How to Become a Tutor
Tutoring Career Basics
If you want to become a Tutor, you should have a deep understanding of what a Tutor does? Tutors help the student or small group of students outside of the classroom with their professional academic knowledge. They teaches specific subject or skill to the students to improve their grades and get ready for exams, build their academic confidence by giving them positive feedback and helpful suggestions, assist students in developing skills to find answers for themselves, motivate them to try their best both in school and in life.
Tutoring Careers In-Depth
Tutors provide expertise academic individual tutoring to students who need to improve their grades, gain study and exam skills, prepare for the standardized examinations. Successful tutors offer positive feedback, assess students’ academic needs and craft specific custom plans that serve students effectively. As a tutor, you’re expected to be very savvy in the subjects you teach and capable of dealing with students in difference age groups, grade levels and studying capabilities. Tutoring subjects include English, math, science, social studies, foreign languages and so on.
Steps to Becoming a Tutor
High school diploma
The high school diploma is the education threshold if you want to be a tutor. You may want to continue your education at community colleges or four-year universities should you choose to study teaching or become subject matter experts.
Finish Tutoring Training & Education
There are many training projects for tutors. In some high demand subjects, such as English, mathematics or science, individuals with a bachelor's or graduate degree, it is sufficient for them to take tutoring certification programs. If you are interested in working in the classroom, your next step could try the formal education training. These options include teacher aide certificates, and teacher’s aide or teacher preparation associate degrees. Some tutoring companies may also require additional training of their methodologies for any tutors they employ.
Participant in a Tutoring Association
National tutoring associations can be a tremendous resource for tutors: benefits include mentorship opportunities, industry newsletters, attendance at annual conferences, networking events and tutoring certifications. Prospective tutors can join groups such as the National Tutoring Association, the American Tutoring Association, and the Association for Tutoring Professionals.
Accomplish Tutoring Certification
Some tutoring companies may require certification. Formal tutoring certifications are the guarantee of advanced instruction in key tutoring strategies and techniques while enhancing professional credibility. Candidates may pursue basic and advanced certifications from the National Tutoring Association, American Tutoring Association and other certifying bodies.
Licensed, Advertise Services and Set Rates
The tutors who are working in the school should be licensed. This is often required by the State boards of education. Private tutors may set their own rates and advertise their services. These professionals are not regulated or licensed, which means private tutors do not have to complete any additional training requirements beyond their chosen credential.
Choosing the Right Tutor Certification
Tutoring is not regulated at the state or national level. Instead, both entry-level and seasoned tutors can select from a range of tutoring certification programs to develop new competencies and become certified. There are three major certifying bodies for tutors: the American Tutoring Association, Association for Tutoring Professionals, the College Reading and Learning Association, and the National Tutoring Association. The table below offers a snapshot of several tutoring certifications and their requirements.
| Organization | Certification | Requirements |
| American Tutoring Association | ATA Tutor | Bachelor's degree and one year of teaching or tutoring experience; a clear background check and two letters of recommendation |
| Association for the Tutoring Profession | Associate Tutor | Ten hours of training; at least 25 hours of tutoring experience; an ATP membership and two letters of recommendation |
| Association for the Tutoring Profession | Advanced Tutor | At least 20 hours of tutor training; at 50 hours of tutoring experience; ATP membership and two letters of recommendation |
| Association for the Tutoring Profession | Master Tutor | At least 30 hours of tutor training; 75 hours of tutoring experience; ATP membership and two letters of recommendations |
| College Reading and Learning Association | Level I Tutor | At least 12 hours of training, 25 hours of tutoring experience and a GPA of 3.25 or above. |
| College Reading and Learning Association | Level II Tutor | Level 1 certification, plus; 12 hours of formal training and an additional 20 hours of tutoring experience. |
| College Reading and Learning Association | Level III Tutor | Level I and Level II certification requirements, plus: complete 25 additional hours of tutoring and two hours of real-time supervised learning sessions |
| National Tutoring Association | Basic Level Tutor | A high school diploma; a current NTA membership; 10 hours of tutoring experience; basic tutoring training and assessment |
| National Tutoring Association | Academic Coach | Basic Level Tutor certification; an associate degree; an NTA membership; at least 10 hours of academic coaching experience and complete basic coaching assessment training. |
| National Tutoring Association | Intermediate Level Tutor | Basic Level Tutor certification; a current NTA membership; 30 hours of college credit; 30 hours of tutoring experience; and competency training and assessment |
| National Tutoring Association | Advanced Level Tutor | Intermediate Level Tutor certification; a current NTA membership; an associate degree or higher; 50 hours of tutoring experience; and competency training and assessment |
| National Tutoring Association | Master Level Tutor | Advanced Level Tutor certification; Basic Academic Coaching certification; Advanced Academic Coaching certification; a current NTA membership; a bachelor's degree (master's preferred); five years of experience accrued after initial certification; and advanced tutoring competency training and assessment |
Preparing for Tutor Careers: Tutor Certification & Related Degrees
Because there are no official tutoring degree programs for either undergraduate or graduate students. The most pathways tutors become the professionals are completing one in a related subject, such as English, mathematics or education. The following institutions offer appropriate training programs.
