What Is a Math Tutor and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A Math Tutor helps students with their math studies, either individually or in small groups. As a Math Tutor, your responsibilities and duties include assessing what mathematics material your students have mastered, where they need assistance, and how they learn best. You work patiently with your students, explaining and demonstrating the mathematics material they are learning in a variety of ways to help them understand it. You provide tips for studying and ample practice opportunities, such as math division drills, so that they can develop mastery of the material.

Some Math Tutor positions require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field, but others only need an associate degree or tutoring certification. You must have a clear understanding of math beyond the grade level you tutor and be able to clearly explain how to calculate answers in a variety of math problems. Math Tutors working in public schools may need a state tutoring license; private tutors do not have to meet the same state license requirements and can set their own rates and schedule. To become a certified Math Tutor, complete the tutor training courses offered by national tutoring groups, such as the National Tutoring Association (NTA) or the American Tutoring Association (ATA).

To be a good Math Tutor, master the areas of mathematics for the grade levels you will be teaching. You may want to pursue training in basic teaching practices or formal teacher certification for your state to learn current teaching methods. Good Tutors evaluate their students thoroughly to discern the holes in their math education and devise ways to help their students understand the math concepts and find solutions to their math problems. You should be personable and easy to talk to so that the students are comfortable describing their issues, while also being patient and persistent since it may take multiple teaching sessions before a student understands a specific lesson.

Job Summary

We need a qualified Math Tutor to join our education team. You must have a mastery of different math subjects and be comfortable working with students of various ages. Proficiency in math adjacent subjects, such as chemistry or physics, is also helpful. Our ideal candidate has several years of tutoring experience with a record of improving students' grades and test scores. We prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, though we may consider those with a degree in another discipline if you can demonstrate math expertise. Classroom teaching experience is a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess student's current math skills
• Discuss the trouble area the student is having, either with a specific lesson or understanding a particular math concept
• Develop lesson plans that enable the student to better grasp the math concept
• Help students work through their homework and study for exams
• Write progress reports for parents and students

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Expert in different math disciplines
• Experience working with students of various ages
• Strong communication skills
• Proficient in basic computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel