Here are some helpful tips and tricks for how to start tutoring as a teenager.

Our Top Tips for How to Start Tutoring as a Teenager

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Wondering how to start tutoring as a teenager? We can help!

As a teenager, you have a lot of academic knowledge that you can put to use in the real world. Online tutoring is a great way to do this! Not only can you make some extra money, but you can also help others learn and gain exposure to different careers.

Keep reading for some tips on how to start tutoring as a teenager. You’ll find FAQs answered, like how much you can earn and what requirements there are. Plus, we’ll explore the highest-paying online tutoring jobs for teens.

We even talk about some great companies to work with if you want to try freelancing as an online tutor. So if you’re looking to make some extra cash and help others learn, online tutoring is a great option!

Tips for Starting Tutoring as a Teenager

There are a few different ways how to start tutoring as a teenager. You can offer one-on-one sessions, small group sessions, or even teach an online class. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with and what works best for your schedule.

Here are a few tips to get started:

✔️ Choose a subject you’re passionate about

One of the keys to how to start tutoring as a teenager is being passionate about the subject you’re teaching. If you don’t care about the material, it will be difficult to keep your students engaged.

Choose a subject that you love and feel confident teaching. If you need help with finding tutoring materials, check out our curriculum options!

For best success, your subject should be a topic you know that you can help with (like Algebra). However, you’ll also want to list all the topics within Algebra that will help describe more specifically what you can teach.

For example: “General Algebra including Order of Operations, Simple equations, Fractions, the Commutative Property, etc…”

For how to start tutoring as a teenager, think about what you know really well.

✔️ Start small

You don’t need to take on a huge tutoring load to be successful. In fact, it may be better to start small and gradually increase your clientele. This way you can ensure that you’re providing quality services to your students.

And you’ll be better able to scale your business support needs, too. This includes calendaring, invoicing, and taking payments.

✔️ Create a schedule that works for you

As a teenager, you likely have a lot going on between school, extracurriculars, and social activities. It can be tough to find time to fit in tutoring. That’s why it’s important to create a schedule that works for you.

Some students prefer tutoring sessions after school, while others like to meet on weekends. Figure out what days and times work best for you and your students, and stick to that schedule as much as possible.

✔️ Market your services

Once you’ve decided on a subject and created a schedule, it’s time to start marketing your services. Let your friends, family, and classmates know that you’re available to tutor. You can also post flyers around your school or community center.

There are also many online platforms that can help you connect with potential clients. These include online tutoring websites, social media sites, and online classifieds. We’ll talk more about those later in this post.

Here are 22 ideas for how to make tutoring fun.

✔️ Set your rates

When setting your rates, be sure to consider how much time you’ll need to spend on each session, how much experience you have, and the going rate for tutors in your area.

It’s important to charge enough to cover your time and effort, but not so much that it deters potential clients.

✔️ Be prepared for each session

One of the best ways to ensure success as a tutor is to be prepared for each tutoring session. This means having a lesson plan or outline for what you’ll cover.

It also means being familiar with the material and having resources on hand in case your student needs extra help.

✔️ Follow up with your students

After each tutoring session, be sure to follow up with your students. This can be a quick email or text letting them know how they did on their latest assignment or test. You can also ask how they’re feeling about the material and if they have any questions.

This follow-up is important for two reasons. First, it shows your students that you care about their success. Second, it gives you an opportunity to address any areas of confusion before the next session.

For how to start tutoring as a teenager, be prepared to follow up with your students.

✔️ Get feedback from your students

Finally, be sure to get feedback from your students on a regular basis. This can help you improve your tutoring methods and make sure that your students are happy with the service you’re providing.

You can ask for feedback verbally at the end of each session or through a written survey. There are many online survey tools that you can use, such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as a teenage tutor. Tutoring can be a great way to earn extra money and help your community. It’s also a great way to gain experience in teaching and working with students.

Items Needed to Start Tutoring as a Teenager

These are some essential items you’ll need to have in order to get started tutoring as a teenager.

Reliable Internet

You need reliable internet in order to tutor online because, without it, you will not be able to communicate with your students.

