Ever wondered what it’s like to leave the structured world of teaching for the wild frontier of tutoring? Sarah, a former primary school teacher turned entrepreneur, shares her enlightening journey that’s brimming with insights for any tutor looking to navigate the rewarding yet challenging path of private education. From discovering niches to mastering the business side of things, her story is a treasure trove of wisdom for those eager to make a real difference in their students’ lives.
The Power of Specialization
Sarah’s transition from classroom to tutoring has underscored the importance of specialization. Her foray into teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and early years education highlighted the need for extensive preparation and resources. However, it was her work with students preparing for exams and those with specific learning challenges that truly ignited her passion. This experience aligns with the transformative potential of targeted interventions, especially for students with dyslexia Dyslexia. Sarah’s journey emphasizes that as tutors, we must not shy away from focusing on areas where we can make the most significant impact.
2. Business Savvy: Understanding the market and charging appropriately for specialized services is crucial for a sustainable tutoring business.
3. Continuous Learning: Ongoing professional development in areas like dyslexia and dyscalculia can significantly enhance a tutor’s ability to support their students.
Charging What You’re Worth
In the business of tutoring, Sarah learned quickly that knowing your worth and setting your rates accordingly can make all the difference. By positioning herself at the higher end of the market, she attracted clients who valued her expertise and avoided the pitfalls of haggling and payment issues. This approach not only respects the tutor’s time and skills but also sets a standard for the quality of education provided.
Embracing the Freedom of Self-Employment
The shift to self-employment brought Sarah a newfound sense of freedom and reduced pressure. Without the constant scrutiny of a traditional teaching environment, she thrived. This highlights the importance of creating an environment where tutors can focus on what they do best—teaching—without the fear of judgment. For those working with students who have dyscalculia Dyscalculia, this freedom can be particularly beneficial in tailoring approaches that meet the unique needs of each learner.
I have learned so much about them which actually brings me on to my next point—I have learned that teachers need way more CPD in these specialist areas.
The Role of Continuous Professional Development
Sarah’s commitment to ongoing professional development, especially in the areas of dyslexia and dyscalculia, has been a game-changer. She’s embarking on a dyslexia specialist teacher program, recognizing that the right training can transform the way we support students with learning differences. This dedication to learning is a reminder that as tutors, we must continually seek to expand our knowledge to better serve our students.
These children who have often made it to the age of 10 or 11 feeling like this is just not something they’re going to be able to do—and then ah, we found something that works.
Empowering Students Through Targeted Interventions
Sarah’s experience with specialized teaching programs has shown her the incredible progress that can be made when the right methods are applied. The slow but steady gains she’s witnessed in her students with dyslexia and dyscalculia are a testament to the power of targeted interventions. As tutors, we have the privilege and responsibility to empower our students, helping them to overcome the villain of feeling stuck and to embrace the growth mindset that their brains can indeed change and adapt.
But remember, dear tutors, the journey doesn’t end with the student. It begins with us, the educators, and extends to the parents who are their children’s first and primary teachers. By partnering with programs like Learning Success, we can equip ourselves with the tools to make a lasting impact. Join the Learning Success affiliate program to enhance your tutoring services and boost your income while helping your students overcome learning challenges.
Author: Laura Lurns
Find me on X https://x.com/lauralurns