The world of the private lesson has drastically changed with the development of the Internet and online means of communication. Teachers and students alike are now turning to online private lessons, as it is an easier and less restrictive way to give or receive lessons than old-fashioned home tutoring. Teachers and tutors embarking on this new path often don’t know how to develop the right strategy to succeed in their new business, and they need support. Finding students can be hard but doesn’t have to be if efficient methods are used. Giving private lessons online can be a very satisfying work when done correctly. Read up on it here.
As a first step to teaching private lessons online, we feel the best way to do so is to join an online teaching platform and learn how they function, sites like Skooli or MyPrivateTutor. Most of them just ask you to communicate your contact details by creating an account (or profile), upload your CV, and choose the subjects you would like to teach or tutor in. Math, English, history, physics, chemistry, music, languages (Spanish, English and German language being in high demand); there is something for everyone. You must present yourself in the best possible way, to give an impression of seriousness and professionalism. You can also set aside some time and create a video about yourself. It is an interesting and more direct, personal method to introduce yourself to the online learning community: talk about how you teach, how you create courses and lessons, what skills you use, and how students can progress with you. It is great practice for all your future tutoring.
Don’t forget to specify the levels you teach in (high school, college, university, etc.), and voilà! All you have to do is wait to be contacted by students and give your lessons without leaving your home.
Now, this is music to your ears, and you might think that the procedure to start giving private lessons online could not be simpler, but to succeed in this very competitive world, you will need and want to do much more.
A question that many people who do not have a teacher's degree ask themselves.
In general, anyone can offer online lessons in any subject. Be sure to check if your country of residence might have any restrictions on that.
If you are a student yourself or do not have a diploma, you can still become an online private tutor.
In the field of music, for example, a diploma is not always needed, as the profession is not tightly regulated. Tutoring actual or future musicians can be very rewarding as long as you know how to read the special language of music. There are many free e-books to help you navigate that world.
Be aware that there are, nevertheless, a lot of things to consider to start working. Not a lot of students will want to contact you to help them if you do not have any diploma or degree.
You should also know that websites for private lessons do not have all the same policy, and some will not let you teach without a diploma or degree. Many platforms can decide that you do not have the skills and knowledge required to teach certain subjects, such as math, English, or Spanish for example.
To make it work, it is therefore necessary to obtain at least a diploma or qualification in your field of activity. If you want to maximise your chances of success, and your earnings, accumulating diplomas and skill certifications can only be beneficial to you. Your new working schedule will be filled in no time.
It is important to keep in mind that the student is looking for the most qualitative teachers, while at the same time considering their budget. Arriving on a platform without experience or a diploma in your CV could cost you a lot. If experience is what you lack, taking tests and certifications (or even a university degree) will help compensate.
There are many options available. You can decide between being an independent or opening a company, you can even apply to work for an online school directly as an employee. But this provides less flexibility and requires more experience. Turning to school recruiting companies is a must in this case, having a university level degree as well. But the support you get is a plus.
Being an independent is most of the time the best course of action. You work on your own time, schedule your week according to other professional activities if you wish to (many online private tutors are also salaried teachers in traditional schools and institutions), there is no need for a teaching certificate or extensive experience in a school setting. Just make sure you meet all the legal requirements to work as a freelancer in your country and be informed about the tax rules as well. Always specify your terms and conditions in any contract you sign if you are working outside online teaching platforms. Otherwise, the platform takes care of the administrative part for you, in exchange for a small commission. This will free up some of your precious time for other personal or pro activities.
Be sure to read up on as much information material as you can.
Setting rates and giving amounts is not easy, and it all really depends on how many students you teach and at what level. The number of students you teach also depends on many factors. You first have to choose if this will be your part-time activity or a real career path. It will determine how much you earn. Let best practices guide you in this.
The rates vary according to the number of students you tutor: a one-on-one lesson and a virtual class are not the same.
The experience you have in teaching in general, or in specific fields, also influences your potential to generate income. Students are not all attracted to the same diplomas or degrees. Finally, the rates you apply must be in sync with what you offer as a teacher and tutor, reflecting your skills and experience.
Adapt your prices as much as possible to the regions you teach in. Private lessons in big cities like London or New York will be more expensive than in other smaller cities. Also, a student in a prep class will not pay the same as a student in high school. In the same manner, tutoring a rare language or a group of budding musicians will raise prices.
Rates that are too high will scare away students or parents looking for tutors. Remember that your online presence in that profession is one among many, and that students and parents will compare profiles. Keep a competitive edge.
Keep in mind that the more experience you have on a given platform, the easier it will be for you to find students. After a lesson, students or parents will leave reviews on your profile, and this will provide you with additional great opportunities.
The more positive reviews you have, the more your notoriety will grow. With time, you will manage to earn more money and experience as an online teacher.
To attract more students, you can organise group lessons as well. You will therefore give your lessons in a class, a bit like at a good old school, except that the communication will be done by video, in a sort of virtual classroom. You can practice talking into a camera at home. It will make you feel more secure once the classes start.
Plan your lessons well:
Seniority alone cannot give you undeniable credibility with students. Remember that you will be evaluated on the courses you teach. Therefore, it is vital to collect as many favorable opinions as possible to increase your visibility, but also your aura as a tutor. Showcase your skills, producing quality lessons, with great exercises and intelligent homework. Use pedagogy and clear language to organise your lessons. The student must progress and acquire knowledge as quickly as possible, and you must remain attentive and at his disposal throughout the learning process. Support them especially when a lesson is hard or when they feel lost.
You can even offer different formulas so as to adapt the teaching to different student profiles. In addition, feel free to set up as many exercises and homework as needed for your students. They are a good way to estimate the level of knowledge and progress a student or a group has achieved. They are the best way to learn.
Each course should be assigned in a specific way. It is important to take all these precautions right from your first lesson. If your students are minors, it will always be best to agree with their parents on most details, whether for payment or for the training itself.
Use this simple guide to make a start on your online tutoring business: by learning the ropes of the trade, focusing on personal growth, practicing, knowing your worth, and being the best online teacher you can be.