Tutoring Facilities and Providers
Tutoring organizations and private tutoring companies offer tutoring preparation training programs. These programs are entirely focused around the organization’s tutoring specialty (e.g. GMAT) or focus (elementary school tutoring). Students learn teaching methods, how to conduct one-on-one tutoring and student assessment techniques.
Community College
Community colleges provide both formal academic degrees and continuing education certificates. Although there are no official tutoring programs, education programs are an ideal alternative. Two-year programs in early childhood education or teacher preparation teach the fundamentals of working with students.
4-Year Schools
There are degree programs provided by universities and colleges at the undergraduate and graduate level. Education is a most related major that degrees can be a stepping stone to teaching or tutoring in K-12 educational settings. A bachelor’s degree in education also provides students with a basic understanding of teaching pedagogy, classroom management and effective teaching strategies.
Tutoring Certification & Related Programs
No matter you study English, mathematics, social science and so on. If you want to start your tutoring career, the best preparation is becoming a subject- matter expert. Not all tutors with the education degrees, but education surely is the most related subject to start your tutoring career. Learn more about the different training and educational programs available to current and future tutors.
Certificate in Tutoring
Some formal tutoring organizations, such as Pearson or Sylvan, offer internal programs. And academic graduate certificates are distinct from the professional certifications listed previously. Universities and colleges usually not offer graduate certificates in tutoring. The individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree could join the short-term training which is provided by certificate programs.
Teacher Aide Certificate
Teacher aide/assistant certificates are one-year career-oriented training programs, typically designed for entry level employment in early learning facilities and K-12 institutions. The goals of these programs are teaching students how to work with learners with different studying capabilities, how to manage and organize a classroom, and how to communicate with studentsm their parents and administrators. Students also study how to assist students with assignments, administer examinations, set up instructional materials and use educational technology.
Associate of Arts in Teacher Education
The Associate of Arts (AA) in teacher education is a two-year program of study for paraprofessionals who assist licensed teachers in the K-12 classroom. Tasks range from grading papers to organizing small group learning activities and from classroom supervision to creating assignments. Associate degree programs prepare students for entry-level aide and tutor positions, or to transition to four-year degree programs.
Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
The Associate of Arts (AA) in early childhood education is for educators who want to work with infants and children through the third grade. Courses typically align with Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing requirements. Graduates can advance to bachelor's degree programs; enter the workforce as early childhood assistant teachers, teachers or tutors; or advance their current careers.
Bachelor's Degree in Education
Bachelor's degrees in education are available at the elementary and secondary level, which includes both middle and high school. These four-year programs prepare individuals to become certified and state-licensed teachers. Learners study the latest educational strategies and pedagogies, instructional methods and effective classroom management techniques. Students also complete a teaching practicum where they apply their knowledge in real-world classroom settings.
Tutor Career Concentrations
Tutors can work throughout the K-12 educational system, in private settings and with tutoring companies. Some tutors focus on multiple subjects, such as those working in an elementary classroom. Others choose to specialize in an area where they have experience and advanced knowledge, such as standardized testing. Learn more about different professional avenues for prospective tutors.