In addition, having a reliable internet connection is important for keeping track of appointments and payments. If your internet is not reliable, your students may think you are not reliable.

Computer with Webcam

Most teenagers these days have smartphones with built-in cameras, but a computer with a webcam is still necessary for online tutoring.

A good computer with a webcam allows the tutor and student to see each other clearly and allows for a more interactive learning experience.

Video Chat Software

Video chat software, like Zoom or Classin, is necessary for online tutoring because it allows both the tutor and the student to see each other and communicate clearly.

This is important because it creates a more personal connection between the two of them and makes it easier for the student to ask questions and learn.

Additionally, video chat software can be used to share documents and screencasts with the student, which can help to further explain difficult concepts.

Calendar App

A calendar app is necessary for teenagers to start tutoring online because it helps keep track of their appointments and students. If you’re just starting out, a free option like Google Calendar should work fine.

Without a calendar app, you would have to keep track of everything in your head, which can be difficult and lead to mistakes.

A calendar app also allows students to see what times are available for appointments. This is helpful for both the student and the tutor, as it prevents any confusion about when and where the appointment will take place.

One of the ways how to start tutoring as a teenager is to have an online calendar or calendar app.

Payment App

For how to start tutoring as a teenager, you will need a payment acceptance app to start tutoring online. After all, you probably don’t want to work for free! There are a lot of different subjects that teens can tutor in, so there’s something for everyone.

Some easy examples for tutors to use are Wise, Paypal, Stripe, and Venmo. The Tutor Resource also offers a payment acceptance system if you don’t want to set up your own account on a separate app.

Headset with Microphone

Most online tutoring sessions take place over video chat, which means that both the tutor and the student need to be able to see each other. This means that the student needs to be in front of a computer with a webcam, and the tutor needs to be able to see them.

For this reason, you’ll need a headset for how to start tutoring as a teenager. A headset helps to ensure that the student’s voice is clear and audible to the tutor, and it also helps to reduce any background noise that might be distracting.

Patience and Understanding

Teens starting out as online tutors need to have a lot of patience and understanding. They need to be able to deal with the occasional tech issue that will come up, be able to work through problems with students, and be able to explain things in a way that students will understand.

Tutoring is not an easy job, but it can be very rewarding if done correctly. With the right tools and attitude, teens can become great online tutors.

Related Reading:
13 Best Online Tutoring Whiteboard Options + How-to Tips

Online Teaching Props: a Full Introduction + 17 Ideas to Try in Your Next Class
How to Make and Sell Interactive Online Classes

10 Best Online Tutoring Jobs for Teens

1. PalFish

One of the many benefits of teaching with Palfish is that teenagers can set their own rates. This means that they can earn as much money as they want for their time and services.

In addition, there are no time commitments-teachers can work as little or as much as they want. This flexibility is great for students who are already busy with schoolwork and activities.

There are also no minimum hours required-teachers can work for one hour or ten hours. This gives students the opportunity to work around their schedule. Additionally, teachers can teach from their phone or tablet, which makes it easy to connect with students anywhere in the world.

Palfish also offers teachers the opportunity to teach “free talk.” This is a great way for students to practice their conversation skills and learn more about the culture of the country where the language they are studying is spoken.

Finally, teachers can create their own content (live streams, videos, etc.). This allows them to share their knowledge and passion for languages with others.

Overall, teaching with Palfish is a great way for teenagers to start tutoring online. It is flexible, convenient, and allows them to share their love of languages with others.

2. Fiverr Tutoring Gigs

There are several reasons teenagers should consider freelance teaching on the Fiverrr freelance platform to start tutoring online. First, teens can set their own rates on this platform, so they have more control over how much money they make.

Second, there are no time commitments or minimum hours required, so teens can work as much or as little as they want. Third, they can teach whatever content they like, which gives them the opportunity to share their passions and interests with others.

Fourth, there are no teaching requirements; all teens need is a computer and internet connection to get started. Finally, teens can teach people of all ages, making this a great way to connect with new people and learn about other cultures.

Fiverr is one way how to start tutoring as a teenager.

