from home.
Best categories for teachers on Upwork:
- Research writing
- Proofreading and editing
- Online tutoring
- Course material development
4. Preply (Online Tutoring Platform)
👉 Visit Preply
Preply connects teachers with students worldwide who want live tutoring. Kenyan teachers can tutor English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, or Science. With flexible scheduling and global student demand, it is a practical way to monetize subject expertise.
Key advantages:
- Set your own hourly rate
- Teach students worldwide
- Easy-to-use video platform
5. Teachers Pay Teachers (Selling Resources)
👉 Visit Teachers Pay Teachers
This US-based platform allows teachers to sell classroom resources, from worksheets to revision papers. Kenyan teachers can upload CBC-based content, which is increasingly in demand globally. Many educators earn significant passive income by creating high-quality lesson plans.
Popular CBC uploads include:
- Grade 7 revision exams
- Digital flashcards for languages
- Science lab guides
6. Fiverr (Gig-Based Services)
👉 Visit Fiverr
On Fiverr, teachers can create “gigs” for services such as lesson planning, voiceovers, PowerPoint creation, or academic editing. The platform allows flexibility, as teachers set their price and manage workload independently.
Best gig ideas for teachers:
- “I will create CBC lesson plans for Grade 7 and 8”
- “I will design revision tests for Mathematics and Sciences”
- “I will record educational voiceovers in English or Kiswahili”
7. Udemy (Online Courses)
👉 Visit Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular platforms for creating and selling online courses. Teachers can create video-based lessons on academic subjects, digital literacy, or even classroom management. With marketing handled by Udemy, your course can reach thousands of learners worldwide.
Examples Kenyan teachers can create:
- “CBC Grade 7 Mathematics Revision”
- “Introduction to Swahili Language”
- “Effective Classroom Management Strategies”
📊 Comparison Table of Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Income Model | Flexibility | Local/Global |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajira Digital | Entry-level freelancing jobs | Project-based | High | Local |
| ElimuHub | Selling teaching resources | Resource sales | High | Local |
| Upwork | Writing & tutoring | Per project/hourly | High | Global |
| Preply | Live tutoring | Hourly | Medium | Global |
| Teachers Pay Teachers | Selling CBC materials | Resource sales | High | Global |
| Fiverr | Gig-based teaching services | Per gig | High | Global |
| Udemy | Online course creation | Course sales | Medium | Global |
Step-by-Step Mini Guide for Teachers
- Choose your path – Decide between tutoring, freelancing, or selling resources.
- Start local – Register with Ajira Digital or ElimuHub.
- Build a profile – Highlight CBC expertise and teaching achievements.
- Create sample content – Upload one free lesson plan or record a sample video.
- Market yourself – Share links on WhatsApp, Facebook, and teacher groups.
- Expand globally – Join Fiverr, Preply, or Udemy for wider opportunities.
- Stay consistent – Upload regularly and maintain a strong online presence.
Linking Digital Tools with Online Teaching
Teachers who embrace digital tools perform better online. For instance, integrating AI tools for Mathematics teachers makes online tutoring more interactive. Building a free Swahili AI tutor can give you an edge in language learning platforms. Additionally, deciding between Microsoft or Google for Kenyan schools ensures you pick the right productivity suite for teaching and freelancing.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, teachers no longer have to rely solely on salaries and allowances. Platforms like Ajira Digital and ElimuHub provide local opportunities, while Upwork, Fiverr, Preply, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Udemy open doors to global income streams. With consistency and creativity, teachers can transform their expertise into sustainable online income while shaping the future of education.
👉 Which platform do you think Kenyan teachers will benefit from most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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