Perhaps you’ve always been a good student, and tutoring seems like a reasonable way to earn more income. Or you may have a passion for math, writing, English, science, history, guitar, violin, piano, languages, voice, or another subject. You could consider tutoring or providing lessons as a way to make money in an area about which you are passionate. And work in a field that are passionate about is, for many, the key to fulfillment on the job!
Before you go further, however, consider the personality traits that often make for a successful tutor or teacher. For one-on-one lessons, patience, flexibility, creativity, and an ability to diagnose what the student’s learning deficits might be, as well as knowledge about how to work around those deficits, would be helpful. And can you figure out a way to engage and motivate a student whose previous failures may have demoralized him? These are all issues you will likely face as a tutor.
Of course, many national tutoring companies train tutors in specific strategies to reach their students. Working for one of those companies may be a way to get a foot in the door of the tutoring business. And companies that offer prep courses for SATs, LSATs, GREs and GMATs will also train you in their specific approaches.
- assess the subject or subjects you feel comfortable teaching
- determine the age level you would like to work with
- ask yourself whether you would be more comfortable teaching a large class, say for SAT preparation, or providing instruction on a one-on-one basis
- decide whether you want to work for a company or for yourself
So, what kinds of jobs are there in the tutoring and lesson industry? You can:
- work as an independent contractor, on your own — whether teaching one topic, such as math or guitar, or offering help in a few subject areas
- work for a local tutoring company or business that offers lessons
- work for a national tutoring company that will train you in their particular approach
- work through a school system or university as a tutor Many universities have tutoring centers and many school systems have tutors that they recommend to students needing help. Universities may also recommend tutors through the specific department that teaches the area in which you want to tutor.
Once you have decided what you want to tutor, what age to work with, and whether to work for a company or on your own, you’ll need to find clients. (One resource for advertising your availability for tutoring is Care.com.)
