Teacher & Tutor

Educators who provide instruction in private homes are commonly referred to as Tutors, although the term Teacher is also frequently used. While there exists a distinction between the two, they share the common goal of imparting knowledge to facilitate their students' advancement. Tutors often work on a more individualised basis, tailoring their teaching methods to meet the specific needs of each student, while Teachers may work in a more traditional classroom setting. Despite these differences, both Tutors and Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the academic success and personal growth of their students.

Private Tutor

Tutors offer valuable assistance in challenging areas of learning for their students, helping to develop concepts, problem-solving, and critical cognitive skills. They typically provide personalised one-on-one lessons tailored to individual needs and abilities, utilising a diverse range of teaching methods and learning styles to enhance understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, tutors offer homework support and reinforce school learning. While there is no legal requirement for tutors to hold qualifications in the subjects they teach, many have degrees in their respective fields.

Qualified Primary & Secondary Teacher

Teachers on the other hand must be qualified and possess a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) for the UK, specific to their chosen age group.  This means, a teacher who studied for the primary phase on the PGCE course (lasts a year on a full-time basis or two years part-time) includes practical teaching placements in Key Stage One and Key Stage Two covering all core and foundation subjects. Those who choose the PGCE route for example, already possess a first degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science).  There are other routes to become a professional school teacher, but the main point to remember is this: to teach in a British government maintained school, as well as independent schools, a teaching qualification is essential.

TEFL/TESOL & CELTA Teacher

While possessing a TESOL or CELTA certificate does not qualify you to instruct at a government-maintained or independent school, such as those offering the British or International Curriculum, it does open doors in language schools. If you aim to teach English to children or adult learners in the UK or abroad, the TESOL or CELTA (and advanced courses/diploma) come highly recommended. These certifications include hands-on teaching experiences and hold global recognition.

What parents need to consider when employing a Teacher/Tutor: When engaged in academic instruction within a private home setting, parents should recognise the extensive research and preparation involved in teaching. This includes creating resources as needed, crafting lesson plans, conducting assessments, marking assignments, and delivering hands-on instruction. While not always mandatory in private settings, maintaining proper documentation is a hallmark of professional teaching.

• Deliver all curricular subjects according to the British National Curriculum (or International/Cambridge/American Curriculum etc.) with a strong emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science
  
• Develop Schemes of Work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives
  
• Plan and prepare lessons and activities that take account of individual needs and level of ability
  
• Implement a range of teaching and learning styles
  
• Link prior knowledge to earlier learning and develop ways to deepen and extend this further, as well as challenge, motivate and inspire their love of learning
  
• Organise classroom, or room within the home to create a positive learning environment
  
• Set and mark homework, including all classwork, and provide written and oral feedback to aid progress
  
• Set achievable goals with the child to ensure standards and progress is maintained and continuous
  
• Monitor and carry out formative and summative assessment and record progress
  
• Use data from on-going monitoring of progress and assessment to inform future planning
  
• Provide regular feedback to parents and written reports at the end of each term
  
• Instil good behaviour, manners and respect; ensure discipline is fair and consistent with sanctions for poor behaviour, as well as provide praise and encouragement in all aspects of their work and rewards for achievement
  
• Arrange and co-ordinate activities inside and outside the school/home to include educational visits that support lesson objectives and extend knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live
  
• Implement ICT across subjects as a teaching and learning tool, as well as a broad range of resources 
  
• Provide opportunities to foster creative and artistic development, as well as develop independent learning through an inquiry approach that will foster skills within this area

Listed below are common qualifications for educators, but this is not an exhaustive compilation. As with any qualification, teaching professionals may choose to pursue a Master's degree or PhD.

Formal qualifications for school employment:

• PGCE: Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• QTS: Qualified Teacher Status
• B.Ed: Bachelor of Education
• Foundation Degree in Montessori Pedagogy (a third year of study offers: BA (Hons) Early Childhood with Montessori Pedagogy)

Qualifications commonly used in language schools:

• TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (a basic certificate that does not require practical experience)
• TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• CELTA: Certificate in Teaching English to Adult Learners (CELTA-YL is an extension for teaching Young Learners)

Salaries can range from £600 to £1400 (full-time) depending on location, qualifications, experience, hours and job requirements.

Get in Touch...

If you are seeking a Private Tutor, Qualified Teacher, or other skilled professionals to join your household, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us via email, phone, or by completing the contact form on our website. For prospective candidates, further details are provided on our Candidate Page. Our team is readily available to offer assistance.