How To Become a Private Tutor

Are you passionate about teaching and helping others succeed academically? Do you have expertise in a particular subject or skill that you want to share with others? Do you want a part time job alongside your studies where you can choose your hours and rates?

If so, becoming a private tutor could be a fulfilling and lucrative career path for you. Private tutoring offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and provide tuition tailored to their needs. It is certainly a profession I would highly recommend, but it can sometimes feel like the industry is against you. When I first started out, I was worried about getting clients, getting accepted to work with agencies, and whether I need any specific qualification or certificate to be a qualified tutor.

Here I will address some of these questions, then cover how you can get into tutoring.

What can I tutor?

Anything! The demand for private tutoring is high, and anything can be tutored privately, from musical instruments, video games, coding, statistical analysis, cooking, board games like chess, swimming, life coach, fashion and much more! If you believe you are suitably qualified and knowledgable to teach something, even if it's beginners level chess like teaching someone's child basic moves, the chances are you are qualified and can tutor that. You don't have to be a grandmaster to teach chess!

Do I need any qualifications, or be a qualified teacher or certificate/member of a professional body to be a private tutor?

No, you don't need any of the above. If you have expertise in any profession, whether it's musical instruments, languages or school subjects, you can teach it. However, clients will look at your qualifications to see what makes you a good fit, for example, showing you have played guitar for many years at concerts, or studied Biology to a high level (PhD).

So if I don't need any qualifications, how does it work?

The first point of call is getting clients. Advertising your services may seem like a challenge, but there's a lot of free ways you can advertise in today's market. Places like Facebook groups, community centres and social medias allow you to advertise for free. All you need to do is make your presence known, and clients will get in touch with you.

If you're considering becoming a private tutor, here are some steps to get started.

1. Identify Your Area of Expertise: The first step in becoming a private tutor is to identify your area of expertise. What subjects or skills do you excel in and enjoy teaching? Are you a math whiz, a grammar guru, or a music maestro? Determine your strengths and passions, and focus on those areas when building your tutoring business. Specialising in a specific subject or skill will help you market yourself as an expert and attract students who need help in that particular area.

2. Research the Market: Once you've identified your area of expertise, research the tutoring market in your area. Find out the demand for private tutors in your subject or skill, and assess the competition. Look for gaps or opportunities in the market that you can fill with your unique skills and qualifications. Consider factors such as pricing, location, and target audience to develop a competitive pricing strategy and marketing plan.

3. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications: While formal qualifications may not always be required to become a private tutor, having relevant credentials can boost your credibility and attract more students. Depending on the subject or skill you're teaching, you may need a bachelor's degree, a teaching certification, or specialised training. Research the qualifications needed in your field and invest in any necessary certifications or training to enhance your expertise and marketability as a tutor.

4. Create a Business Plan: Like any business venture, becoming a private tutor requires careful planning. Create a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. Consider factors such as your expenses, pricing, and the number of hours you plan to work to determine how much you need to charge to make a profit. A well-thought-out business plan will serve as a roadmap for your tutoring business and help you stay organised and focused.

5. Set Up Your Tutoring Business: Once you've developed a business plan, set up your tutoring business. Decide on a business name, register your business, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Set up a professional website or social media profiles to showcase your services and reach potential clients. Develop marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and brochures to promote your tutoring business. Create a system to manage appointments, payments, and student progress tracking to streamline your operations.

6. Develop Teaching Materials: As a private tutor, you will need to develop teaching materials to use during your lessons. Create lesson plans, worksheets, and other resources that align with the curriculum or skills you're teaching. Tailor your materials to meet the individual needs of your students and provide them with engaging and interactive learning experiences. Update your materials regularly to ensure they are relevant and effective.

7. Advertise and Market Your Services: Marketing is a crucial aspect of running a successful tutoring business. Utilise various marketing strategies to attract students and promote your services. Create a professional online presence through social media, online directories, and your website. Use word of mouth and ask for referrals from satisfied students or their parents. Offer promotions or discounts to attract new clients. Develop marketing materials such as flyers, posters, and business cards to distribute in your local community. Establish partnerships with schools, community centers, or other relevant organisations to expand your reach.

8. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is essential to building a positive reputation as a private tutor. Communicate promptly and professionally with your students