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Palo Alto, California
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How to become a tutor side hustle?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a tutor.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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3 answers
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
226
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Thank you for sharing this, CareerVillage!
I often get queries about my journey into tutoring students across various subjects.
During my High School Years:
My tutoring journey began in high school, where I guided younger students in instrumental music and other subjects. This opportunity came my way when instructors noticed my dedication and asked me to assist new or struggling students, or offer a peer perspective to students facing challenges. In music, my teachers recognized the long hours I spent practicing, my external lessons from professional musicians, and my passion for setting an example for the younger students. This experience taught me the importance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes, identifying obstacles, and understanding that progress takes time. I always reminded my students that I've probably played more incorrect notes than them, simply because I've played more notes overall! When it came to core subjects like history, I was chosen to tutor special education students based on my grades, academic performance, and my ability to simplify complex tasks such as note-taking, project time management, and research. A significant part of my tutoring approach was helping students organize their work effectively.
During my Undergraduate Studies:
As I pursued five degrees across multiple universities, I noticed that college-level tutors often had to meet specific hiring criteria. As an undergraduate, my school required tutors to have successfully completed the course, achieved a certain grade, or passed a competency test. The most common tutoring jobs were in mathematics, writing skills, and chemistry. Occasionally, the school would contact potential tutors via university email, targeting high achievers. It was then up to the individual to accept or decline the offer. If I wasn't passionate about the subject, I would politely decline the opportunity, as I believed that genuine interest in the subject was crucial for effective tutoring.
During my Master's/Doctorate:
Upon completing my first master's degree, I had the opportunity to apply to third-party companies. Most of these companies required a completed master's or doctorate in the relevant subject. Sometimes, your degree transcript would be added to an applicant pool, and the company would contact you when a need arose. Other times, they would match tutors with different individuals, districts, or otherwise. While this gave me a broad foundation and exposure to numerous programs, I found the pay rate per hour or term to be lower than applying directly as a W2 employee of the school. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in virtual tutoring opportunities, as opposed to traditional onsite work.
That's a glimpse into my experience.
I often get queries about my journey into tutoring students across various subjects.
During my High School Years:
My tutoring journey began in high school, where I guided younger students in instrumental music and other subjects. This opportunity came my way when instructors noticed my dedication and asked me to assist new or struggling students, or offer a peer perspective to students facing challenges. In music, my teachers recognized the long hours I spent practicing, my external lessons from professional musicians, and my passion for setting an example for the younger students. This experience taught me the importance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes, identifying obstacles, and understanding that progress takes time. I always reminded my students that I've probably played more incorrect notes than them, simply because I've played more notes overall! When it came to core subjects like history, I was chosen to tutor special education students based on my grades, academic performance, and my ability to simplify complex tasks such as note-taking, project time management, and research. A significant part of my tutoring approach was helping students organize their work effectively.
During my Undergraduate Studies:
As I pursued five degrees across multiple universities, I noticed that college-level tutors often had to meet specific hiring criteria. As an undergraduate, my school required tutors to have successfully completed the course, achieved a certain grade, or passed a competency test. The most common tutoring jobs were in mathematics, writing skills, and chemistry. Occasionally, the school would contact potential tutors via university email, targeting high achievers. It was then up to the individual to accept or decline the offer. If I wasn't passionate about the subject, I would politely decline the opportunity, as I believed that genuine interest in the subject was crucial for effective tutoring.
During my Master's/Doctorate:
Upon completing my first master's degree, I had the opportunity to apply to third-party companies. Most of these companies required a completed master's or doctorate in the relevant subject. Sometimes, your degree transcript would be added to an applicant pool, and the company would contact you when a need arose. Other times, they would match tutors with different individuals, districts, or otherwise. While this gave me a broad foundation and exposure to numerous programs, I found the pay rate per hour or term to be lower than applying directly as a W2 employee of the school. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in virtual tutoring opportunities, as opposed to traditional onsite work.
That's a glimpse into my experience.
