How to Become an Online Tutor

Since the pandemic, online classrooms have become as natural as offline classroom. The online education market worth was around 50 billion in 2023 and the growth projection is that by 2031 it will be worth 270 billion, which makes it 24.10%.

The demand for online tutors has been increasing daily due to a high demand to acquire new skills quickly.

If you're passionate about teaching, becoming an online tutor will be a fulfilling career. And considering fast growth, this is one of the best times to start your online career as a tutor.

In this guide, let’s go through everything you need to know to start your journey.

Benefits of online tutoring

One of the biggest benefits of becoming an online tutor is flexibility. Online tutoring allows you to be in control of your schedule. You can decide when to conduct classes and when to take days off, and you are not limited to a 9-to-5 schedule and pre-approvals.

This flexibility makes it also easier to balance work with personal life, and it can be particularly beneficial for those with other commitments.

Students Reach

By teaching online, you have countless ways to reach students and the number of students is much higher compared to teaching offline.

This global reach expands your potential client base drastically. Some of your many options are online teaching platforms, social networks, social media, blogs and websites.

Also, you can connect with students not just in your local area or country, but across the globe.

Teaching someone online in Europe or Asia directly from the United States is easy with today’s technology.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is the time zone difference. However, even this is not a problem, considering technology and its countless options.

Qualifications and Skills you need as an online tutor

One of the differences between a tutor and a teacher is that a tutor does not need to hold a qualification degree or be an expert in the subject. So, if you are still a student, don’t give up on teaching thinking you need a degree.

However, there are some countries like South Korea, that require specific qualifications to be a tutor. Depending on where you want to tutor, it would be worth checking the law.

Of course, you’ll need to have good knowledge of the subject you teach, but you don’t need to hold a teaching degree or a specific degree in your subject.

Remember that the success of your lessons and the retention of your students depend on your knowledge of the subject not just your qualifications.

Of course, formal education or certification will catch the attention of potential students when choosing your profile. But it will not keep them for long if they don’t learn anything with you.

Therefore, more important than qualifications is the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively. Strong teaching skills are essential, and familiarity with online teaching tools will help you create engaging lessons.

Remember, you are the middle person between your students and their potential and you should be able to engage students and empower them to achieve their goals.

Communication Skills

One of the most important skills in teaching is to know how to communicate with your students.

Effective communication can save you many troubles and help you be clear and concise when explaining concepts and rules.

Some of the most important communication tips are to communicate clearly about your schedule, pricing, lesson duration, and your student's goals from the start.

Basic Tools and Software

As an online tutor, you'll also need reliable tools to conduct your sessions.

Hardware tools

A Laptop, a good headset, and a webcam are a must-have when teaching online.

Software tools

Video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Meet, an interactive whiteboard for demonstrations such as Google Classroom, online Calendar for booking options.

There are also plenty of specialized tools, depending on your subject, and teaching methods to improve your teaching.

Getting Students as an online tutor

Now that you are aware of the qualifications, skills, and basic tools, it’s time to talk about online platforms for teaching.

As I mentioned in the beginning, this is a very developed industry. Hence, there are multiple platforms, where you can register and in a matter of days start teaching. These platforms attract students and connect them with their tutors.

Here are major popular platforms where independent freelance tutors can go:

• Tutor.com

• Wyzant

• Chegg Tutors

• Preply

• Italki

In general, most of them charge lesson commission and the rules will differ from platform to platform, so feel free to get familiar with each of them and read the terms and conditions.

Alternatively, you can create your own website which gives you complete control over your business.

Creating a website is easy, you can use tools like WordPress or Framer to quickly create a website. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help you.

Creating Tutoring Space

Online teaching does not require much, but it is important to set up a quiet, distraction-free area where you can conduct your lessons.

Do not worry much about the professional background since most of the video conferencing tools offer it to you.

Also, ensure you have good lighting and a comfortable chair. A well-organized space will help you maintain professionalism and focus during your sessions.

Building Your Profile and Gaining Clients

Profile Creation

Your tutor profile or website is your online resume. Here you want to highlight your qualifications, experience, and teaching style.

Use a friendly tone, and professional photos, write what techniques and methods you use when teaching and how your students will benefit from learning with you.

Marketing

Promote your services on social media, educational forums, and local community boards. Create content like blog posts or instructional videos to show your expertise and attract potential clients.

Reviews

Do not underestimate the power of feedback. Collect reviews from your students and showcase them on your profile or website to build credibility.

One of the best times to ask for a review is after the 5th lesson.

Conducting Effective Online Tutoring Sessions

Prepare Lesson Plans and Materials

Plan your lessons. Outline the lesson objectives, gather necessary materials, and prepare examples and exercises.

A well-structured lesson keeps students engaged and ensures that you cover all necessary topics.

Use Interactive Techniques

Make your lessons interesting and engaging. Include multimedia elements, interactive quizzes, and real-life examples to make learning more interesting.

Encourage students to participate actively by asking questions and solving problems during the session.

Feedback and Assessment

Provide regular feedback on your students' progress. Use formative assessments to identify areas of improvement and adjust your teaching methods accordingly.

Constructive feedback helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and motivates them to improve.

Feedback is also a powerful tool for you as a tutor. Ask your students what they liked, what they struggled with, etc., in the end of each session.

In this way, you will see what works for them, what they enjoy, and how it affects their learning. It will also allow you to prepare better and keep your students engaged.

Potential Challenges and how to Overcome them

Technical Issues

One of the most common issues in online tutoring is technical problems.

Always have a backup plan, such as an alternative communication method or extra materials that don’t require internet access.

Also, familiarize yourself with common technical issues and how to troubleshoot them.

Student Engagement

Maintaining student engagement can be challenging, especially in an online setting. Vary your teaching methods and lesson activities, incorporate games and interaction, and regularly check in with your students to keep them motivated.

Time Management

Balancing multiple students and preparing for sessions requires good time management.

Use scheduling tools to organize your sessions and allocate specific times for lesson planning.

If you teach on a platform, students will book themselves your allocated timeslots. In case you decide to go solo, use calendars like Calendly or Google Calendar to allow your students to book their timeslots.

Define how long will your session last and include a little break after each session.

Professional Development and Continuous Learning

Stay up to date with the latest trends in tutoring, technology developments, trends, and techniques.

Join online tutor communities and professional organizations for online tutors and read blogs. These networks provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for professional development.

Becoming an online tutor is a rewarding and flexible career choice. By following these steps, you can start your online tutoring career, help students learn and improve their skills, and enjoy the benefits of working from anywhere.

Start your journey today and make a positive impact on students' lives!