After-School Tutor Job Description
Elementary, junior high and high schools offer after-school tutors for students who need additional help completing homework and general school assignments. There are also private tutor companies that specialize in teaching concepts and strategies that help students to practice and master subjects such as math, science and reading comprehension. Tutors come from a range of professions and education backgrounds, but typically have at least a college education and previous experience in tutoring or teaching.
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Function
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After-school tutors are hired by schools and tutoring companies to teach students basic concepts in subjects ranging from reading comprehension and math, to writing and history. Tutors read to students, guide them through pronunciation and explain terms using definitions and real-life examples. Pupils can range from kindergarten students learning the English alphabet, to high school seniors who need to refresh on basic algebra. Additional after-school duties may include meeting with teachers and teaching assistants to set individual goals for students, preparing lesson plans, facilitating group learning sessions and attending regular tutor training sessions. Tutors may also provide after-school teaching sessions to students who are studying for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.
Education
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Most employers prefer candidates who have a high school diploma, as well as some college education. Positions that offer competitive hourly and annual wages may only consider candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees. Since tutoring jobs span a range of disciplines and subjects, tutors should specialize and become versed in the subject they plan to teach. Advanced high school and college courses in English, creative writing, chemistry, biology, physics, social science and literature can prepare for a career in tutoring. Some tutoring companies offer specialized training in standardized test preparation, which allows tutors to master tricks and strategies for earning high scores.
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Skills
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After-school tutors should be flexible, patient, attentive and responsible when dealing with students, parents and teachers. They must also be able to customize and craft effective tutoring plans that address student weaknesses and strengths. These professionals should have excellent writing, oral and interpersonal communication skills, and demonstrate a mastery of various school subjects such as English, math and writing. Similar to teachers, tutors must be motivated and dedicated to helping students improve and succeed academically.
Salary
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A June 2010 Indeed.com report states that the average annual salary for after-school tutors is $46,000 per year. PayScale reports that the average salary range for tutors with one to four years of work experience fell between $14,747 and $34,888 as of May 2010. Tutors with more than five years of experienced earned between $23,272 and $62,168 per year.
Potential
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics "Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition" predicts that job prospects for educational professionals will be good to excellent between 2008 and 2018. Job growth will be driven by teachers retiring from the sector and an excess number of job openings versus job applicants. Employment opportunities will be best for trained teachers with specialties in special education, math and science.
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References
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