All The Possibilities For Private Teachers

Is Academic Private Tutoring in Demand in the United States?

One thing you may be wondering is if it is a good idea to try becoming a tutor. Maybe you think there won’t be enough clients where you are or where you are going.

While it can’t be promised that tutoring will necessarily make you a millionaire, as long as there is education, there will almost definitely be a need for private tutoring.

Students need private tutoring for a variety of reasons:

• Struggling with a subject
• Preparing for exams
• Not a good student
• Wanting the professional help

Many people think that tutors are only for struggling students. While struggling students make up a large portion of potential clients for tutors, there are other reasons students go to tutors, including straight-A students or students with a high grade point average.

Students, especially good ones, know that working with a tutor who is a specialist in a subject that they would like to focus on more or who is a specialist in giving study tips and advice for exams such as the SAT can be a huge asset.

The parents know that as well, so there is still a pretty big demand for private tutors in the United States.

To Work as a Private Home Teacher

As a homeschool teacher, I expect to be responsible for lesson planning, curriculum development, grading, portfolio preparation, transportation, meal prep, and any other daily tasks needed to keep students healthy and focused on learning. While some employers might only require expertise in the classroom, many homeschool teachers combine the role of educator and childcare provider into one job.

With more parents choosing alternatives to traditional schools, a potential job market could be expanding.

Homeschool teachers often make less than tenured professors or teachers at public or private schools. However, a more relaxed working environment and one that deals almost exclusively with students may be a compelling reason to choose this career path.

Job Duties for a Homeschool Teacher

Homeschool teachers spend most of their time in the classroom or the home, working directly with students. However, they must be flexible and set aside time for administrative tasks.

• Working with K-12 students in a specific area of expertise
• Developing a curriculum and course syllabus for every class and ensuring material meets state and regulatory standards
• Planning lessons and assignments, along with guiding in-class discussions surrounding current topics
• Grading assignments and retaining a copy for a portfolio record
• Performing student assessments based on performance in class and assignment grades
• Generating reports on learning outcomes, personalized for each student
• Planning and implementing field trips to further explore specific subjects
• Working with parents to create a cohesive education plan
• Providing advice and guidance to students on how to reach educational goals
• Staying up to date on current teaching methodologies and new technologies as they become available

Depending on the state, homeschool teachers may be responsible for developing the curriculum from scratch or using a state-provided roadmap and planning individual lessons.

A homeschool teacher may work with the same group of students for several years, providing progressive education, or they may work with different groups each year, providing higher-level instruction on a specific subject.

There may even be opportunities for distance learning as more education moves to digital channels.

Most in Demand Subjects for Tutoring.

If you are going to be a tutor, it would be good to know which subjects are most in demand and what you will likely be tutoring. Having elementary school students will make your job easy. If you are a college graduate, you should have a grasp of what your students are currently learning in school.

You may get students that are looking for tutors in what you know best, however, if you get students in high school or college you may need to brush up on a few things if you want to give them lessons.

• Math

There won’t be many surprises when it comes to what subjects students need the most extra help in. Everyone has to study math throughout school, and many students need help or preparation for exams. Thanks to the SAT and the many different mathematical concepts out there, you are almost guaranteed to have students calling you.

Then, of course, some students need to stay on top of advanced classes in high school.

• Science

Science is another subject that requires a lot of studying, and many students need a bit of extra help. It can be a difficult subject for many, and those who want to study science in college might try to take an advanced placement science class, which is no easy task.

• Languages

In middle or high school, we have to take a foreign language, like Spanish or French. Unfortunately, some people aren’t gifted when it comes to learning a foreign language, and that means they need a bit of extra help.

It can also be helpful to have a tutor who can help you with the small details, such as improving your pronunciation if you see yourself working with a foreign language.

• English Tutors

Foreign language is one tricky subject, then you have English!

While your students will most likely be native English speakers, grasping English literature can be really difficult. Sometimes, your students will have some trouble writing essays and short stories. Working as an English tutor should be about helping them with these tasks and more.

What Makes a Good Homeschool Teacher?

A great homeschool teacher is someone who is:

• Excited and passionate about education
• Confident about the subject matter when presenting to students
• High-energy and willingness to work with real-world examples to demonstrate learning concepts
• Up-to-date on the latest technology and able to use technology effectively in the classroom
• A clear communicator who can identify problem areas and offer different styles of instruction to meet the individual needs of a student
• Able to display tact and understanding when communicating with students and parents

How do Homeschool Teachers Get Started?

Education requirements

• Educational requirements for a homeschool teacher vary by state, and in many states, there is no educational requirement. While public school teachers must have a degree, private schools and home schools are often exempt. In competitive environments, such as areas where local schools score high on achievement tests, parents may look for homeschool teachers with a bachelor’s in teaching and a master’s in related educational courses.

• As homeschooling becomes more common, the need for teachers willing to work directly with parents in a nontraditional learning environment may also grow. Homeschool teachers are often hired for a specific class to fill in an area where a parent may not have the needed expertise to teach.

• Juggling the needs of multiple students and creating schedules to fill out a full-time workweek while working for several groups of parents is not uncommon.

