A private teacher is an instructor who provides personalized lessons to individual students or small groups, outside of a regular school setting. Private teachers offer specialized instruction in subjects ranging from academic topics like math, science, languages, and test prep, to music, sports, art, and other enrichment activities. They work independently and are hired directly by students and families seeking extra academic support, skill development, or artistic training.
Other Names for a Private Teacher
Private teachers may also be referred to by several other names, including:
- Tutor
- Instructor
- Coach
- Mentor
- Governess (for teaching children in the home)
- Crammer (historical term for a private tutor preparing students for exams)
The specific title may depend on the subject matter, the setting, and other factors. But in general, “private teacher,” “tutor,” and “instructor” are the most widely used and recognized terms.
Private vs. Public School Teachers
Private teachers differ from schoolteachers in a few key ways:
- Schoolteachers work for public or private schools and have entire classrooms of students. Private teachers have individual or small group lessons.
- Schoolteachers follow a standard curriculum. Private teachers can customize lessons for each student.
- Schoolteachers are salaried employees. Private teachers are self-employed contractors.
- Schoolteachers need a state teaching certificate. Private teachers may not require any official credentials.
- Schoolteachers teach during the day. Private teachers may offer lessons after school, on weekends, or whenever is convenient.
Some schoolteachers may moonlight as private tutors for extra income. But generally, the roles are distinct despite overlapping skill sets.
Qualifications of a Private Teacher
There are no universal requirements to become a private teacher. Qualifications vary depending on the subject matter, student age and ability level, parental expectations, and other factors. Some general guidelines are:
- Education: A college degree or substantial experience in the field. A teaching certificate is usually not necessary.
- Subject expertise: Mastery of the subject beyond the level being taught.
- Teaching ability: Strong communication skills to convey concepts clearly.
- Personality traits: Patience, empathy, creativity, organization, reliability.
- Specialization: Most focus on one subject area or specialty.
- Professionalism: Business skills, record-keeping, parent communication, andboundary-setting.
Certain fields like tutoring for standardized tests may require specific certifications and training. And some parents hire private teachers based solely on reputation or word-of-mouth recommendations rather than formal credentials.
Benefits of Private Teachers
Here are some of the main advantages of using a private teacher:
- One-on-one attention and fully customized lessons.
- Flexible scheduling outside of school hours.
- Specialization in focused subject areas.
- Individualized support for students who are struggling.
- Enrichment for gifted students beyond the classroom curriculum.
- Expert guidance to improve grades, test scores, auditions, recitals, athletic performance, and more.
- Convenience of in-home lessons.
- Opportunity to build strong student-teacher relationships.
Finding the Right Private Teacher
Here are some tips for hiring the best private teacher for your needs:
- Clearly identify your goals – improving grades? mastering an instrument? winning a competition? This helps match instructors to each student’s needs.
- Ask for referrals from your school, friends, neighbors, community centers, religious groups, online forums, and other parents.
- Interview potential candidates in person or by phone or video chat.
- Ask about their background, education, experience, teaching style, and success stories.
- Have a trial lesson to assess compatibility with the student’s learning needs.
- Check references to ensure they have a proven track record.
- Compare rates, but base decisions on more than cost alone.
- Start with short-term commitments in case the pairing needs adjustment.
Finding the perfect private teacher is key to maximizing success. Take time to research options thoroughly first.
Setting Goals and Expectations
When hiring a private teacher, clearly communicate:
- What subject(s) or skills the student needs to focus on.
- Specific weak areas to strengthen.
- Timeline for achieving objectives (e.g. raising a grade by the end of the semester).
- How often and how long lessons should take place (e.g. twice a week after school for 1 hour).
- Preferred lesson style – more hands-on or textbook focused, strict or nurturing, etc.
- How student progress and achievement will be measured.
- Opportunities to touch base with parents on ongoing progress.
Setting mutually agreed upon goals and expectations upfront ensures both student and teacher are working toward the same targets.
Effective Teaching Methods
Private teachers use many techniques to engage students and successfully impart knowledge and skills. Here are some hallmarks of excellent private instruction:
- Personalized pacing and content: Lessons move at each student’s optimal speed and focus on skills they most need to improve.
