There are many reasons to consider freelance tutoring as a side hustle. Perhaps you are a teacher looking for extra income during the summer months. Or maybe you are a student who is looking for ways to make some money on the side. Whatever your reasons, freelance tutoring can be a great way to make extra money.
Moreover, freelance tutoring can also be done virtually. This means that you can offer your services to students or parents who live far away and would otherwise not be able to afford your services. By offering your services online, you can maximize your time and reach more people than you would if you were limited to working locally.
Here’s what you need to know about becoming a freelance virtual tutor:
Necessary Skills to Become a Tutor
There are a few skills that you will need to become a successful freelance virtual tutor. First and foremost, you must be an excellent teacher. You must explain complex concepts clearly and concisely to help students understand and apply the material they are learning.
In addition, you must be patient and good at problem-solving. Not every student learns in the same way, and you may need to adapt your teaching methods to fit each student’s individual needs. You must also be willing to help students with their homework assignments, even if it is outside your area of expertise.
Lastly, it is important to have strong computer skills. You will be working online, so you will need to be familiar with various software programs and be able to communicate with students and parents via email or Skype.
Offering Your Services
Most online tutoring companies require specific qualifications, such as teaching experience or certification, which would boost your credibility as a tutor. Moreover, you will also need to create a profile on various online tutoring platforms. Your profile will want to list your qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. You will also want to set your hourly rate. Once your profile is created, students or parents can search for tutors that meet their needs and contact you directly to schedule a session.
You can also advertise your services on other freelancing platforms. There are many platforms that you can use, such as Craigslist, Indeed, or UpWork. You can also create a website or social media page to promote your services. This will expand your reach and allow you to attract more clients.
Preparing for Teaching
Aside from your skills and online presence, you would also need to prepare yourself for the work proper. This includes being familiar with the material you teach and creating lesson plans. You may also need to create worksheets or other materials for your students during the lesson. It is also important to be organized and efficient when working with students. There are other areas you should also place importance on while tutoring:
Personal Care and Appearance
Becoming a virtual tutor implies that your colleagues and students can only see your appearance on screen. This also entails the need for a cheerful and positive attitude especially if you will be teaching children. While facing your students, you would have to smile a lot and keep a friendly disposition to create a good rapport with them. But if your smile might show crooked or missing teeth, it might be distracting for your students and affect your credibility as a tutor.
You can avoid this by getting help from your dentist. You can get a same-day dental implant procedure that will improve your smile and increase your confidence in front of your students. You don’t even have to worry about missing work for the procedure because they will provide you with a custom plan that will best fit your needs.
Aside from that, you also need to be well-groomed all the time. This means you must have a neat and clean appearance at all times. Make sure to style your hair neatly and avoid wearing clothes with wrinkles. You should also be mindful of the way you carry yourself. Sit up straight and avoid slouching in front of your students.
Organize Your Background
Having a clean and organized background is important when you are tutoring online. This will help create a professional appearance and make it easier for your students to focus on the lesson. You can set up a desk in a quiet room in your house or use a corner of your living room. If you have children, ensure they are occupied and away from the computer during the lesson.
You should also make sure that all of your materials are within reach. This includes textbooks, notes, worksheets, and other materials you may need for the lesson. Keep your desk neat and tidy to avoid distractions. You can also use a backdrop to help create a more professional look. A simple white background can be purchased for a few dollars online or at a local store.
Freelancing as a tutor can provide you with another source of income, and it can also be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with others. It can be a great way to make extra money while helping others learn new skills.