Become a tutor – Pivoting from the classroom to tutoring
We explore what options are available if you want to transition from traditional classroom teaching to becoming a tutor…
- by Teachwire
Are you considering leaving teaching and seeking an alternative career path? If a job that offers flexibility, autonomy and meaningful engagement with students, sounds attractive, you might want to consider becoming a tutor.
Among the many possible jobs for ex-teachers, transitioning from a traditional teaching role to becoming a tutor is gaining in popularity.
Demand for tutoring is increasing year on year and opportunities to transition from traditional teaching to tutoring have never been more readily available.
According to Julia Silver, founder of Qualified Tutor, tutoring is a “much gentler way to be an educator.”
“It allows you to focus on your subject, your student and your pedagogy, while removing the need to cope with the endless demands of school life,” Julia continues.
Let’s delve into how you can smoothly make the transition. We’ll explore the steps involved, potential employment opportunities and considerations for success.
Whether you’re pursuing online tutoring jobs in the UK or a face-to-face private tutor position, your teaching job has already likely given you the skills and experience to thrive in the dynamic world of tutoring.
Understanding the transition
Transitioning from classroom teaching to tutoring requires a shift in mindset and approach. While both roles involve imparting knowledge, tutoring offers a more personalised and flexible experience.
Face-to-face and internet tutoring jobs often involve one-on-one or small group sessions, allowing you to more easily tailor your approach to individual student needs.
Similarities
As Julia Silver explains, the major similarity between teaching and tutoring is the ‘why’. “Whether you’re teaching a classroom of 30 or tutoring one-to-one, your core commitment should be improving the life outcomes of each student”.
“There are also similarities in methodologies”, Julia continues. “Research-informed practices such as spaced and retrieval practice, dual coding, feedback and metacognitive strategies are equally applicable and effective in both traditional classroom teaching and tutoring contexts.”
Differences
Where teaching and tutoring differ is the rate at which it is possible to respond to the needs of your student.
“Continuous formative assessment means you’re receiving information in real-time about your student’s attitude and aptitude to learning. This can result in accelerated progress, where you constantly adapt the pitch and pace of your teaching”, explains Julia.
“At its best, tutoring is a precision tool which, when combined with classroom teaching, can reduce frustration, boost confidence and enhance the wellbeing of everyone involved.”
Leveraging your teaching experience
One of the significant advantages classroom teachers have when transitioning to tutoring is their wealth of teaching experience. Years spent in the classroom honing instructional strategies, managing diverse learners and assessing student progress provide a solid foundation for tutoring success.
Your ability to differentiate, scaffold learning and provide targeted support are invaluable skills that translate seamlessly into the tutoring environment.
“Your ability to differentiate, scaffold learning and provide targeted support are invaluable skills”
Exploring employment opportunities
The demand for tutors has surged in recent years, driven by factors such as post-Covid catch-up and the DfE’s school-led tutoring programme. If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, there are many tutoring employment opportunities to consider, including:
- Working for an agency as a freelancer
- Being employed by a tutoring business on a contract
- Staying independent and finding work through social media and online marketplaces
- Working with groups or one-to-one, either at a tuition centre, at your home or at the home of your students
- Tutoring UK-based students
- Working with students around the world, following their time zones to maximise your income
- Becoming a residential tutor, travelling the world with your student’s family
- Working for an online school
- Working for a local authority, providing alternative education for disengaged students
- Creating packages which include content videos, study guides, marking services, coaching and academic mentoring
- Investing in a tutoring franchise
Tutoring expert Julia Silver recommends combining different ways of working to achieve a balance that works throughout the year, especially since tutoring can be highly seasonal.
You can choose to work full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule and commitments. The flexibility of online tutoring allows you to design your working hours, whether it’s a few hours a week or a full-time commitment.
“Part-time tutors usually works evenings and weekends, supplementing other work or commitments,” explains Julia. “A full-time tutor will blend daytime and evening work, weekdays and weekends, independent and agency work to ensure a stable income.”
“You can choose to work full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule and commitments”
Many families seek qualified teachers to provide personalised support in subjects like English and maths. By leveraging your teaching credentials and expertise, it’s possible to carve out a niche in the private tutoring market, offering tailored services to meet the specific needs of your students.
Hours, rates and working conditions
Before embarking on a tutoring career, it’s essential to set realistic expectations regarding your working day, hourly rates and overall working conditions. While tutoring offers flexibility, it’s crucial to strike a balance between workload and your personal wellbeing.
Working hours as a tutor can vary depending on factors such as client demand, scheduling preferences and seasonal fluctuations. Some tutors opt for a part time job, supplementing their income with tutoring sessions outside of regular teaching hours.
Alternatively, you may choose to commit to full-time tutoring, building a steady clientele and maximising your earning potential.
Hourly rates for tutors vary based on factors such as qualifications, subject expertise, geographic location and market demand.
Experienced teachers with specialised knowledge or credentials can often command higher rates compared to novice tutors. It’s essential to research rates in your area and adjust your pricing accordingly.
“While hourly rates for tutoring range from £5-£150, most tutors charge between £30 and £50 an hour depending on their experience and expertise,” explains Julia.
“Tutors of A Levels and degree level tend to charge more than tutors of primary and GCSE students. SEN specialists or test prep tutors command higher rates than generalists.
“One effective way for you to increase your salary is to offer group tuition, where the rate per student is lower, but the hourly rate can significantly increase.”
Navigating the transition process
Transitioning from classroom teacher to tutor involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition:
Assess your skills
Identify your strengths, weaknesses and areas of expertise to determine the focus of your tutoring services.
Obtain qualifications
While teaching experience is valuable, consider obtaining additional certifications or training in tutoring methodologies, especially if you’re targeting specific subject areas or student demographics.
While there are no regulatory requirements for tutoring, it can be beneficial to engage with professional development designed specifically for the tutoring profession, explains Julia. It’s also important to have basics such as DBS and insurance in place.
Build a network
Connect with other tutors, educators and tutoring platforms to gain insights, share resources and explore collaborative opportunities.
Tutoring can feel like a lonely pursuit at times. However, there are lots of online and in-person events and forums for tutors if you seek them out that can support you in sustaining a long-term career in tutoring.
Create a brand identity
Develop a professional brand identity, including a CV, portfolio and online presence to showcase your qualifications, experience and services.
Market yourself
Utilise various marketing strategies, such as social media, networking events and word-of-mouth referrals, to attract clients and build a client base.
Thanks to Julia Silver for her help with this article. Julia is the founder of Qualified Tutor, a professional development community that develops and certifies tutors. She is the author of Love Tutoring: Be the Tutor Your Student Needs (Crown House Publishing, 2024).
