It was never something I had particularly aspired to do. After graduating from Oxford University with a 2:1 in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, most people asked me if I would be the next female Prime Minister. But one rainy evening, after spending six months in Guatemala and having ditched the rather dull graduate job in the NHS the year before, I sat at dinner with a couple of old uni friends who advised me that tutoring was the way forward, at least for now. They were both still at uni, completing masters or law conversions, and they had found that it had been an exciting way to earn a bit of cash alongside their studies, and it was much better than working in a bar. I was unconvinced but signed up for several online tutoring agencies anyway to see what happened.
That was 18 months ago, and I'm still doing it and made a full-time job of it for the 2010-11 academic year. At first, I thought, who would pay me twenty-odd quid to teach their child for an hour on subjects I hadn't even thought about for nearly two years? I didn't have a teaching qualification, although I had been a youth worker and inadvertently coached several of my friends and siblings through their GCSEs and A-levels. But then I remembered the two things that the majority of people don't know how to do, that teachers seem unable to teach but that I had been forced to master through my A-levels and three years of Oxford was 1. how to pass an exam and 2. how to write a damn good essay. As passing exams and writing damn good essays was what 90% of people asked for when they enquired on online tutoring sites, it soon became apparent that I was much more qualified than I thought.
Unfortunately (in my opinion), the entire education system, from primary to degree level, is set up around passing various assessments, be it SATS, GCSE coursework or degree dissertations. Even more unfortunate is that many teachers and university professors do not know how to teach the skill of jumping through the flaming hoops, otherwise known as assessment criteria and mark schemes. Perhaps it has been a long time since they sat an exam of their own, or maybe they even object to having to teach 'exam technique', believing that it is something that students should have to learn for themselves.
I have tutored incredibly bright students who have not been made fully aware of what is expected from them by the exam board or just haven't ever been taught how to construct a well-argued essay. I think tutoring is most useful when you can help someone master the game's rules to enable them to display their entire ability and knowledge. It is teaching this art of hoop-jumping that most appeals to me about tutoring. It shows the student how easy the game is once you know how to play it. And because the rules change from exam board to exam board, from university to university and from year to year, the tutor's challenge is constantly evolving: you need to be aware of all the rules and know how best to teach them to each student.
My name is Chloe Masterton; a private tutor in the Bristol and Bath area for the last 18 months offering tuition in Economics, Politics, History and English.
Advantages of Home Teaching
Home teaching, also known as private tutoring, offers a range of advantages for both tutors and students. One of the primary benefits is the personalized learning environment it provides. Unlike traditional classrooms, home tutoring allows for one-on-one interactions, enabling tutors to tailor their teaching methods to suit each student's unique learning style. This individual attention fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encourages students to ask questions without hesitation.
Moreover, the comfort of learning in a familiar setting, such as one's own home, can significantly contribute to a student's learning experience. This relaxed atmosphere often increases engagement and improves concentration, leading to more effective learning outcomes. Home tutoring also offers scheduling flexibility, allowing tutors and students to agree on convenient lesson times. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for students with busy schedules or those involved in extracurricular activities.
Improve Your Resume as a Private Teacher
Becoming a private tutor provides a rewarding opportunity to share knowledge and enhances your professional resume. As a private teacher, you demonstrate your expertise in a subject and showcase your ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. These skills are highly transferable and can be advantageous in various career paths. Furthermore, tutoring allows you to adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of different students, showcasing your versatility and adaptability.
The tutoring experience is valuable for building skills and highlighting your commitment to education and dedication to helping others succeed. Including your tutoring experience on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for contributing to students' academic growth.
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Earn Money as a Tutor
If you want to earn extra income while sharing your knowledge, tutoring offers a flexible and lucrative option. As a tutor, you can set your rates based on your expertise and service demand. Additionally, you can decide on the number of hours you're available to teach, allowing you to balance tutoring with other commitments.
The demand for private tutors continues growing as students seek personalized support outside traditional classrooms. You can turn your expertise into a profitable venture by offering your tutoring services. As you gain experience and build a positive reputation, you may find that your tutoring income increases, offering even more significant financial benefits.
Love to Teach? Start Tutoring!
For individuals who have a passion for teaching, tutoring is a natural and fulfilling path to pursue. Helping students grasp challenging concepts and witnessing their academic progress can be gratifying. Tutoring allows you to directly and meaningfully impact students' lives, fostering their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Your passion for teaching will shine through in your interactions with students. Enthusiastic tutors create an inspiring and engaging learning environment that motivates students to participate and explore subjects with curiosity actively. As a tutor, you have the privilege of sparking a love for learning that can extend beyond the classroom and positively influence students' educational journeys.
Be Passionate About Your Tutor Job
Passion is at the heart of effective teaching, and it plays a crucial role in the success of tutoring sessions. The results are remarkable when tutors approach their work with genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and a strong desire to help students excel. Passionate tutors create a dynamic and encouraging atmosphere that fosters student engagement and encourages them to reach their full potential.
The connection between a tutor's passion and a student's motivation to learn is undeniable. Students are likelier to connect with tutors who genuinely care about their academic growth and well-being. By infusing your tutoring sessions with enthusiasm, you create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring new ideas, and embracing challenges.
Work for Yourself as a Tutor
One of the distinct advantages of becoming a private tutor is the opportunity to work for yourself. You become the captain of your educational journey, determining the subjects you teach, the teaching methods you employ, and the pace at which you progress. This autonomy allows you to create a tutoring experience that aligns with your teaching philosophy and practices.
As a self-employed tutor, you can also enjoy the flexibility of managing your schedule. You can make those decisions if you prefer to teach during specific hours or adjust your availability based on other commitments. This autonomy also extends to business, as you can set your rates and develop your tutoring brand.
In conclusion, embarking on a journey as a private tutor offers a multitude of advantages. From the personalized learning environment of home tutoring to the financial benefits and the ability to work independently, tutoring provides a platform for educators to make a meaningful impact while pursuing their passion for teaching.