Online tutoring not only benefits struggling students, but it can also help certified teachers make extra money on the side. However, the process of starting an online tutoring business can often seem confusing or intimidating to teachers who are used to a more traditional, brick-and-mortar setting. Here’s an overview on what online tutoring is, how it works, and why certified teachers should give it a try.
What Is Online Tutoring?
Online tutoring is a form of educational support conducted remotely in an online environment, typically through video conferencing software or online platforms. With the help of online tutoring, students can receive personalized instruction, guidance, and support in a wide range of subjects and topics.
Online tutoring offers flexibility, convenience, and accessibility for students who may not have access to traditional in-person tutoring services. The online tutoring process can also be particularly beneficial for students who need extra help with their schoolwork, exam preparation, or understanding complex concepts
Getting Started in Online Tutoring
The following steps can help you maintain a successful online tutoring business:
- Establish Your Tutoring Style: The hardest part about starting an online tutoring business is deciding on your online teaching approach. Some teachers prefer voice calls, while others use video conferencing software. You’ll need to find out which method of contact you’re most comfortable with before connecting with students. Texting and collaborative workspaces can also be useful to work through problems with your students in real time.
- Prepare Before the Lesson: It’s crucial to be fully prepared for the tutoring lesson before interacting with students. Make sure your physical space is prepared for the lesson, and spend some time familiarizing yourself with your curriculum, tutoring software, and teaching tools before you present them. Make sure your students are aware the lesson is happening by sending reminders, and work out any technical difficulties beforehand. It’s helpful to troubleshoot any software you’ll use and have backup options in case they don’t work.
- Maintain Focus During the Lesson: Teaching a lesson online is very similar to traditional instruction; however, it’s important to be adaptable for your students. For example, they might not be able to use their camera or microphone, or the online resources or audio might not work on their end. It’s also important to remember to keep your students engaged and focused throughout the lesson, as they may become distracted online.
- Obtain Feedback After the Lesson: After a tutoring lesson ends, following-up with your students for any feedback on the class can help them feel heard and keep them motivated. Many collaborative spaces and video conferencing software allow you to record the lesson and save it for future reference. It might be beneficial to send these recordings out, so students have a reference point. Some teachers prefer to give out follow-up tasks like homework, such as worksheets, refresher quizzes or short explanation videos.
Why You Should Become an Online Tutor
There are several benefits to becoming an online tutor. The biggest reason is it gives both you and your students flexibility. With online tutoring, you can work from virtually anywhere and at times when it benefits you. Similarly, your students will be able to attend their tutoring lessons around their busy schedules.
On top of helping students, online tutoring has become a lucrative business in the last few years. Online tutoring is currently in high demand across all subjects, and your experience as a certified teacher can help you earn even more per hour than a non-certified tutor.
Start Online Tutoring with VirtuEd
If you are a certified teacher interested in online tutoring, start your business with VirtuEd: technology for teachers that tutor. Built exclusively for certified teachers, VirtuEd is a single platform that efficiently combines the tools needed to build and run a successful tutoring business. From video conferencing and interactive technology to scheduling and payment processing services, our user-friendly platform gives you complete control of your online tutoring business, empowering you to elevate the way you educate. For priority access, reserve your spot by signing up today.