Avinash Yepuri
Software Technical Architect
6
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
This is an excellent opportunity for a side hustle. Start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses in the subjects you're interested in teaching. Then, research and acquire any necessary coaching certifications.
Ciarra Cummins
Scrum Master; Software Project Manager
5
Answers
West Valley City, Utah
Updated
Ciarra’s Answer
Here's some tips I know about becoming a tutor and what it entails
General Tips:
* Determine what subjects or skills you want to teach (school subjects, instruments, crafts, etc.)
* Determine what level you want to teach at (beginner, intermediate, expert or elementary, middle school, high school, college)
* Determine what tools or skills you need to help tutor someone (For example: an extra set of paintbrushes if you're teaching painting | an understanding on how to troubleshoot common problems or mistakes someone would encounter doing a math problem)
* Have empathy, compassion, and patience that while these subjects may be easy for you, others may struggle a lot to understand the subjects or skills being taught
* Determine what your pay rate should be (look up average tutor rates in your city and start on the lower end)
Under 18:
* Ask around your neighborhood if parents have any kids that need help being tutored in the subjects you offer
* Talk to your teacher and ask if you could be a Teacher's Assistant (TA)/Coach (TC)/Tutor for the subject/classes (may not involve getting paid) or ask them if they know if you can advertise your tutoring within the campus (such as putting up posters)
* If you and your parents are ok with it, you can also advertise yourself on social media and do remote tutoring, but you'll have to set up a payment method (such as Venmo) and have the tools and knowledge on how to convey your topics through an online medium (some people might struggle to learn purely online though)
Over 18:
* If you are in college, see if any of the professors are looking for a tutor and if your college is willing to pay you to be their tutor
* You can see if any tutoring agencies exist local to your area and if they'd be willing to hire you for the subjects you'd like to teach (this may involve remote work)
* Create a online presence that you use for advertising your tutoring services (there's lots of articles out there on how and what platforms you should use)
* If you're teaching a craft or physical skill, make sure you have the space to teach that skill; whether it be at your own home, a rented-out studio, etc.
There might be more or better tips out there, but this should be a good starting point for folks wanting to learn more about what it takes to tutor and be profitable.
General Tips:
* Determine what subjects or skills you want to teach (school subjects, instruments, crafts, etc.)
* Determine what level you want to teach at (beginner, intermediate, expert or elementary, middle school, high school, college)
* Determine what tools or skills you need to help tutor someone (For example: an extra set of paintbrushes if you're teaching painting | an understanding on how to troubleshoot common problems or mistakes someone would encounter doing a math problem)
* Have empathy, compassion, and patience that while these subjects may be easy for you, others may struggle a lot to understand the subjects or skills being taught
* Determine what your pay rate should be (look up average tutor rates in your city and start on the lower end)
Under 18:
* Ask around your neighborhood if parents have any kids that need help being tutored in the subjects you offer
* Talk to your teacher and ask if you could be a Teacher's Assistant (TA)/Coach (TC)/Tutor for the subject/classes (may not involve getting paid) or ask them if they know if you can advertise your tutoring within the campus (such as putting up posters)
* If you and your parents are ok with it, you can also advertise yourself on social media and do remote tutoring, but you'll have to set up a payment method (such as Venmo) and have the tools and knowledge on how to convey your topics through an online medium (some people might struggle to learn purely online though)
Over 18:
* If you are in college, see if any of the professors are looking for a tutor and if your college is willing to pay you to be their tutor
* You can see if any tutoring agencies exist local to your area and if they'd be willing to hire you for the subjects you'd like to teach (this may involve remote work)
* Create a online presence that you use for advertising your tutoring services (there's lots of articles out there on how and what platforms you should use)
* If you're teaching a craft or physical skill, make sure you have the space to teach that skill; whether it be at your own home, a rented-out studio, etc.
There might be more or better tips out there, but this should be a good starting point for folks wanting to learn more about what it takes to tutor and be profitable.