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Online Tutor

First things first and in case you didn't know...

 

Online tutors are (usually) teachers first. They provide individualised instruction to students, typically through virtual platforms, although previously via face-to-face 121 sessions. They leverage digital tools like video conferencing and virtual whiteboards to engage students in real-time. 

 

Unlike traditional classroom settings, online tutoring often offers greater flexibility in scheduling and curriculum, allowing for a more targeted and tailored learning experience.

Key skills/talents

The following are a few key skills you should have if you’re looking to become an online tutor:

  • Subject Expertise: A deep understanding of the subject you'll be teaching and the education (board) curriculum requirements for that subject.

  • Strong Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.

  • Patience and Empathy: Understanding and responding to students' needs and learning styles.

  • Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with online teaching platforms and tools.

  • Time Management Skills: Organising your schedule to accommodate tutoring sessions and administrative tasks.

  • Adaptability: Adjusting to different learning styles and teaching methods as needed.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying and addressing students' learning challenges.

  • Positive Attitude: Creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment.

  • Self-Discipline: Maintaining focus and motivation in a remote setting.

  • Business Acumen: If self-employed, skills in marketing, finance, and legal matters.

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​Qualifications required

While specific qualifications may vary depending on the tutoring platform or organisation, here are some common requirements:

  • Degree in Relevant Subject: A degree in the subject you plan to teach can enhance your credibility.

  • Teaching Qualifications: QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is not always necessary for online tutoring, but parents paying for tutoring will mostly look for this: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/qualified-teacher-status-qts

  • Experience: Previous teaching or tutoring experience can be helpful, but it's not always a strict requirement, providing your knowledge is good and your communication skills are high.

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Rules and regs

Online tutors in the UK must adhere to specific legal and regulatory requirements. 

 

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is essential for working with children or vulnerable adults to ensure safety and compliance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

 

Tutors handling personal data must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to comply with GDPR regulations: https://ico.org.uk

 

Additionally, those operating as freelancers must register as self-employed with HMRC to meet business and tax obligations:​(https://www.gov.uk/employment-status/selfemployed-contractor

 

Online tutors should have appropriate insurance to protect themselves and their business. Public liability insurance is crucial for covering claims of injury or property damage during in-person or virtual tutoring sessions. Professional indemnity insurance is recommended to safeguard against claims of negligence or inadequate service, particularly in cases where clients allege unsatisfactory outcomes. 

 

Additionally, business equipment insurance can cover valuable tools like laptops, webcams, or tablets essential for online tutoring. 

 

Tutors offering services direct from home (face-to-face) may need to inform their home insurer about business use or consider dedicated home business insurance. 

 

For those traveling for in-person sessions, car insurance with a business-use extension may also be required

 

Below are some insurance providers who offer cover specifically for private tutors…

 

https://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/tutors-and-private-teachers

https://www.markeluk.com/business-insurance/teachers-tutors-insurance

https://www.policybee.co.uk/teachers-insurance

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Remuneration framework

Different tutors charge different amounts, and of course, geo variations apply (North Vs South, city vs rural). Specialised subjects (and the rarity of those teachers) will also impact lesson prices.

 

Manisha’s business charges lessons out at about £50 per lesson, which is needed to cover both the tutor and Manisha’s umbrella costs. However, lone tutoring (without an umbrella brand) should see a tutor earn between £25 and £35 an hour.

 

Doing an extra 5 hours a week, therefore, = £150 a week (at ave of £30ph), £600 a month.

 

How many hours you want to do per week (without burning out, if you have a full-time teaching job as well), is up to you and your earning requirements.

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How to get started

If you are not already a specialised subject teacher, and are perhaps a more of a generic primary school teacher, you could begin by focusing on subjects where you have expertise and which are in demand, such as Maths, English or Science. 

 

Gaining qualifications or certifications in these areas, such as a degree or a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, can boost your credibility. 

 

The UK Government website covers everything you need to know about teaching, whether you are just starting out, or if you already have qualifications: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/steps-to-become-a-teacher

 

If you are looking to train as a tutor as a second career, consider the ‘Now Teach’ programme which looks to support professionals moving from a professional career into teaching/tutoring: https://nowteach.org.uk/become-a-teacher

 

You should also look to register on tutoring platforms like…

 

Tutorful: https://tutorful.co.uk

MyTutor: https://www.mytutor.co.uk

TutorExtra: https://tutorextra.co.uk

 

And of course, Manisha’s platform ‘IXL Tutors: https://www.ixltutors.com 

 

… All of which can connect you with potential students and provide a structure for your services. 

 

Marketing is vital, so create a professional profile highlighting your skills, promote your services through social media, a professional website and encourage word-of-mouth referrals by delivering quality sessions. 

 

Word of mouth is mostly going to be your main driver of business. Parents talk to parents and seek recommendations (given the cost involved)... Which means you will live and die by your reputation. ALWAYS remember that.

 

Offering a free trial session or discounted introductory rates can help attract new clients and build your reputation​, particularly at the start and while your reputation (build) is underway.

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Job site links

There’s a lot of places you can look for jobs, including the Tutors’ Association: https://thetutorsassociation.mcjobboard.net/jobs), but below are a few more of the tutor platforms which have job boards.

 

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Associations or official bodies to register with

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Progression pathway​

This is a tricky one to answer, because tutoring is usually done alongside a main career, or towards the end of your career, and perhaps even during retirement. Which means there isn’t a huge need to progress within it.

 

We would simply reiterate that your work always speaks for itself. So if you want to always charge the prices you want to charge, and can work as many hours as you want to, then never take your eye off the ball with the quality of your tutoring… Yep, even for those difficult students that make you want to gouge your own eyes out!

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Additional Information/links

Our career write-up about how to get into teaching, would be a great read alongside this tutoring write-up… Go check it out..

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