ACT/SAT Tutoring
The ACT and SAT are standardized examinations used by university admissions committees to assess students’ knowledge and college readiness. ACT/SAT tutors teach students how to approach each examination and develop strategies for each section: math, science, reading and English. Tutor-administered practice tests and individual learning plans may also improve scores.
GMAT Tutoring
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a challenging standardized examination used to assess business school applicants. GMAT tutors develop customized test preparation plans, teach computerized test-taking strategies and familiarize students with the different sections of the test (quantitative, analytical writing and verbal).
Writing Tutoring
Writing tutors teach key writing processes and strategies. By identifying individual student needs, writing tutors can craft customized learning programs. They offer instruction in grammar and language use, essay writing, writing mechanics, creative writing and proofreading.
Writing Tutoring
Special Needs Tutoring
Special needs tutors develop individualized learning plans for students with learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities. Whether the student as autism or dyslexia, visual disorders or non-verbal learning challenges, special needs tutors find the right tools to provide personalized support. They work with all age groups and in all subject areas.
Study Skills Tutoring
Study skills tutors help students develop the organizational methods and practices they need to succeed in different academic settings—from elementary school to college. They teach students how to define and strategically plan their approach to learning. Techniques include active listening skills, note-taking strategies, test anxiety management, research systems and effective writing methods.
Components of a successful tutor career: skills, credentials, tools & technology
Tutors must work and communication well with others, and instruct students in an encouraging and supportive manner. Learn more about the skills good tutors should possess.
Skills
Listening Skills
Successful tutors should have the good listening skills. If you consider the students’ thoughts and ideas, you can know better about the students.
Adaptability
Tutors will meet different age groups and grade levels students. You have to assess the performance of the student and decide to change the current approach if it is not that good.
Positivity
Tutors need to support and encourage students during the instructional process. A positive attitude can also improve student attention and behavior.
Patience
Students may struggle with certain concepts no matter how they are taught. Tutors need to be patient and adjust learning materials to meet student learning speeds and needs.
Creativity
Tutors should recognize learning styles and differentiate instruction in ways that make learning accessible and fun.
Tools
Today's tutors rely on a long list of technology when educating students. Here are just a few of them.
- Online Classrooms
- TutorClass; 4Teachers
- Online Communication
- Google Hangouts; Skype; Email
- Online Tutoring Platforms
- BuddySchool.com; Tutor.com; TutorVista.com
- Online File Sharing
- Google Docs; OneDrive; Dropbox
- Computers and Software
- Laptop Computers; Desktop Computers; Microsoft Office
Credentials
While there are currently no licensing or professional certification requirements for tutors, they may complete voluntary certification programs to sharpen their skills, move into new subject areas or start their own private tutoring businesses. Here is a snapshot of common options.
- ATA Certified Tutor – American Tutoring Association
- CRLA Certified Tutor - College Reading and Learning Association
Related Careers at a Glance
Individuals not quite ready to explore the world of tutoring can consider a wide array of career alternatives. The jobs below outline just some of their options (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Adult Literacy Teachers 7.1%
Median Salary (2015): $50,280
Education/Training Required:
Bachelor's degree, teaching certificate and a state license
Instructional Coordinators 7.0%
Median Salary (2015): $62,270
Education/Training Required:
Master's degree, teaching experience and state license
Preschool Teachers 6.7%
Median Salary (2015): $28,570
Education/Training Required:
Associate's degree, professional certification and a license
Librarians 1.9%
Median Salary (2015): $56,880
Education/Training Required:
Master's degree and certification
High School Career Education Teachers 0.4%
Median Salary (2015): $56,130
Education/Training Required:
Bachelor's degree and professional training
High School Teachers 5.8%
Median Salary (2015): $57,200
Postsecondary non-degree award
Bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate and a state license
Tutor Certification & Career Resources
The American Tutoring Association is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that has certified more than 6,000 tutors.
College Reading and Learning Association
The College Reading and Learning Association focuses on learning assistance, mentoring and tutoring college and adult learners.
The National Tutoring Association is a membership organization for tutoring professionals in the United States and thirteen other countries.