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Phoenix Careers and Workplace Little Rock Telecommuting Examiner
Little Rock Telecommuting Examiner

Become an online tutor: jobs for experienced teachers and students

June 23, 12:14 PMLittle Rock Telecommuting ExaminerCindy Ausbrooks
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Photo Courtesy of Matt Williams (sxc.hu)

The current state of the economy has impacted numerous working professionals, and even teachers have not been spared. Even those aspiring educators who enter Arkansas’ nontraditional program, in which college graduates may teach while working toward their full certification, have failed to find jobs. In fact, a failure rate of 17 percent has been reported.

 
What are these jobless teachers and graduates to do? One option is to become an online tutor, a work-from-home position in which educators can put their experience and knowledge to work while earning extra cash or even a full-time income. It may sound too good to be true, but in our modern world of telecommuting and distance education, there’s never been a better time to pursue online tutoring.
 
What is an Online Tutor?
 
Online tutors are teachers and graduate students who teach and guide students in a variety of subject material remotely from home. Many work from home tutors specialize in certain subject matter, such as mathematics, English, or foreign language. Others are more general in scope, but all have one thing in common – the love of teaching.
 
Although performed in a non-traditional manner, online tutoring can be just as fulfilling as working in a classroom, and there’s much less competition for jobs. This is a relatively new way of interacting with students, but it can provide a temporary, part-time, or full-time income for teachers who aren’t able to find jobs elsewhere. Other benefits include flexible hours, more focus on teaching as opposed to administrational duties, and all the additional perks that come with working from home.
 
Requirements for an Online Tutor
 
The requirements to become an online tutor will vary from program to program, but in many cases, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is a necessity. Other programs require a valid teaching certificate or will only accept retired school teachers. Regardless of the program or company, only educated persons are accepted with some experience or related education in the field of teaching.
 
Common material requirements for online tutoring include a computer with high-speed internet access, and in some cases, a land-line telephone. Prior to employment, prospective online tutors must undergo training which will show them how to translate their skills to an online environment. Teaching over the internet also requires knowledge of basic technology and the ability to learn various multi-media applications.
 
How to Become an Online Tutor
 
If you think you have the experience and passion it takes to become an online tutor, the first step is to apply to different online tutoring companies. You’ll be asked about your work history, experience, and education. You may also be asked to provide proof of a teaching certificate or degree. You’ll be notified regarding the status of your application and whether or not the company thinks you’re a good fit.
 
Remember, there are many tutoring companies out there, just as there are many schools, and you may be turned down several times before you land a job. Don’t take this personally. If you know you have what it takes and you’re determined to become an online tutor, keep going and eventually you’ll find the right position.
 
Once the application stage is passed, and the company is considering you for a position, you’ll most likely be subject to a criminal background check. This is a necessary precaution to protect the children you’ll be working with. After this stage, the training will begin and before you know it, you’ll be working as an online tutor – doing what you love from the comfort of your own home.

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