Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Private Tutor?

When I was in college I made some extra cash by grading English papers for a high school teacher and working as a private tutor to students in literature.

As an English minor in college, it was work that was right up my alley and was enjoyable.

Later in life as a full-time journalist, I volunteered to work as a tutor for non-English speaking students, teaching them how to read in English. I couldn’t imagine going through life not being able to read, especially being Spanish in an English-speaking and writing country, so I worked with an older Spanish woman for free twice a week to teach her how to read in English.

Both tutoring jobs were fulfilling. The college one helped me pay some bills, but the free tutoring help I offered was much more satisfying because I could see her advancement more rapidly.

Through both of these experiences, I learned some of what it takes to be a good tutor. Except for a quick class I was given about how to teach people how to read, I was left on my own in how to be the best tutor I could be.

Here are four things I discovered:

1. You’re probably an expert at something

I didn’t consider myself an expert at anything while in college. But helping high school students showed me that even though I was only a few years out of high school, my education in English and journalism had so far taught me enough that I could tutor younger students in the basics of my future fields of expertise.

Whatever subject you get straight A’s in, chances are you can become a tutor in it — at least to younger students who are learning things you mastered years ago.

2. Patience is key as a tutor

As any teacher will probably tell you, having patience is extremely important when teaching someone a new skill. You’ve got to be willing to go over something multiple times, break it down, and watch your student learn at their pace.

I don’t think I’d ever want to be a professional teacher in a full-time job, but as a tutor I got a glimpse into how patience can be one of the best traits a tutor can have.

3. Lead by example

This lesson holds true for parents also — lead by being a good example and doing all of the legwork you expect your student to do. If you expect them to do homework, then prepare for the lesson yourself by getting your work ready and organized.

Be on time. A tutor’s time is limited, as is a student’s, so both of you being on time will save money and time for everyone.

4. Intrinsic rewards outweigh cash

Making extra money by tutoring is great, but don’t expect the best rewards to be financial.

I’d rather work for free and see results from my tutoring than work for money and not see results in the students I’m working with. That’s not to say that tutoring can’t be a full-time job for some people who will enjoy the work they do, but for me the intrinsic rewards were worth more than any money I got out of it.

Private tutors regularly see hourly wages of $50, and specialized tutors can make $100 an hour, according to TheNewTutor.com.

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