How much do you need to know in order to tutor?
Often, when we want to take on a new task, we think we need to study up, and research, and become an expert before we even get started!
You might be pleasantly surprised to know that you don’t need to be the top expert or a “guru“ in the subject that you are tutoring.
While it’s true that we should study, and research, and develop a proficiency in our tutoring subjects, you really only need to stay a couple steps ahead of your students.
If you’re smart – you’ll make this possible by following a few simple suggestions:
Choose the Right Subject
Be sure to tutor in a subject that you are interested in so that you can study and learn the topic allowing you to stay ahead of your students. You must also be able to anticipate your client’s questions. They may ask about the latest teaching methods or how to understand what their child missed on the latest test and why. Are you willing to put in a little extra prep?
For example, are you interested in tutoring high school math? If so, are you familiar with Algebra 2, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus? If not, perhaps you should start with Algebra 1 and re-learn the material for Algebra 2, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can certainly take on the subject with a solid knowledge base.
Perhaps you love painting, but aren’t familiar with the latest techniques and mediums. Are you willing to put in extra time to get up to date on the latest and greatest tools and techniques in the field? If you love the subject, you should be!
What’s the bottom line?
We always say that the three things you need to tutor are:
- A base of knowledge,
- A desire to help others, and
- Confidence!
If you have all three, you will be spurred on to be the best tutor possible for your students. You will love what you teach and be willing to stay a step ahead of your students when it requires extra effort.
You will get excited when you see your students developing an excitement for the material as you teach them!
Don’t make becoming a tutor harder than it needs to be. With a determination and a love for your material, you will surely pass on your passion to your students and stay a step ahead of them at all times!
