Becoming a private tutor- all questions here

dizziblonde

Yep - most of the enquiries I get I get precisely because I'm a "current" teacher - I guess it's because they feel I know what's going on and how things are being taught in schools. I've also taught entrance exam prep classes in the private sector and mark KS2 tests - but it's the being a teacher that really pulls in the enquiries... with how supply teaching's dying as a viable source of income - tutoring's kept the wolf from the door several times this last year.

It's very much a getting a foot in the door thing to get into - once you get one child in an area - parents talk and your number gets passed around and you pick up extra pupils that way. I get a lot of one-off enquiries via an agency as well - but once you get known - word of mouth is the best advertising (and then you're not paying out an agency cut as well). Very much depends on the area you're in - I'm on the M1 corridor in quite an affluent part of town so get a heck of a lot of local queries. Don't underestimate the prep work aspect of it (I'm primary so this is probably a lot more) - at the moment I probably put in another 30 minutes per hour session preparing/photocopying/making resources... obviously this drops as time goes on and you can re-use things (which is why I don't begrudge making things like phonic resources) - but it can be a big hit on your time (I tend to take a couple of days a month off supply work and do a bulk batch of lesson prep then).

BeautyandtheBeast_3

It is quite busy lately - I also tutor KS2 Eng and Math, Entrance exams and as im a current science teacher(Biology, Chemistry and Physics) I also tutor KS4 exams and A levels - Have very busy 8 weeks ahead - every day/evening tutoring - except sunday!!!

sangriagal

I live in Essex and am looking for a Spanish tutor for a couple of hours a week. Anyone know any pointers please? Thanks:T

Lou-Lou_6

monsta2005 wrote: »

Have been looking through this thread, because I've been interested in becoming a tutor for a while. I hold a BA and MBA with distinction, the latter of which I got just over a year ago when I was 23; unfortunately I haven't been able to secure a suitable job, mainly due to a lack of experience. ;-(
Anyway, what steps do i need to take to become a tutor and ; i'd be inclined to tutor maths, though am as of yet undecided on age groups.

As far as I know, I dont need a teaching qualification if I was to advertise myself. Is this correct?

Would I be considered to young (age 25) to be a tutor?

Would it be advisable to do a teaching qualification with regards to private tutoring? (bear in mind I dont wish to pursue teaching as a career)

Would it be advisable to sign up with an agency?

Any other advice. What else do I need/need to do?

All advice much appreciated. Thanks

If you do not envisage a teaching career, I would strongly advise that you do not study for a PGCE (teacher training) as I doubt you will go the distance; it is an extremely intense course and you have to be very committed.

You do not need a teaching qualification to be a tutor, but obviously parents would be looking for some kind of experience and you would not be able to charge as much as someone who does have some/is qualified (at least not at first). However, charging a lower rate may work in your favour, at least until you get yourself established, then you'll have the experience to charge more.

As for your age, I've seen advertisements from tutors as young as 19! Take a look at uktutors.com You only need to pay an advertising fee for your 1st introduction and could probably get a lot of word of mouth work after that.

BeautyandtheBeast_3

there is not only a PGCE route into teaching there is also a GTP route (aimed at the over 25's) but do not dismiss teaching as a career. The GTP route is far more difficult than the PGCE. (PGCE you are still have the university as a nursery blanket rather than getting a proper feel for the actual job)
You could charge more money if you had relevant teaching experience. Would you pay £25 -£30 per hour for an unqualified tutor who has limited knowledge of exam boards and their requirements or would you be happier to pay £10? I have a lot of parents asking questions regarding the examboards, structure of the qualification and general coursework info.
If you wish to tutor then that is fantastic - just dont dismiss teaching as a career - it is well paid and you get a genuine sense of satisfaction when the students achieve THEIR best, for some that maybe getting the A* others it maybe having to confidence to light a bunsen burner on their own. Its a very rewarding career.

dizziblonde

I would never recommend anyone goes into teaching as a career unless they're 100% sure it's what they wanted to do - it's a job that, while rewarding, can be utterly gruelling on you mentally over time (it drove me to a breakdown by the age of 30). I now get by on supply teaching (hard when the car's broken down at the moment), test marking and tutoring and feel much better in myself than the shell I'd become teaching full-time (although I did have a class from hell at the time which made things much worse). Tutoring hadn't occurred to me till my MIL suggested it - it's been a godsend this year and I'm already lining up pupils for next year - I'm picky who I take though, I have to have parents and kids I can get a rapport with, and I try to keep travelling to a minimum.

You've nothing to lose from trying things like cards in newsagent's windows etc to get some interest while you consider other ways to get your name out there - I'd make sure you know what you're working toward in terms of syllabuses etc though - even though I work in primary day-in day-out, I still look things up, double check content I'm covering etc - although most of the work I get is kids lacking confidence in maths (that can actually do things fairly well or have half the idea but not the whole end of the stick) or kids who've missed out huge chunks of phonics and so are struggling with reading/writing.

BeautyandtheBeast_3

yes dizziblonde, teaching full time in a standard secondary school can be very challenging and draining. Its easy to see why people would decide to give it up and go on supply. Its nice to be able to pick and choose your tutees whilst doing private tuition; its good to tutor children on a one to one basis without the constant low level disruption of tapping pens, rulers, moaning about needing the loo etc. Ah the JOYS! only 13 weeks left. I get really bored towards the end of the 6 weeks though and cant wait to get back into school.
sorry I have really rambled on havent I?
I was given a lot of negative viewpoints about teaching before I entered the profession and I have to be honest its not that bad. You just need to be a determined character and be strong mentally and VERY organised (says she with 140 odd pieces of coursework STILL to be marked by friday)

dizziblonde

I didn't mind tapping pens... flying furniture was what did for me in the end (and I'm primary as well so even worse)! Was a pretty much daily event having to remove sulking children from whatever cupboard they'd barricaded themselves in and dodge chairs that started flying (more than once I've sat on a chair about to be picked up, smiled and thanked the child for getting a chair for me to sit on while I help them... with the size of my rear they ain't throwing it with that on it!).

Don't get me wrong - I love teaching and the lightbulb moments - just wasn't prepared to work in that environment any longer.

janey17

Hello Everyone!!

I have been tutoring now for nearly three years and its going well. Hiring a room out in a Church Hall is something I have been considering now for a few months. Having found a well priced room within an affluent catchment area I am starting to think of this new venture as something I could do.

I am thinking of teaching 8 to 14 year olds, separate key stages at a time in an interactive ( as will be bringing in laptops, brain training equipt) rewarding ( as will be celebrating their achievements every half term) environment.

Between 8 to 10 would be the class size per hour with a charge of £10.

Myself and a family member are CRB and ISA checked.

Have received quotes for insurance. Contacted the after school network in the area and am able to be included in the network.

Will have free ads placed in the whats on page in local newspaper as this will operate twice a week to begin with.

Having not undertaken anything like this before I would be greatful for any advice or suggestions you may have.

Thanks in advance

Adamb_3

You have to consider where you're willing to conduct the tutoring, in your home, in the home of your student or even via the internet. Also, you could ask some of your friends who might have some ideas on how much you need to charge and how many hours you need to spend with each student. Good luck!