What Is a Tutor and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Tutors help students work through tough assignments or support the lessons from their classroom teachings. A student may not grasp something in a hectic classroom but excel when learning from a tutor in a one-on-one environment. Online tutors can reach students across the world, and private after-school tutors can help a child through a tricky math problem. Tutors can be students themselves in peer programs, teachers or teacher assistants, or educated degree-holders who wish to help students succeed.

Tutoring is a great way to share your skills and help students excel. To become a tutor, you may need to have a degree in the subject you wish to teach. Most tutoring facilities have strict rules on the education level of their tutors. You will have to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter. If you are still a student yourself, many schools offer peer tutoring programs that can help you get started.

To be a good tutor, you will need the patience to teach and work with children who may become frustrated or bored with the material. Setting goals and finding ways to engage the student to make the material interesting to them is beneficial for you both. Speaking clearly, listening to students, answering questions, and exploring ideas critically are also great tools for a productive tutoring session.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced and reliable Tutor to join our educational team. You will work with students of various ages, either one-on-one or in groups, to provide help on a particular assignment or with basics in a specific subject. After each tutoring session, you will need to document what tasks you worked so that you can share the student’s progress with their parents and teachers. We also offer test preparation services, especially to high school students, so you must be able to work with older students on improving their test scores. Our ideal candidate has worked professionally with school-age students for at least one year and is comfortable tutoring in at least two of the four core subjects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Discuss what subject or problem the students need help with
• Explain the problem-solving method in an easy-to-understand way
• Set lesson goals and milestones
• Provide encouragement and positive motivation
• Prepare materials specific to upcoming tests
• Collaborate with parents and teachers to evaluate student needs
• Document progress to discuss with parents and educators

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree a plus
• Proficient in at least two of the four core subjects up through early high school levels
• Proven experience working with children and older students
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Able to work after school hours, nights, and weekends
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite