How Can I Start a Tutoring Program?

Options for Starting a Tutoring Program

Before you begin a tutoring program, think about what type of tutoring you want. Do you need help with a couple of homework problems or with an entire subject? Would you be most supported by working with a tutor at home, finding a tutor online or going to a local tutoring center? Here are a few options to consider in your search for a suitable tutoring program.

Community Tutoring

Your school or local public library may have an after-school peer tutoring program. These programs are usually free of charge and are supervised by high school peer tutors, university students or certified educators. Generally, community tutoring programs are designed to offer help with homework assignments in a one-on-one setting or a small group format. You can ask a school administrator or your local librarian if there are any community tutoring programs in your area. If you or your parents ask about these options in your community, consider finding out which local programs have certified educators on-hand. Community members with a teaching or tutoring certification often have more experience helping students with diverse academic challenges.

Online Tutoring

If you only need help with one or two homework problems, consider asking your question online. Online tutoring is often targeted toward specific inquiries; you can ask an online tutor for help with a challenging homework problem and receive an answer within a few minutes. Some middle schools and high schools offer online tutoring to students free of charge. Check with a school administrator to see what online tutoring options are available at your school.

Most tutoring websites will charge you a fee for help with homework problems, exam review and other focused academic goals. Fee scales and learning methodologies vary, so be sure to read each website carefully. Some libraries pay to host online tutoring programs; in this case, you can get online tutoring help free of charge when you sign on to the website at your library. Ask your librarian if your local library hosts a free online tutoring program for community members or students.

Private Tutors

Private tutors can offer you one-on-one instruction in several school subjects. This type of tutoring is fashioned to your particular needs, so it may be a good idea to write down your academic goals before you or your parents contact a private tutor. Once you have a clear idea of what aspects you need help with, you or your parents can arrange an in-person or phone interview with a tutor to find out if his or her personality and previous experience fits with your needs. If you don't know where to find a private tutor, ask your teacher or an administrator at your school for a recommendation. Several private tutors also advertise their services online.

Tutoring Centers

Tutoring centers provide instruction in a variety of school subjects. If you enroll in a tutoring program at a local center, you will take a series of tests on your first day to help the center decide what type of tutoring will support you the most. Tutoring centers offer either one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions. They may have a suggestion of what would be the most helpful to you, or you might decide this for yourself.

You may not be able to choose your tutor; still, it's helpful to tell the center manager or admissions receptionist your specific tutoring goals. Consider reading the center's available literature to help you decide which tutoring center in your neighborhood will be a good match for your needs. Most tutoring centers train or certify their tutoring staff.