Do I need to be qualified to teach?

mary671

Hi, wondered if anyone could give me advice. I'm a mature student starting at university for a nursing degree in September. I can pick up some casual work as a carer because I'll be unable to commit to a regular shift pattern or hours because of placements.

I am thinking about teaching microsoft packages: Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher at people's homes. During my recent time at college, there were a number of students, particular mature, retraining for careers who struggled with the basic use of these packages. A friend of mine really wants me to teach her because she is struggling with the cost and, more importantly, finding the time to attend the course because of childcare arrangements.

I used to teach these packages during my previous employment. My employer paid for me to attend up to advance user level and the idea was I would cascade this knowledge to my colleagues, which I did very successfully for a number of years. Due to my studies, it would be ideal to offer my services at irregular times such as evenings/weekends. My question is does anyone know if I need a qualification to do this? I won't be providing a certificate and I thought about a fee of around £50 for a three hour session of each which would give a user the knowledge to get up and running.

Any feedback would be most appreciated. I am aware I will need to register to be self-employed to do this and would be submitting tax returns.

madaminx

Is there anyone out there who would know the answer?? I'm interested in this as well.

Thanks

fabulous_girl

I suppose if you were helping friends out on a more casual basis you wouldn;t but if you wanted to advertise more pubically, strangers who saw your ad might like to know your qualified before they part with any cash

Kate78

Don't take this the wrong way, it's not meant to be nasty, but our local LearnDirect centre offers courses like this for free, run by qualified staff. I imagine there are similar arrangements in other areas.

So, not sure if there's a market for what you have in mind, sorry.

Amarie

You can! As long you don't claim that you are qualified. If it is a personal arrangement then its fine. Similar to teaching Music. Most Singing/Instrument teachers are not 'qualified' teachers.. maybe just experience or time at college.

I agree with Kate78. Lots of places do this, although online learning isn't for everyone. I used to tutor in a Learndirect centre and there are lots of conditions, deadlines and guidelines to follow. I think some people get so frustrated with technology; £50 for some 1 on 1 would be quite a good deal.

ppolly

I think it is a good idea. Alot of retired people wanting to get to grips with technology might love someone coming to their home and showing them how 1:1. It is certainly worth trying out to see.

mary671

Apologies for not logging on sooner. Many thanks for your replies - very much appreciated.

Gleeful

Amarie wrote: »

You can! As long you don't claim that you are qualified. If it is a personal arrangement then its fine. Similar to teaching Music. Most Singing/Instrument teachers are not 'qualified' teachers.. maybe just experience or time at college.

Nah you have to be Grade 8 to teach instrumental lessons, or have a teaching qualification.

Jaymo

You also must be qualified to teach Microsoft Packages....as in, their is a course to become a Microsoft Package professional trainer.

PasturesNew

Legally no. If you can find people willing to pay you, then do it.

Not everywhere has these free places/learn direct centres - my nearest is a 40 mile round trip, not all those places are open when people want to learn, many people would prefer one to one as they can learn faster and not feel daft asking a question.

People were training software like you years before the Govt jumped on the bandwagon and started offering basic stuff free.

Your USP is that you can teach people what they need/want to know, there's no syllabus you're keeping to that's forcing them to do XYZ when they want to do XAB and maybe J.

There are a lot of things that local centres wouldn't teach too, which you might find a niche for.

Edit: It looks like my nearest Learn Direct has closed ... in which case the next nearest is 80 miles round trip.

mary671

Pasturesnew - thanks so very much for taking the time to reply. Most helpful.