Teaching computer courses is one way to utilize your computer knowledge to make a bit of side cash. Highly specialized courses, such as ones teaching sought-after programming languages, pay well, but courses teaching more basic information, such as how to use Microsoft Word, will not pay as well. Still these classes can provide a bit of an income boost.

Make a list of areas where your computer skills are better than average. Hard skills are a great place to start. What programs are you comfortable using and can explain to others? Think about office programs, such as Word and Excel, but also consider home programs like Quicken and Paint Shop Pro.

Once you have hard skills down, think about some softer skills you may know. Perhaps you have a knack for researching online. You may be excellent at managing time through computer-based tools or have a clear understanding of how to organize e-files. These skills are the basis for computer courses as well.

Seek out places in your community where your skills may be needed. Many libraries offer courses. Community education centers, community colleges, technical schools, retirement communities, and high schools are great places to find out about the possibility of teaching computer courses. Contacting local homeschooling groups may work as well since many homeschoolers pay individuals for teaching small-group courses on specialized topics.

Make a pitch for why you would do well teaching this course. The pitch should include information about your expertise as well as an outline of the course you are proposing and an estimated fee schedule.

Call these organizations first. Find out whether the places you have listed open their course offerings to adjunct instructors and whether they would consider your proposal. There is no need to send out your information if the places you are considering do not accept outside applications. Once you have the go-ahead, send your pitch within two days so that the conversation is still fresh.

Should you find yourself without ready-made places to teach computer courses, don’t despair! Another option is to rent out computer labs at high schools or colleges and design the course yourself. This method takes more time but is potentially more lucrative as well. Design the course and market it locally. By handling everything yourself, you have complete creative control over the course’s content.

Teaching computer classes most likely is an addition to whatever your job already is. If you’re looking for interesting part-time employment, then teaching these courses is an excellent choice as they give you flexibility and stimulation – both hard to find in part-time work!