Keys to becoming an English tutor and giving private tuition in English
What does it take to be an English tutor?
English classes are very popular. It is essential for getting around the world and it is in high demand in the job market, so more and more students of all ages want to learn English. Therefore, becoming an English tutor is one of the fastest ways to find a job for English tutors.
The requirements to become an English tutor vary depending on which route you decide to go down. There are many different types of English classes and ways to become a tutor. Here are the four ways you can start teaching English and what you will need for each of them:
- English classes in schools. If you want to become a secondary school English teacher or a primary school English teacher in a public school, then you will need a degree in English as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or a degree in teaching.
- Tuition centres. With a good level of English, experience and the right studies, you can apply for a job as a tutor in a tuition centre.
- Private tuition. Many people with a decent level of English decide to become a private English tutor for a variety of reasons, with convenience, ease and quick money being the most common. In addition to being able to have a flexible timetable that is easy to combine if you are studying or working.
How do I give private tuition in English?
Would you like to find a job as an English tutor now? Why not start giving private tuition? You can determine the type of classes (private tuition at home, online tuition, group classes, individual classes etc), the price of your private lessons and your timetable.
Let's see what you have to do to become a tutor:
- Advertise yourself as a tutor. Once you have found your private tuition portal, you can advertise the private tuition you are going to give. In the advert, you must specify the subject and the type of classes you are going to give.
- Specify the level of English you are going to teach. Are you going to give English lessons for children or English lessons for adults? You can even give English classes for beginners if you want to. When writing your private tuition advert, it is important to describe the level you are targeting.
- Ensure your advert is concise yet attractive. Make your advert attractive and eye-catching so that students will be more likely to contact you!
- Find students for private tuition. It's not always the case that students have to come and find you. You can also find students to teach English to and contact them if you think you´ll be a good match.
How to give private tuition online?
To give private classes online, the process is similar to giving private tuition at home. When advertising your private lessons, you should clearly state that you are giving online tuition. Here are a few tips for holding classes online:
- Tools for online tutors. Every online tutor needs a set of tools to be able to run their online tuition. For example, you need a good platform that allows you to hold virtual meetings, share files or send messages.
- Online resources. Online lessons will also need online resources. There are a large number of online resources available, many at little or no cost, which can be used for students with various learning styles and needs.
- Excellent organisation. Having a shared virtual agenda with your students is highly undervalued by many teachers, but it is clearly a necessity. The flexibility of online tuition is a double-edged sword: it's perfect in case one of you can't make it one day, but you have to make sure you don't forget to make a note of that changed time.