3. Become A Freelance Tutor

There are a few reasons why teenagers should consider freelance teaching on their own to start tutoring online. First, it offers total flexibility of hours, days, lesson content, as well as who you tutor and how much you make per lesson.

This means that you can work around your own schedule and customize your teaching style to fit the needs of your students. Additionally, it is a great way to build your own teaching portfolio and gain experience in the field.

Finally, it can be a very lucrative way to make money, especially if you have expertise in a particular subject area. If you aren’t sure what to tutor, get some lessons from our curriculum corner!

4. Care.com

Care.com is a website that families use to find child care, senior care, special needs care, pet care, housekeeping, and tutors. Care.com has data-driven insights that help families narrow their candidates based on factors such as pay rates, location, family makeup and needs.

In addition, Care.com’s Safety Center provides guidance and resources, including access to background checks and a hiring guide and interview tips, to help families make informed hiring decisions.

The online Community, visited by millions of unique users per month, offers advice to families on a wide range of topics, including parenting, elder care, and how to find, manage and pay for care.

For teenagers who are looking for ways to start making money online, Care.com is a great option. Care.com allows teenagers to tutor children in a variety of subjects online.

Care.com is one way how to start tutoring as a teenager.

This is a great opportunity for teenagers to share their knowledge and skills with others and to earn some money at the same time.

In addition, Care.com allows teenagers to build their own profiles so that families can find them easily. This is a great way for teenagers to get their names out there and to gain experience working with children.

5. Udemy

Working with Udemy as a freelance course creator can be a great way for how to start tutoring as a teenager. The platform is easy to use and offers a wide range of courses on a variety of topics.

Instructors get paid when people sign up for their courses, so it’s a great way to make money while teaching what you know. Udemy also keeps a percentage of the earnings, so it’s important to factor that into setting your prices.

Pro Tip: You can also make online lessons and curriculum on The Tutor Resource, and sell them via subscriptions to make some extra cash.

6. Cambly

There are many reasons teenagers should consider working with Cambly as a freelance tutor. Firstly, Cambly is a great way to make money. You get paid $10.20 per hour to teach adults, while Cambly Kids pays $12.

Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to improve your own English skills. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn about other cultures and places too! Thirdly, there is no interview and you must have PayPal. Finally, online tutoring is a great way to build your resume and networking contacts.

7. Online Classifieds

Online classified websites like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace can actually be a great place for how to start tutoring as a teenager.

There are a few reasons why teenagers should consider using an online classifieds site to advertise their services as a freelance tutor. The first reason is that these sites are free to use, which makes it easy for teenagers to get started.

Additionally, these sites are convenient to use, which means that potential customers can easily find and contact them about their services. Finally, online classified sites have a large audience, so there is a good chance of finding potential customers through these sites.

Facebook marketplace is one way how to start tutoring as a teenager.

8. Indeed Tutoring Jobs For Teens

Indeed is a great resource for finding online gigs, and freelance tutoring is no exception. The platform has an extensive database of jobs, including many tutoring opportunities.

And since Indeed is free to use, it’s a great way for teenagers to start building their freelancing portfolios. Indeed also makes it easy to connect with potential clients, so it’s a great way to start building your student base.

9. Preply

Preply is a great way for teenagers to start tutoring online. It’s a great way to make money, and it can help you learn new things and improve your skills. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can find language tutoring students pretty easily.

You can work when you want, with no minimum hours, and charge the rates you feel are fair. Preply keeps a percentage of your earnings, so you don’t have to worry about payments or billing.

You can also immerse yourself in a new culture and connect with language experts from around the world.

Related Reading:
Top 20 Companies to Teach English Online to Japanese Students
20 Best Places to Teach English in Korea Online
39 Good Companies for Teaching English Online South Africa

Benefits of Online Tutoring for Teenagers

Learn about money. You should learn about money before you go to college. It’s essential that you learn fiscal responsibility.

Your parents won’t give you an allowance forever, and high school is the prime time for you to learn about budgeting, investing and saving for things you want (e.g. clothes, concerts and doing things with friends) and need (e.g. college textbooks). 

