Ever dreamt of turning your classroom wizardry into a six-figure tutoring empire? Molly, a full-time teacher, did just that, and she’s here to spill the beans on how you can too. No magic wands or secret potions required—just smart strategies and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit. As Laura Lurns, your expert guide in tutoring, entrepreneurship, and child development, I’m here to break down Molly’s success story and show you how to replicate it while fostering your students’ growth.
The Journey from Side Hustle to Six Figures
Molly’s tutoring journey began out of necessity while she was putting herself through college. What started as a modest $10-an-hour gig quickly transformed into a lucrative business, thanks to a mentor’s advice to charge $25 an hour. Over the years, as she gained more experience and qualifications, Molly confidently increased her rates, eventually building a thriving business that allowed her to have a fully booked summer every year. The secret? Treating tutoring not as a side hustle, but as a legitimate business.
2. Leverage Your Classroom Experience: Use the lessons and resources you’ve developed in your classroom to streamline your tutoring sessions. This not only makes your job easier but also enhances the quality of your service.
3. Systemize and Scale: Create a structured approach to your tutoring business. Set boundaries, use templates, and market yourself effectively to ensure a steady stream of clients.
Mindset Shifts for Success
One of the most critical elements of Molly’s success was a shift in mindset. She stopped viewing tutoring as a mere side gig and started treating it as a serious business venture. This change in perspective allowed her to create systems, set boundaries, and focus on scaling her operations. As an advocate for Growth Mindset, I can’t stress enough how crucial this shift is. Believing in your ability to grow and improve is the first step towards achieving your goals.
Balancing Teaching and Tutoring
Molly’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s possible to juggle a full-time teaching job and a thriving tutoring business without burning out. The key is setting clear boundaries and creating a schedule that works for you. By offering set times for tutoring sessions, Molly was able to maintain her sanity and ensure that her weekends remained her own. This balance is essential, not just for your well-being but also for maintaining the quality of your tutoring sessions.
I learned that you have to be strong in what you say you charge and not end your sentences with ‘is that okay?’
Marketing Without Being Salesy
For teachers, word-of-mouth marketing can be a powerful tool. Molly found success by leveraging her network of former students and their families. However, she also emphasizes the importance of marketing yourself without coming across as salesy. This can be achieved by sharing your expertise and the value you bring to your students. As an occupational therapist and preschool teacher, I know that building trust with parents is crucial, and this approach aligns perfectly with that principle.
A lot of what I’ll tell you to do does come from being a full-time teacher. Do you have to be a teacher to tutor? No. Does it actually help you benefit you? Yes, it does.
Empowering Your Students and Yourself
Molly’s story isn’t just about making money; it’s about empowering yourself and your students. By offering personalized tutoring, you can help your students overcome learning challenges and build confidence. This aligns with my mission as a child psychologist and special education expert to dispel the damaging belief that learning disabilities are fixed. Remember, brains can change, and with the right approach, you can help your students harness the power of neuroplasticity to improve their focus and learning abilities. As a parenting coach, I encourage you to share these principles with parents, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in their child’s educational journey.
As we wrap up, remember that the villain here is not just financial struggle but also the limiting belief that you can’t achieve more. By following Molly’s strategies and embracing a growth mindset, you can transform your tutoring business into a rewarding and lucrative venture. And don’t forget, as a parent’s first and primary teacher, you play a pivotal role in shaping your students’ futures. So, take charge, set your boundaries, and watch your tutoring business soar.
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Author: Laura Lurns
Find me on X https://x.com/lauralurns