The Benefits of Being a Tutor

It doesn’t matter what your area of expertise is – if you have a valuable skill then it can be shared through tutoring!

If you are wondering about how to become a tutor online or what the responsibilities of a tutor are, did you know that are many students, virtually on your doorstep who search for tutoring services on the subject in which you have knowledge?

So, why become a tutor anyway?  The benefits of being a tutor are numerous.

Firstly, it is an incredibly gratifying experience that provides an opportunity to help others. By offering tutoring services and taking advantage of this chance, either in person or online, you act as a mentor for those who need assistance in learning new abilities. Perhaps you may have already considered the idea of becoming a tutor but have yet to take the leap.

Besides a description of the responsibilities of a tutor, here a few good reasons to find out how to become a tutor online as well.

Tutoring is Good for Your CV 

Private tutoring requires a diverse range of transferable skills that showcase your ability to manage, motivate, and mediate. Having experience in these skills, supported by references, can increase your employability. Mentoring demonstrates your capacity to put your qualifications into practice in the professional world.

As a tutor, you must manage the high expectations of your students and their parents by delivering observable improvements to their academic performance. Often, your students may seek your assistance to overcome a specific problem or to catch up with their peers. Therefore, you will need to be a patient and engaging educator, creating a relaxed learning environment that fosters progress.

Since you are not the student's regular teacher, at first you may not have the full knowledge of their academic strengths and weaknesses. However, once you have insight and have identified their learning style, you can adapt your teaching techniques to suit their needs and help them adjust to changes in the learning environment.

Overall, private tutoring is about cultivating strong relationships based on trust and respect, which are crucial skills in all areas of life. Therefore, one of the main benefits of being a tutor is that it will be an excellent addition to your CV.

Tutoring Services Will Expand Your Business Network

When you become a part of a prominent tutoring platform like Superprof, you'll likely encounter individuals in your field of expertise. Whether you specialise in physics, Spanish, or creative writing, this type of professional network is priceless for establishing relationships, sharing valuable knowledge, and networking with other professionals to broaden your job opportunities.

Having a vast professional network is often viewed as a positive attribute, and it can generate various opportunities through word of mouth. Additionally, it can create a supportive environment among peers who share similar interests, enabling them to encourage and learn from each other.

For instance, you could find out how to become a tutor online and expand your reach!

Earn a Meaningful Income  

Private tutoring is a fantastic way to earn extra income, whether you're a student, in-between jobs, or simply looking for work in your spare time. No matter what your area of expertise, be it linguistics, computing, music, mathematics, or something else entirely, tutoring provides a rewarding and enjoyable way to increase your income and share your knowledge with others.

In South Africa, there is a growing demand for private tutoring, with thousands of students searching for 1-on-1 lessons both in-person and online via platforms like Superprof. Offering tutoring services allows you to meet new people, share common interests, and make students feel valued.

As a private tutor, you have the flexibility to set your own rates and determine how much time you dedicate to your tutoring job. When setting your rates, you should consider your financial needs, the competition in your subject area, your educational qualifications, professional credentials, and first-hand experience. However, keep in mind that not everyone can afford to pay top rates, so you may need to adjust your pricing accordingly or offer discounts for bulk packages.

The transfer of knowledge is what makes us human, and as a tutor, you have the privilege of sharing your expertise with others and watching them grow.

If you're an experienced tutor or teacher with a high level of knowledge in your subject, it means your responsibilities of a tutor are greater. For this reason, your rates will likely be above average compared to those just starting out. Tutoring is a fulfilling and enjoyable way to supplement your income while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Satisfaction that Comes from the Responsibilities of a Tutor  

Once you experience the great sense of satisfaction of seeing your student ace an exam, you will understand the satisfaction that comes from the responsibilities of a tutor. Witnessing the results of one-on-one instruction is a testament to the benefits of personalised teaching. When you observe the concrete impact of your efforts, it is gratifying for everyone involved and you will have the answer next time someone asks you, why become a tutor?

Benefits of Being a Tutor: Fostering Your Own Style  

Drawing from your own school experience, you may have noticed that teaching styles and learning techniques can differ significantly from teacher to teacher, and from student to student. Sometimes, they complement each other perfectly, but other times they may clash. Teaching requires approachability, understanding, and diplomacy.

When working one-on-one with a student, you will have complete freedom to determine the approach and learning methods that best suit them. Of course, this can vary from person to person depending on factors like age, experience, personality, educational level, and speed of comprehension. Adapting to each student's needs is key, and it may involve a trial-and-error process that can benefit both the teacher and student. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the perfect class, there are some fundamental steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Above all, it is important to:

1. Prepare in advance.
2. Tailor your lessons to the student's needs.
3. Build trust and confidence with your student.
4. Be patient, understanding and supportive.
5. Incorporate regular breaks to keep the lessons fresh.

How to Become a Tutor Online: Be Organised! 

Organising information is crucial for successful communication. Similarly, managing your classes efficiently and catering to your students' needs is key to running a successful tutoring business.

As you advertise your tutor jobs, you must also take control of your work schedule and, therefore, must practise effective time management. To ensure prospective students know your availability, include your working hours in your tutor ad. However, keep in mind that limiting your working hours may reduce your chances of finding students.

Students from different groups will have varying schedules. For instance, university students may have flexible but irregular schedules, while school students and professionals may have more structured but less flexible timetables, making them only available in the evenings or after school.

Combine Your Tutoring Services with Your Passion

Witnessing students improve and gain confidence through your guidance is a truly rewarding experience for anyone.

So if you love building connections, having stimulating conversations, and relishing a fulfilling challenge, then a career as a private tutor may be perfect for you.

However, passion alone may not be enough to become a successful tutor. While it's a necessary ingredient, it is not the only one. Being passionate about teaching is essential, and it can make you more effective than someone who is teaching out of necessity. But it's also crucial to know how to impart knowledge effectively. Luckily, if you want to know how to become a tutor online there are various teacher-training courses available, including those offered by Superprof tutors.

As a Tutor You Can Work for Yourself!  

As a private tutor, you have complete control and flexibility over your job. This means you can set your own rates, work schedule, and even choose where you want to work from.

Most tutoring sessions take place at the student's home, so it's essential to select a catchment area to minimise travel time and expenses. You could also opt to teach at a neutral location like a café, library, or even a park on a beautiful day.

Consider advertising your services to small groups and start a study group to earn more money per hour, but remember that group classes usually come with a lower rate per student. With digital technology, you can also teach students from all over the world from the comfort of your own home.

The possibilities are endless, and the world is your classroom!

Offer Tutoring Services Part Time

Finally, being a part-time tutor while studying offers many benefits. First and foremost, it provides a flexible source of income that can be tailored around your academic schedule. As a tutor, you can choose your own hours, making it easier to balance work and study commitments.

Additionally, tutoring can reinforce your own knowledge of the subject and help you develop better communication and teaching skills. It can also be a rewarding experience to help others learn and succeed in their academic pursuits.

Furthermore, tutoring can enhance your resume, showing potential employers your ability to take on responsibility and work independently. Overall, being a part-time tutor can be a valuable and enriching experience for students looking to supplement their income and gain valuable skills.