Potential Earnings For a Homeschool Teacher

Salary ranges for a homeschool teacher are often comparable to K-12 teaching jobs at a school. Working with one family may not pay as well as employment through a homeschool co-op.

According to home private teachers, the average pay ranges between $35,816 and $50,671, depending on the state. New York homeschool teachers earn the most, while North Carolina teachers earn the least. So choose the area where you get the most!

• For those charging per course and working with multiple clients, the average hourly rate is between $17.22 and $24.36.

Challenges and Surprising Opportunities for Homeschool Teachers

While teaching children can have its challenging moments, a position as a homeschool teacher might offer some benefits that surprise you.

Advantages

• In-home teachers have more opportunities to work one-on-one with students, developing meaningful relationships and positively impacting their lives.
• Scheduling is often more flexible and may allow homeschool teachers to bring their children to work.
• There is no time spent in committees or grading hundreds of assignments. Instead, a tight focus on fewer students means less time in meetings and grading and more time teaching and planning lessons.
• A relaxed work environment means no dress code and the opportunity to spend more time outside when the weather permits.

Disadvantages

• Compensation can be disappointing and is often lower than faculty at a school.
• Positions are often on a contract basis or for a very limited duration.
• The school year may run year-round, with no additional bump in pay.
• Parents are often direct employers, which may mean no health benefits, paid time off, or sick leave.
• You might need to lesson plan at home. Few homeschool teachers have dedicated office space.

Enjoy Many Benefits

Every private tutor has a different schedule to accommodate the learners they work with. That is one of the benefits of tutoring. Tutors have the flexibility to build their careers on the schedule that works for them. If they join the virtual tutoring world, they can do this job from anywhere with internet access.

Tutoring can be a well-paying career. Especially if a tutor owns their own business and has repeat clients who make referrals. Private clients will likely pay more than working at a school or tutoring center, and tutors can set their hourly rates to whatever makes sense for their skill levels, expertise, locations, and competition.

Depending on the circumstances, tutoring can be a side gig or a full-time job. Tutors can facilitate a full-day homeschool learning pod or tutor one student after school once a week.

If you are interested in becoming a tutor, consider earning your degree in secondary education. Tutors with specialty training in certain subject areas are often in high demand. At Grand Canyon University, a master’s degree in education could prepare you to embark on a tutoring career that will give you flexibility and still ensure that you are making a difference in the lives of students.

You Need to Market Yourself as a Private Home Teacher

Private tutors who work for themselves must run a business and find clients to work with. They must balance this with the actual tutoring work they do. Here are a few ways that tutors can get started with marketing:

Develop a 15 Second Pitch

• Create an elevator pitch to sell the business quickly. It should be short and easy to share. Get started writing one by listing the target client, what they need, and how the tutoring business helps them overcome those problems.

Offer Discounts

• Private tutors can attract a lot of business through word-of-mouth referrals. Tutors should offer discounts to people who refer them and come to them by referral. They might also offer discounted rates for the first session.

Gather Testimonials

• Tutors should ask clients to write quick blurbs about their experiences working with them. The more data they can share (e.g., I went up 100 points on the SAT after just three sessions!), the better. Tutors can share these testimonials on their website, LinkedIn profile, and marketing materials.

Meet School Counselors

• Tutors can make an appointment to meet the counselors at local schools and leave a stack of business cards with them. School counselors often work with students who are struggling academically and are the people to whom parents direct questions about resources for additional help.

Move Your Business Online

Tutoring in person is a wonderful experience. However, tutors who are open to virtual tutoring should start advertising online. They can post in neighborhood groups or on education sites and ask their friends and family to share their ads for more reach.

How to Become a Private Homeschool Teacher

The path you take to become a private homeschool teacher may vary depending on the local regulations for doing so in your state and your existing qualifications as an educator. With these situational factors in mind, here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow as a general outline to pursue this career path:

• Research regulations for homeschool teachers in your local area

Regulations for homeschool instructors vary from state to state. Therefore, it’s important to research regulations for alternative educators in your local area to ensure you meet any eligibility requirements for this role.

• Earn educational qualifications and develop your skills.

While researching local regulations for homeschool teachers, you may find information about the educational, training, and skills requirements for professionals in your area. While some states have specific standards for homeschool teachers, others don’t require candidates to have any particular qualifications.

• Consider joining a professional association.

As a prospective homeschool teacher, you may be able to make connections, develop your skills, and find support in your career by joining a professional organization. Consider joining the National Home School Association, the Home School Legal Defense Association, or the Association of American Educators. These organizations offer resources for curriculum development, regulation adherence, and instructional strategy.

• Network directly with families in your community.

Once you meet eligibility requirements for homeschool teaching locally, you can start to make connections with families in your community seeking educators for their children. You can share your resume and offer your services to them.

• Build a portfolio of experience and expand your client base.

As you gain experience as a private homeschool teacher, record your duties and add information about your accomplishments to your resume. With a portfolio of experience, you can expand the services you offer and the number of student clients you serve regularly. From here, you may be able to earn a higher salary and establish more security in your career.

Disclosure: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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