Ready To Start Your Tutoring Journey? Read Our Guide To Help You Get Started.
Written By Scholarly’s Editorial Minion, Rashini D Selvasegaran
So, you decided to become a private tutor but need help figuring out how to start your application journey? Or does your resume require more "oomph" to stand out among other tutors? Our experts at Scholarly are here to share some hot tips to set you in the right direction! This article will explain the steps needed to begin your tutoring journey in Singapore.
1. What Are The Subjects You Excel In?
Think about which subjects you excel in. Are you a literary genius? Do you have a flair for numbers? Dig out your report cards and academic transcripts to evaluate your strongest subjects. Teaching subjects you excel at increases your confidence in delivering value to students! You don't need an official certification or qualification to work as a tutor in Singapore. Aspiring tutors can opt for full-time or part-time opportunities based on their preferences. If you are currently a student, being a part-time tutor is a great way to build your track record. Moreover, indicating specific modules in which you excel is a great way to stand out if you are an undergraduate at a university.
Good To Know: For example, highlighting an award in distinction for a Shakespeare module at a University polishes your qualification if you're keen on teaching literature.
2. Prepare Your Tutor Resume
Once you have your qualifications, it's time to craft your resume. Did you know a well-written resume is clear, neatly organised and straight to the point? It sets you apart from other tutors, and parents can assess a tutor's suitability based on how well you showcase your strengths.
A tutor's resume differs slightly from other professional resumes in that you must include previous teaching experiences, certifications, voluntary work, and relevant soft and hard skills. If you need help figuring out where to start, check out Indeed's guide on How To Write A Professional Tutor Resume.
Pro Tip: If you participated in any co-curricular activities related to your studies, include them too!
3. Volunteer At Non-Profit Organisations
If you're a new tutor, chances are you need to gain teaching experience. In Singapore, many non-profit organisations seek volunteers to teach and mentor children from low-income households. Volunteering is a great way to understand the ins and outs of teaching and showcases your dedication to being a tutor for all! You can search for volunteering opportunities on Touch and Giving.sg, some of Singapore's non-profit organisations actively seeking tutoring volunteers.
Note: Please consider the volunteering requirements and assess your commitments before signing up.
4. Choosing The Right Tuition Agency (Optional)
We have arrived at the last step. Should tutors start their freelance career, work in a tuition centre or find a tuition agency with flexible working hours?
It really depends on your goal as a tutor! However, working with a tuition agency involves a structured system of liaising with parents, verifying student’s suitability to their tutors and opening doors to future assignments. When choosing the right agency, consider a few things. First, ensure they have a proven track record and legitimate business registration. Second, the agency should have transparency in their commission fees and tuition salaries. In Singapore, many tuition agencies offer tuition assignments.
Here's why we think you would benefit from Scholarly:
Scholarly is a free-to-use tutor marketplace where we welcome everyone as a potential tutor! (Even if you are just starting out!) We host tuition assignments from parents and agencies on our app, allowing tutors to search and apply on one platform! At Scholarly, tutors can initiate their tutoring journey by proactively applying to job vacancies posted by agencies, parents, and students.
We aim to be a community that fosters relationships between tutors and students from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, students can leave a review for their tutor after completing a successful tuition session. This is a fantastic way for new tutors to build up their credibility and gain recognition for their expertise!
Thanks for sticking with us until the end! We hope you are confident about taking the first step as a tutor. Scholarly is proud to announce that we are supported by NUS Hangar and SMU BIG programmes.
We can't wait to grow with you!
Find out more about us at Scholarly.sg.