Educate with us today!
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about what I look for in a potential tutor applicant (which can be found here). This was prefaced with how I’ve talked so much about enjoying tutoring that my friends have tuned it out by now. I wish this was a form of creative exaggeration, but it’s a little too accurate for my reputation to handle. Any new interaction with a teacher ends with a discussion on learning styles or strategy on how to handle challenging questions. For aspiring educators, it usually results in a sales pitch to join me as a tutor. So, if you’re still on the fence or looking for a new opportunity, here’s why you should become a tutor.
Flexibility
One of the values that are emblazoned on the office wall is flexibility. As tutors, we work with the clients to support students at a time and place that suits them. However, this type of schedule is also beneficial to the tutor as well. Our matching process means that you’ll clearly see what each job entails and their availability. This allows you to plan around any commitments that you have already, whether that’s your own studies, a second job or just allowing yourself a day off to rest. Depending on the client, these time slots could be spread across different days. So, if a new commitment pops up, lessons can be moved around as long as that has been communicated and agreed upon.
Gain Experience
Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? There aren’t many careers that you can try before you apply, but tutoring provides a great precursor for teaching. Rather than taking a whole class of thirty, you’ll be able to work with small groups or on a one-to-one basis. This allows time to build more confidence in front of a classroom or really hone your teaching style. Plus, it shows employers on a CV that you’ve taken initiative to gain paid teaching experience whilst doing your studies.
Alternatively, there are plenty of transferable skills that can be taken onto many other career paths. Tutoring requires breaking down difficult concepts, helping people understand and replicate them. Then there’s motivating students to complete homework, building their confidence for when exams come around. These tasks can easily be applied to personal trainers and coaches, marketing and sales, and any other public speaking roles. Who knows, you may want to stay on as a tutor!
Whether it’s your vocation in life or a part time role for additional income, becoming a tutor is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to make a difference in a student’s life is more rewarding than my previous customer service positions. I get to see first-hand the progress they have made since I have been assisting their studies. This is also reflected in my own skills, with each new student presenting another avenue for progress. Hearing about their results in August, hitting the targets we’ve been working towards, reminds me of why I became a tutor.