How to Become a Math Tutor

What’s it like to be a math tutor?

In today’s world, where a significant percentage of students seem to suffer from math anxiety, math tutors seem to be the spandex-wearing superheroes of the education sector. Students often need extra guidance to help them nurture a healthy relationship with this subject. Thus, if you’re interested in education and have a strong background in Mathematics, you might want to consider teaching math for kids online.

But how can you become a math tutor? What qualifications do you need to get started on this career path? If these questions are burning at the back of your mind, this article will serve as your best friend and guide.

Let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we?

What Do You Need?

If you’re looking to become a math and physics tutor, here are some important criteria you’ll need to fulfill first:

A degree/ mathematical knowledge

It goes without saying that the first thing you’d need to become a math tutor is a strong background in mathematics. This could mean pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and/or mathematics.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you could opt for formal training and earn a tutoring certification. Most parents aren’t likely to entrust their children/wards into the care of an untrained tutor. As such, you need to earn the right qualifications before you slap on the "I'm a tutor" badge.

Teaching skills

Here’s one thing you need to know: not every math guru is cut out to be a teacher. Thus, having a strong knowledge of math isn’t enough; you also need teaching skills to boot. You’ll need to be able to break down complex topics into engaging blocks to help your students understand better.

If you’re great at instructing students and explaining difficult concepts, then you certainly have what it takes to become a math tutor.

Patience (lots and lots of it!)

If you’re thinking of becoming an online math tutor for kids, then you’d certainly need a truckload of patience. In some cases, children require several attempts to fully grasp concepts, and the last thing they need is a frustrated tutor breathing down their necks.

You’ll need to patiently walk them through concepts until you’re sure that they understand. If they seem distracted or unwilling to learn, don’t snap at them. Instead, calmly draw their attention back to the topic at hand and get on with the lesson.

How to become an online math tutor

Now that we’ve gone over the basic requirements, here are some steps to follow to become a math tutor:

Choose your preferred level

Teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While some tutors are more comfortable teaching first graders, others might prefer teaching high schoolers. Thus, if you’re considering tutoring, you’d need to choose your preferred level first,

Do you love teaching kindergarteners or are high school students your forte? In some cases, you might even find university students who need extra help with some math courses. Whatever your preference is, carve out a niche and stick by it.

Freelance or agency?

As a math tutor, you have two options. You can either freelance or tutor through an agency/platform. If you’d prefer to go through an agency, you’d need to select one that offers favorable pay and great working conditions.

On the other hand, if you love the thought of freelancing, you have more work cut out for you. First, you’d need to find a freelance platform and then create an outstanding portfolio that will attract potential clients. Once you’ve done this, you can then go on to the next step.

Set your tutoring rates

Pricing is an important factor when it comes to tutoring or any other profession for that matter. On one hand, you don’t want to undervalue yourself by setting your price too high. On the other hand, you don’t want to scare potential clients away with unrealistic exorbitant rates.

Thus, like the Goldilocks rule, you have to find a tutoring rate that’s just right. A great way to do this is by conducting market research to find out the going rates within the industry. For instance, online math tutors in the US often charge between the range of $15 to $150 per hour.

Depending on your level of expertise, you can fix your tutoring rates on any end of this spectrum.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a math tutor is actually easier than most people think. With the right qualifications and skill set, you’re already a step ahead. All you have to do is carve a niche for yourself and start sending out proposals to potential clients. If you’d prefer to work with an agency, ensure you choose one that offers great pay and other employment benefits. This way, you can make the most of your tutoring career.

Good luck!