"Tutoring is so fascinating. It's a fulfilling experience." -Chris Heacock

Do you love education? Does your passion for structured learning lead to the desire of becoming a professional teacher? If so, we sincerely salute you for joining the teaching ranks. There's a constant need for enthusiastic teachers to shape the minds of young ones in primary and secondary schools across the United Kingdom.

Nonetheless, since traditional classrooms typically have 20-30 students and only one teacher, it's no surprise that educators are outnumbered and can't provide every pupil with the specialised assistance that they need or deserve. So, what's the solution? Private tutoring!

Without further delay, in today's article, we're going to first outline the benefits of soliciting a personal educator and then we're going to analyse the top ten things you should keep your eyes peeled for when hiring a new tutor.

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Rush
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Maria-alexandra
£40
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1st lesson free!
Rush
5
5 (79 reviews)
Rush
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lucinda
5
5 (22 reviews)
Lucinda
£150
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Hakim
5
5 (16 reviews)
Hakim
£50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Maria-alexandra
5
5 (18 reviews)
Maria-alexandra
£40
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
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Why Should I Hire a Private Tutor?

Before we start listing off the best qualifications and personality traits that tutors should have, let's focus on answering the question, why should I hire a private educator? Truthfully, there's an abundance of brilliant reasons why and the following list features a few of them:

  • Hiring a private tutor provides students with a personalised learning experience that is tailormade to their needs,
  • Personal educators help pupils from all levels master the basics of learning before moving on to more complex topics,
  • One-on-one learning sessions are jam-packed with valuable information since there are fewer distractions,
  • Private educators identify the learning weaknesses you have and try to correct them before they're deeply ingrained,
  • The enthusiasm and passion that personal educators have for learning are contagious and this rubs off on students.

The reasons mentioned above are MORE than enough to convince students to engage with the assistance of a personal teacher. Now, is not the time to think that private tutoring is a crutch and that it's only reserved for those with special needs since that couldn't be farther from the truth. Private tuition is something that everyone needs and deserves.

What are the 10 Things I Should Look for in a Private Tutor?

Due to the massive boom in the private tutoring and e-learning industries, there's now an overabundance of resources currently available and this can lead to a lot of confusion when selecting a private tutor. So, what can be done? Have no fear, Superprof is here. Let's take a look at the 10 things you should be on the lookout for when searching for a private educator for yourself or your child.

The Tutor's Qualifications

If you are seeking a tutor for a child, the best type of tutor will usually be someone with a teaching degree who specialises in the same age group. That's because teaching children requires a certain kind of patience and other valuable qualities that display a sincere love for education. If you are an adult student, on the other hand, your tutor must be truly specialised in the subject matter that you wish to learn. You wouldn't necessarily want a tutor with a PhD in Physics or Chemistry to teach you English Literature.

Therefore, if your budget allows, seek out someone with a post-graduate degree in the sector or field you want to become more skilled.

The Price of Private Tuition

the cost of tutoring
If you're on a budget, the price a tutor charges per hour should be one of the first things you pay attention to. (Source: Unsplash)

Before beginning your search for private tutors, it's highly recommended to establish a budget. Why? Because you might be swayed to hire a private tutor that you're attached to but that is way out of your price range. For example, in the UK on sites such as Superprof, tutors can charge anywhere from £15 to £80 or more per hour.

If you are after a highly specialised tutor, the high fee may be worth your while since you'll receive an education that isn't readily available anywhere else. On the other hand, for straightforward subjects that serve as refresher courses, you should look to pay no more than £15 to £30.

The Personality of the Tutor

Nobody wants to deal with a person who is constantly grumpy, overbearing, and in bad spirits. Therefore, look for a good tutor who not only teaches you the inner workings of a particular subject but also knows how to motivate and inspire you. The smile of a tutor can go a long way and bring you much joy!

Additionally, a private tutor should also be able to adapt the lessons to your level and needs, and if they have a good sense of humour, your sessions will always be as fun as they are informative.

The Overall Flexibility of the Instructor

Flexibility is a great quality. The best private tutors are flexible with their teaching methods but also with their time and availability. How's that? For example, they would sometimes be available for out-of-class inquiries and they might also adapt their schedule to fit your needs. Flexible tutors show students that they care about them.

The Reliability of the Personal Teacher

making a deal
Reliability is one of the greatest things a private tutor can have. (Source: Unsplash)

Do you prefer someone who's sporadic and chaotic or reliable and trustworthy? I think it's obvious what we all prefer; especially when it comes time to choosing a tutor. Though reliability is something that needs to be tested and seen firsthand, it is possible to know if a tutor is reliable by reading testimonials from past students.

Reliability means you can bank on the fact that your tutor will show up on time and that they will be available for class at the time you previously established with them.

The Proximity of the Private Educator

It's a no-brainer that if you're looking for face-to-face private tutoring sessions that aren't conducted remotely via Skype, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom, the proximity of the tutor to your place of residence is of supreme importance.

The closer your tutor lives, the more likely they will show up promptly and be available for last-minute tutoring sessions.

The Feedback From Others

When conducting a thorough investigation of finding a good tutor, you should consult with current or past students that the private teacher is teaching or has taught to form an honest opinion that is yours. The feedback from other individuals, whether positive or negative, will direct you in the right way.

The References of the Private Instructor

Most private educators on tutoring websites post their references and qualifications on their profiles; however, if they don't, it might be a good idea to ask for references from a past employer or university professor to determine what type of person they are and the qualities they have.

The Creativity of the Tutor

No one likes a boring teacher who constantly reads from the textbook and seems to be in a rut. Creativity is essential in private educators and it's worth stating that a creative tutor will try their utmost to keep you motivated for many weeks or months.

Look for tutors that aren't only creative in their lesson plans but also in how they approach the subject at hand. Fresh eyes and new ideas make education a blast!

The Sample Lesson Plans

writing notes for lessons
If at all possible, students should get an idea of the lesson plans of tutors before hiring them. (Source: Unsplash)

Before starting lessons with a new tutor, you could simply message them and ask them how they would plan a typical lesson with you or your child. Asking for sample lesson plans allows you to see how organised the private tutor is but it additionally permits you to glean the level of their commitment and understanding of the topic they are educating others about.

Don't expect a tutor to send you an entire list of lesson plans since they have to make money somehow! Nonetheless, if they do feel free to discuss their teaching style and methods, you've found yourself a winner.

In conclusion, we hope that you have found the tips and suggestions mentioned in this article useful. Whether you are a parent seeking to help your child improve their marks or you’re an adult student wishing to stand out at college, or university, or continue your learning as an educated professional, a home tutor is one of the most convenient ways to achieve your learning goals. Happy studying!

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.