Teen Business Idea: Become a Tutor
Teens who excel in specific subjects in school may well consider becoming a tutor. Tutoring is a valuable part of an education and a great way to earn a few extra dollars for teens.
To get started first decide on a subject. You may excel in math or history. Consider your strengths and weaknesses before you sign on as a tutor. You don’t want to tutor a subject that you’re not familiar with. That would be counterproductive.
Check your local laws to make sure you don’t need a license or to procure one before you begin this venture. Once you have that done you are all set to begin. Price your tutoring accordingly with what others are charging for similar services in your local community. Most tutors charge by the hour but you could also do so many lessons for a flat rate if you so desired.
Alternative schools and homeschoolers are a great place to begin looking for students. There are many homeschool coalitions that work through school districts and other local businesses in and around most local communities. Your teachers may also have a few students in mind that could really use your help. If so, ask the teacher to call that students parents to arrange tutoring.
Call or stop in at your local school district and simply ask if they are hiring or looking for tutors. Even if they are not currently hiring chances are you will at least be able to leave your name and number in case they need you in the future. For this reason you will want to have some sort of resume on hand to give them so that they know what you specialize in. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just simple and to the point.
You can also post flyer’s in local libraries or other community locations where tutoring may be needed. Have a tear off sheet at the bottom of the page with your name, number and the subject you tutor in so that the person will know how to get in touch with you.
You could also take out a small ad in a local newspaper offering your professional tutorial services. Remember to let your friends know that you will be tutoring as well. At least one of your friends is bound to need some help in the subject you have chosen.
Take your time and build your clientele slowly. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself in your first week. Remember you need to keep up with your own studies too. Whether your sessions are half an hour or an hour make time for your own schooling.
There are a few different ways to tutor. You can simply assist a student in completing an assignment that they are struggling with such as math, algebra, history or such, or you can create a lesson for them to follow and help them through it. Which ever way you choose should be decided between you and the student.
As your student gains confidence and understands the subject they may not need your services any longer, this is the time to have a few more in the wings waiting to add in to your clientele. There is always the possibility this student will return at a later date so keep your options open.
Patience is the key in tutoring a student. What makes sense to one person may not make any sense at all to another. Learning to show the person how to complete a math equation step by step will go far in helping them understand the concept and come to the ultimate correct answer. If you lose your patience, you have likely lost your student.
As a tutor you will be well on your way to a career in teaching or a lifelong secondary job of tutoring to being in some extra income.
