Extra Income Opportunity: Online Tutoring

Nora Dunn — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:01:23 +0000

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Do you have an area of expertise and a desire for some extra income? Are you good with concepts and do you like to work with students from elementary school to post-graduate levels? If so, you might have an opportunity to make some money on the side (or even full-time) from the comfort of your home. (See also: Easy Ways to Make Money Online)

Online tutoring is a fast-growing industry, enabled by the age of convenience and high-speed internet connections. By scheduling private tutoring sessions online with your students (once a week for example), you and your students can achieve the same results of an in-person tutoring session — except you can both do it from home. No commuting through snowstorms, no appointments missed because of traffic, and environmental expenses of transportation are reduced too (as an added bonus). (See also: Cost-Conscious Commuting Options)

You use the following tools during an online tutoring session:

Instant messaging
Interactive whiteboard applications
File sharing
Chat mechanisms

Although you can work part time or full time as a tutor, most people do it on a part time basis. And although it's casual work, it can't be treated casually. You are usually required to be available for your students consistently week to week throughout the school year. (See also: How to Sell to the Educational Market)

Some of the requirements expected of you include (not all apply, depending on the organization):

University degree or equivalent Professional designation
Background checks

If you are intrigued by this career possibility, below is a collection of online tutoring companies that may be a good fit for you. It is by no means an exhaustive list, so (as usual), make sure you do some research before jumping in.

Tutor.com

Countries of operation: US & Canada
Topics: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
Required Credentials: University or Professional degree
They will pay for training.
Pay is based on hours spent tutoring.

Find more info at Tutor.com.

Tutor Vista

Countries of operation: US & UK
Topics: Math, English, Language Arts, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Integrated Science, and others
Required Credentials: Masters degree
Doesn't pay for training.

Find more info at Tutor Vista.

Class of 1

Topics: Math, Physics, English, Chemistry, Economics, Statistics, Accounts, Finance, Human Resources Management, Corporate Strategy and Marketing Management
Required Experience: Classroom teaching experience in High School/ College/ Graduate/ Post Graduate
Required Credentials: Minimum Post graduate degree in the subject with English Medium education

Find more info at Class of 1.

Smart Thinking

Countries of operation: US
Topics: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Medical Assisting, Neuroscience, Nursing, Medical Surgery, Pharmacology, Online Writing Lab, Spanish
Required Commitment: Prefer minimum of 9 hours/week
Paid training (10-15 hours)

Find more info at Smart Thinking.

Tutorzilla

Topics: Math & Science

I was unable to find any further information about credentials or commitments required.

Find more info at Tutorzilla.

Sylvan Learning

Countries of Operation: US & Canada
Topics: Wide variety of topics

Sylvan, obviously already a recognized name in the tutoring business, is now operating online too.

Find more info at Sylvan Learning.

Tutor Nation

This service is simply a portal connecting tutors (in all subject areas) with students. They cover the gambit of live tutoring, as well as email tutoring and live online tutoring.

You pay for membership to be listed as a tutor. They guarantee to send you tutor requests or they'll extend your membership for free.

Find more info at Tutor Nation.

If you are looking for teaching experience (or to supplement your existing teaching repertoire), online tutoring may be a way for you to expand your horizons and help a student in the meantime. (See also: Great Jobs for College Students)

Happy tutoring!

This article is from Nora Dunn of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

class of 1