Become skilled at time management. As a teenager, it’s essential that you learn about time management. You’ll need to be able to schedule your time wisely, keeping track of homework, practices, and other obligations.

This becomes even more important in college when workloads and expectations are higher. Good time management skills will help you succeed both academically and in your future career.

Develop a work ethic. As a teenager, it’s important to develop a strong work ethic. This will come in handy when you’re researching jobs and going to interviews.

Once you land a job, you’ll learn how to perform well in different industries and how to meet (or exceed) the expectations of managers with different styles and personalities.

Gain skills that aren’t taught in school. Getting good grades in school takes effort, but the skills you learn from a job are valuable in a different way. Many jobs that are available to teens involve regular interactions with customers.

You’ll need good listening skills, empathy, patience and more. Often, these jobs are in fast-paced settings too, so you’ll become a pro at working efficiently under pressure.

Put your academic knowledge to use in the real world. Many of the duties of a freelance online tutor involve technology (e.g. video chats and emailing students) and math (e.g. preparing customer bills and sending invoices).

Online tutoring is also a great way for teens to apply academic skills to the real world—skills like typing, reading, developing spreadsheets, and writing. 

Gain exposure to different careers and industries. Regardless of what career you want to pursue, online tutoring can help get you real-world exposure to a variety of industries. After all, you never know where your students will be from or what they’ll be interested in.

By tutoring online, you can learn about different cultures, customs, and lifestyles. You might even find a new career interest that you’re passionate about!

How to Start Tutoring as a Teenager FAQs

Can I Tutor at Age 16? Or 14?

Yes, you can start tutoring at 16. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should check with your state’s labor laws to see if there are any restrictions on how many hours you can work.

You may also need to get a work permit if you’re under 18. Lastly, keep in mind that some online tutoring platforms have age requirements (e.g. 18+).

Do I need a degree to be a tutor?

No, you don’t need a degree to be a tutor. However, depending on the subjects you want to tutor, it might be helpful to have a degree or experience in that area. For example, if you want to tutor math, you should be proficient in the subject matter.

Likewise, if you want to tutor a foreign language, it would be helpful if you’re a native speaker or have experience living in a country where that language is spoken.

What do I need to become a tutor?

To become a tutor, you’ll need a few things. First, you should be proficient in the subject or subjects you want to tutor.

Next, you’ll need a quiet place to work and a computer with a webcam and microphone. Finally, you’ll need a reliable internet connection.

How much can I earn as a tutor?

How much you can earn as a tutor depends on a few things, including your experience, the subjects you tutor, the tutoring platform you use, and the number of hours you work. Generally speaking, tutors can earn $10-$30 per hour.

What’s the highest Paying Online Tutoring Job for Teens?

The highest paying online tutoring job for teens is typically teaching English to students in other countries. Tutors can earn $20-$30 per hour teaching English online. However, keep in mind that some online tutoring platforms have age requirements (e.g. 18+).

Do I need to be a certified teacher to tutor online?

No, you don’t need to be a certified teacher to tutor online. However, depending on the subjects you want to tutor, it might be helpful to have a degree or experience in that area.

For example, if you want to tutor math, you should be proficient in the subject matter.

Likewise, if you want to tutor a foreign language, it would be helpful if you’re a native speaker or have experience living in a country where that language is spoken. English language tutors should consider getting a TEFL.

Are you seeking certification for teaching English?

If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.

We recommend this TEFL course! They even offer post-completion job support and resources.

Final Thoughts: How to Start Tutoring as a Teenager

Overall, online tutoring is a great way for teenagers to make some extra money. It’s also a great way to gain exposure to different careers and industries.

If you’re thinking about becoming a tutor, be sure to check with your state’s labor laws and get a work permit if you’re under 18. You should also be proficient in the subject or subjects you want to tutor.

Lastly, make sure you have a quiet place to work and a reliable internet connection. With a little bit of effort, you can be well on your way to becoming a successful online tutor!

We hope this helps you feel confident creating a personal plan for how to be an online tutor! Check out some of our other online tutoring blog posts or technology blog posts for more help with getting started.