Tutoring is a small business. Success comes from managing the business details well and offering a valued service.
It's your business, so be prepared to:
- Provide a resume, transcript or references to an interested student;
- Discuss expectations for tutoring with your student;
- Meet in a safe and public place;
- Exchange contact information with your student to let them know of any absences or lateness;
- Have an agreed upon amount of time both you and your student should wait for one another before either of your absence is considered a 'no show'. For example, wait 20 minutes for your student before leaving if s/he has not arrived;
- Discuss payment in case of a 'no show'.
- Keep records of your hours and the material you cover during your session by completing a weekly tutoring log; and
- Ensure that you are paid regularly.
- Whenever money is involved, it's a good idea to put the terms and conditions of the (tutoring) service in writing. It's important that both you and the student are involved in creating and signing this document. Also remember to have a method for tracking payments. Consider using an estimate of service to outline the terms, cost & duration of tutoring services (like a contract). We’ve attached a sample here - Sample Tutor Estimate
The goal of a successful tutor is to work themselves out of a job, by helping students develop skills and strategies to be successful and independent learners.
