If you love the look on a child’s face after she has completed a math problem on her own, or get satisfaction from knowing that you are making a positive difference in someone’s education, then you probably have thought about becoming a teacher. But, if the idea of having to control two dozen children and teach a plethora of subjects, rather than the ones you are most passionate about, makes you have second thoughts, then perhaps becoming a tutor will better suit your interests.
As the owner and director of Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services, and a tutor himself, Farhan Hussain knows what it takes to be a tutor and what companies are looking for when they hire. Here, he answers some questions about the characteristics and certifications that the most qualified tutors possess.
What are the requirements for becoming a tutor? Most tutors either have a teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree in the subject or subjects that they are interested in tutoring children in. Tutors also need to have a certain amount of experience in communicating with children because a large part of the job is forming a bond with the child you are tutoring and using his interests to turn learning into something fun and enjoyable. That being said, being a tutor also takes a certain amount of patience and a strong interest in seeing others succeed. Sometimes, it will seem as though no matter how many times you explain something, the child you are tutoring just doesn’t seem to be understanding. In this situation, you cannot show your frustration. Instead, think of a new approach to the problem.
Do teachers make good tutors? In many cases, yes, teachers make excellent tutors because they have already been properly certified. Additionally, teachers already have the experience of relating to children. And generally, adds Hussain, teachers have a passion for seeing children progress, whether it is in their confidence or their test grades.
What are the advantages? Typically, tutoring has short hours of actual work. Some tutors, explains Hussain, work from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., but most work just 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is the ideal situation for anyone looking for a second job. This is why, many times, you will find that tutors are actually also teachers during the day.
Is it better to tutor for a company or be independent? You probably won’t be too successful as an independent tutor, says Hussain, mainly because you will struggle to compete with larger, more established tutoring centers. Some advantages of working for a company like Club Z! include a larger list of clientele, more resources and referral bonuses. Additionally, Hussain says that usually safety precautions are implemented under larger companies that an independent tutor probably wouldn’t have, like background checks and consultations. That is important because when you are spending time in someone else’s home, it is important that you feel safe and comfortable.
