Although a genuine desire to help others succeed and a demonstrated level of competency in the chosen subject matter are two universal qualities of an effective tutor, there is no single career path to follow in order to become a tutor. Some people learn to tutor volunteering in a peer-to-peer tutoring program in elementary or secondary school. Others first complete their own educational goals before becoming tutors as teenagers. By participating in volunteer programs or seeking out individual clients, a senior citizen or retiree can also become a tutor.
Tutoring can be done anyone who believes they have the technical and social skills to help others. Before a person can advertise his or her tutoring services and schedule sessions, no formal degree or certification is required. Potential clients or parents, on the other hand, may request proof of experience and/or competency in the chosen subject, so having a college diploma or other educational certification is a definite plus.
However, some additional credentials may be required in order to become a professional tutor for a private tutoring institution. For example, a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field would be a minimum requirement for employment. Some tutoring companies also require tutors to be certified teachers, which means they have passed a competency exam administered a reputable organization. Even if a tutor only sees a client for a few hours per week, he or she should be able to establish authority and create a positive learning environment during that time.
By enrolling in a federally funded program at a local college or university, you can also become a tutor. Some of these programs are designed to offer free tutoring to students who have registered. A tutoring coordinator matches a student’s needs with an acceptable tutor’s availability. The tutor could be a full-time employee of the institution or a freelancer paid with federal or state funds. Although a college-sponsored tutor’s pay may not be as high as that of a full-time instructor, the tutor’s schedule is usually more flexible, and he or she can still schedule private clients during off-hours.
Some private tutors, particularly those with extensive experience in technical fields, can charge very reasonable fees. An employee who is having trouble learning a new computer operating system, for example, may find that hiring a private tutor is less expensive than enrolling in a class or continuing to struggle. Parents may be willing to pay competitive wages for qualified English, math, or science tutors who can work with graduating seniors or students who require more one-on-one attention.
Tutoring can be a rewarding experience, but an effective tutor must be able to maintain a professional relationship with clients and recognize when his or her services are no longer needed. Because some struggling students may see a tutor as a crutch, personal counselor, or life coach, tutors must recognize their limitations as instructors and delegate responsibility for their clients’ other needs to others. Tutoring can also be a good way to maintain important skills and apply them in real-life situations.