Make the most of your break with classes that spark joy, build skills, and maybe even earn PD hours.
Summer break is a sacred time for teachers—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether you want to re-ignite your love of teaching, explore a new side hustle, or finally tackle that professional development requirement, online courses offer a flexible and inspiring way to use your summer well (without draining your energy).
Here are some of the best online course options for teachers—and how to choose the right one for you.
Make the most of your break with classes that spark joy, build skills, and maybe even earn PD hours.
Summer break is a sacred time for teachers—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether you want to re-ignite your love of teaching, explore a new side hustle, or finally tackle that professional development requirement, online courses offer a flexible and inspiring way to use your summer well (without draining your energy).
Here are some of the best online course options for teachers—and how to choose the right one for you.
1. The Organized Teacher Framework™
If you’re overwhelmed by the never-ending cycle of planning, grading, and classroom chaos, The Organized Teacher Framework™ might be the reset you need. This self-paced course helps you set up sustainable systems to keep your teaching life (and brain!) organized year-round. I’ll be honest-I haven’t taken this course. I took Angela Watson’s 40-hour workweek and it looks like it’s no longer available! This looks like the closest I can find.
You’ll learn:
- How to streamline lesson planning and prep
- Practical strategies to reduce burnout and reclaim your time
- Ways to create systems that actually stick (both in the classroom and at home)
Bonus: It’s made just for teachers—so every example is real, relatable, and classroom-tested.
👉 [The Simply Organized Teacher]
2. Skillshare: Creative Courses for Side Hustles & Self-Care
Skillshare is packed with short, engaging video lessons in everything from graphic design to productivity hacks. It’s perfect if you’re curious about turning a hobby into a side hustle—or just want to decompress with something creative.
Recommended courses for teachers:
- “Productivity for Creatives”
- “Intro to Canva: Build Your Brand Kit”
- “Digital Planning for Beginners”
There’s usually a free trial for the first month, making this a low-risk way to explore something new this summer.
👉 [SkillShare]
3. Coursera & edX: PD Credit & Certifications
If you’re looking for professional development hours or want to sharpen your academic chops, Coursera and edX are both excellent. They partner with top universities (like Yale, Stanford, and Harvard), and many courses are free to audit.
Top picks:
- “The Science of Well-Being” (Yale) – Great for mental health & mindset
- “Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning” – Edtech strategies that actually work
- “Introduction to Personal Finance” – Perfect for your own life and your students
Check with your district to see if these courses can count toward PD requirements!
4. Outschool: Become an Instructor (and Learn in the Process)
Want to earn while you learn? Teaching on Outschool is a great summer side hustle. Not only do you get paid to teach your passion, but you also get access to professional development workshops and support as you go.
Even if you’re not quite ready to jump in, exploring their onboarding and resources can give you insight into how modern digital instruction works—especially if you’re interested in launching a course or tutoring business of your own.
👉 [Outschool]
5. Bonus: Learn Something Just for You
Not every summer course has to be about your classroom. Sometimes the best growth comes from learning something totally unrelated to teaching.
Ideas:
- A cooking or baking class
- Yoga or mindfulness training
- Coding for beginners
- Interior design or home organizing
Even just one hour a week can make your summer feel more fulfilling—and help you start the fall refreshed and excited.
Final Thoughts: Learn, Grow, Breathe
Choosing one course that fuels your career and one that feeds your soul is a great way to make the most of your break. Whether you’re planning to level up your teaching game or start a new hobby, the best investment this summer is you.
Mindful Money Ed. 