- Active learning: Hands-on exercises, experiments, projects, and discussions engage students.
- Feedback and praise: Immediate feedback identifies both areas for correction and progress being made.
- Multi-sensory activities: Use of visuals, audio, tactile learning tools addresses different learning styles.
- Positive reinforcement: Motivational teaching methods and meaningful rewards promote enjoyment.
- Modeling: Teachers demonstrate skills step-by-step until students can proficiently imitate them.
- Group work: Small group lessons build teamwork and peer learning opportunities.
An effective private teacher regularly taps into these techniques to ensure students stay challenged but focused each lesson.
Policies and Payment
Logistical factors to clarify when starting with a private teacher:
- Location: In-home or offsite lessons? If in-home, are other adults present?
- Scheduling: Days, times, frequency, makeup policies for missed/canceled lessons.
- Payment rate: Typically hourly or flat fee per session or package.
- Billing: Paid per lesson or monthly? Payment method – check, cash, app?
- Materials: Any books, supplies, or fees required beyond instruction cost?
- Transportation: For offsite lessons, who provides transportation for student and teacher?
Having clear financial and logistical policies provides accountability on both sides to maximize lesson time and return on investment.
Typical Private Teaching Rates
Hourly rates for private academic tutoring tend to range from $20-$100+ per hour depending on:
- Teacher expertise and experience level
- Geographic region
- Subject matter
- Student age and skill level
- Group size vs. one-on-one
- In-home vs. online sessions
Some typical benchmarks:
| Type of Tutoring | Typical Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| K-12 homework help | $20-$60 per hour |
| High school test prep (ACT, SAT) | $70-$120+ per hour |
| AP exam prep | $50-$150 per hour |
| University test prep (GRE, GMAT, LSAT) | $100-$250+ per hour |
Lessons in specialized skills like arts, music, athletics, and foreign languages often run $30-$100 per hour based on instructor reputation and student skill level.
Online vs. In-Person Private Teaching
Traditionally, most private teachers offer in-person lessons in student homes, at their own studios, or at community locations. But online private instruction has grown exponentially, especially since 2020. Some key differences in online vs. in-person lessons:
| Online | In-Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Lessons from home. No commute. | Teacher travels to student location. |
| Scheduling | Easier to book one-off lessons. | Advance planning often needed. |
| Cost | Usually lower hourly rates. | Higher rates, with potential travel fees. |
| Experience | More screen time. Less personal interaction. | Face-to-face rapport and hands-on instruction. |
The option that best meets learning needs depends on the student, subject matter, and other factors. Many teachers today offer both online and local in-person lessons.
Finding Private Teaching Opportunities
For those interested in working as private teachers, some tips for getting started:
- Determine your subject area(s) of expertise.
- Consider what ages/grade levels you would like to teach.
- Get certified if required, for instance to tutor standardized tests.
- Build a portfolio highlighting your skills and experience.
- Create marketing materials – website, flyers, business cards.
- List your services on online marketplaces like Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, Care.com.
- Let schools, youth programs, community centers know you tutor.
- Advertise through your personal and professional networks.
- Join professional associations to find job leads.
- Offer introductory discounted sessions to attract new students.
Patience and dedication to quality instruction are also key to building your reputation over time as a private teacher.
Private Teaching Resources
Helpful associations and websites for private teachers and students seeking instructors:
- American Tutoring Association – www.ataontario.com
- Association of Private Tutoring Professionals – https://tutoringprofessionals.org/
- The Tutors Association – www.thetutorsassociation.org.uk
- Wyzant – www.wyzant.com
- Varsity Tutors – www.varsitytutors.com
- Care.com – www.care.com
- Lessonface – www.lessonface.com
- Preply – www.preply.com
- Superprof – www.superprof.us
Conclusion
Private teachers fulfill a vital role in providing specialized academic support, artistic instruction, athletic coaching, and other valuable enrichment activities. They engage small groups or individual students with customized lessons that enhance knowledge, develop skills, boost confidence, and empower learners to achieve their potential in school and life. With the right instructor matched to their needs, students can thrive under the nurturing guidance and expert mentorship of a dedicated private teacher.