Tutor Applicant FAQ
Business Management
Does the hourly tutoring rate include drive time to and from the client?
You will only charge for actual session time. Before you agree to take on a client, we will let you know where they are located. That way, you can decide if the distance is reasonable. We work very hard to make great academic – and geographic – matches.
Am I a contractor or an employee?
Tutors are independent contractors, not employees of TeamUP! Tutors. As a tutor, you are responsible for your teaching method, setting your own hours, scheduling appointments at times convenient to you and the client, determining materials and assignments, and transportation to and from each tutoring session.
How do I get paid for tutoring?
Tutors report hours online each week. TeamUP! Tutors pays tutors every other week and manages all student billing.
Do you withhold taxes?
Tutors are responsible for declaring their income and paying appropriate taxes. We mail 1099-MISC forms to tutors earning $600 or more in a year. Please contact your accountant or tax attorney for advice.
Am I required to accept a tutoring job when it is offered?
It is entirely your choice whether or not to accept a job. In fact, when we contact you about a tutoring position, we would rather have you say “no” than start with a student if you don’t have enough time or the right background. There are many factors to consider — the client’s location; family, work and social commitments; travel plans; etc. — before saying, “yes.”
How do you determine to which tutor you extend a job offer?
We begin by taking qualifications and geographic location into account. Tutors who consistently exceed expectations in the areas of client satisfaction, professionalism, and business management are contacted first. On the rare occasion a tutor does not make the grade, he or she is longer contacted.
What if I accept a job and it turns out my skill set is not the right match?
We want a perfect match from day one, so we’ll only ask you to tutor in your stated areas of expertise. If, however, the client’s description of the coursework turns out to be more than you bargained for (or you turn out to be a bit more rusty in the subject than you realized), we want to make it right as soon as possible, so please let us know immediately.
Working With Students
What is my role when working with students?
While teaching requirements will vary from student-to-student, basic values of respect, honesty, understanding, leadership, proficiency and professionalism run across the board. A perfect rule of thumb is to make choices based on what is in the best interest of the student.
Will I be expected to follow a set curriculum?
As professional educators, tutors are expected to determine how to approach tutoring sessions based on the subject matter, student goals and personal style. While no specific curriculum is set, tutors follow our individually-prepared Student Success Plan for each student. Students should make sure to have school textbooks and assignments available. Tutors may suggest supplemental materials, such as workbooks or flash cards. Depending on the student’s needs, tutoring could focus on anything from current work and organization to clarifying missed concepts from past assignments and correcting test mistakes.
Where do I meet with my students?
Sessions take place in the client’s home. If the student is a minor, an adult guardian must be present during the session. You determine the distance you are comfortable driving before taking on any new student.
How many students will I work with at one time?
You will work with one student at a time. This is a great way to get to know the needs and personality of each student, so you can adapt your teaching approach to their individual learning style. You may arrange for time to speak with parents, guardians or teachers regarding progress.
To what types of students will I be assigned?
We will only ask you to tutor students who have a need that matches your background and experience. We support people with all kinds of goals and from all walks of life; those who are struggling to catch up and those striving to get ahead, foster kids and kids from affluent homes, adults working toward their GED and students enrolled in college courses. You’ll be amazed by how many ways your dedication to teaching can make differences in the lives of others.
Tutoring Hours & Scheduling
How much tutoring does each student receive?
Generally speaking, students should receive at least two hours of tutoring per week to improve in each challenging subject. To make your drive time worthwhile, clients are required to schedule a minimum one-hour session. When you are offered a job, we will provide an estimate of session length and frequency based on stated client goals. We ask that you further evaluate each situation so we can set objectives that best support the student’s needs over time.
How does scheduling work?
Once you agree to take on a student, you will contact the client to arrange mutually convenient meeting times. If for any reason your schedules don’t mesh, we will be happy to assign a different tutor and offer you another job when available.