To become a precalculus tutor, you should consider having a strong, fundamental knowledge of algebra and calculus, and what should be known by a student before entering a calculus classroom. This is often attained by someone with a degree in mathematics or a specialized field of math, and so many tutors are often also teachers or someone currently working on a degree. If you know the necessary information, then you should try to find clients in need of help. This can often be done through advertisements or postings around campuses or on the Internet.
You will want to have a fairly strong background in mathematics in general, and a special interest or understanding of algebra and calculus specifically, to become a precalculus tutor. While a great deal of this knowledge could be gained through taking classes in algebra and calculus during secondary education such as at a high school, it may help you to have college classes or a degree. These institutions often provide you with a greater understanding of mathematical concepts and can offer classes specifically aimed at helping you learn how to teach other people. Having knowledge is not necessarily the same thing as being able to teach that knowledge to another person.
If you want to have skills beyond just those needed to become a precalculus tutor, then you might consider earning a degree to teach math. Having a degree in mathematics or math education can often help you to become a precalculus tutor, as many tutors are also teachers who provide tutoring services on the side for extra money or help students who need extra attention. A mathematics teacher is also able to easily find potential pupils, as everyday he or she sees a classroom full of students and can often identify students who may need additional help from a tutor.
You may simply prefer to become a precalculus tutor and not actually teach in a classroom, which is fine as long as you have the knowledge needed to teach others and the ability to explain that information to another person. Since you will not be working in a classroom, however, you may need to find other ways of reaching potential clients. Consider posting advertisements for your services around university math buildings or on the bulletin board of a high school. You might also look for Internet websites aimed at providing help to math students, and offer your services through them as well. There are also businesses that do nothing but provide tutors for people, and you may be able to work with such a company to find clients.
If you’re looking for more work opportunities or don’t have many students living in your area, you can look into online precalculus tutoring. Becoming an online precalculus tutor has all of the requirements of an in-person tutor, but you can conduct your tutoring sessions over video conference or text chat instead of meeting students face-to-face. This method can be ideal for tutors who have busy schedules or who aren’t able to meet students in person.
Online precalculus tutoring can be tricky, but working with an online service will help you grasp a better understanding of what a typical lesson might look like.
