Private Tutor/Educator
- Overview
The Role of a Private Educator
A Private Educator/Tutor may help students with specific subjects, homework, test preparation, study skills or other academic goals. They should have a broad knowledge of various core subjects, such as math, science, social studies and English, and should also enrich the child’s life in other ways – such as supervising physical activity, taking them on adventures and otherwise helping them become well-rounded adults.
The person in this role should be able to adapt to a child’s needs as well as the family’s schedule. Additional childcare, household or personal duties may be necessary depending on the family’s requirements. A Private Educator should have strong teaching skills, effective communication, a proven ability to problem-solve, excellent organizational skills as well as a positive and patient attitude.
- The Role Defined
Job Description
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
A Private Educator/Tutor will have completed their secondary education and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Most Educators/Tutors have general education/teaching experience, in core subjects such as English, Social or Natural Sciences, but they may also have specialized experience in psychology, social services, child development, etc.
Experienced Private Educators/Tutors will have 3-5 years’ experience in child education or childcare, in a household, school or childcare facility setting. Depending on the specific needs of a family, experience in other areas may be desired, such as personal or household assistance, management of other childcare staff, etc.
SKILLS
- May be required to possess certain skills, such as fluency a second language, experience with private education, instructing children with developmental disabilities, etc.
- Private Tutors should be highly intelligent, resourceful, friendly, creating and patient.
- Ability to stay current with developments and trends in relevant subject areas
- Familiarity with education technology and computers
- Willingness to perform light childcare, including preparing meals/snacks, child-related housekeeping/chores, or running errands if needed by a family
CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Professional certifications/licenses are not required to be a Private Educator, but an employer may prefer candidates who have certain educational backgrounds or other training, such as experience with various teaching methods, technology proficiency, physical fitness to actively participate in kids’ activities or fluency in a language other than English. Other examples include:
- Membership in The Tutors’ Association (TTA)
- Completing an accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program
- Certifications from organizations such as the National Tutoring Association, the Association for Tutoring Professionals, the International Tutor Training Program or the College Reading and Learning Association
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities for a Private Educator vary depending on whether they are supplementing or replacing traditional schooling, the parents’ expectations for the person in this role and the number of children being taught/cared for. Common duties include:
- Assessing the academic level and learning needs of all student(s) and adapting to the students’ learning style and preferences
- Planning and delivering customized lessons based on students’ goals and curriculum
- Providing feedback and guidance on assignments, tests and projects
- Monitoring and reporting student progress and achievements to parents or guardians
- Communicating and coordinating with parents, as well as teachers and school staff
- Using various teaching methods and resources to engage and motivate students. Organizing creative and educational activities and games for students.
- Maintaining a professional and respectful relationship with the student and their family
- Performing administrative duties on behalf of the children (healthcare, academics, completing forms, researching and executing special projects, etc.)
- Making healthy meals and snacks for the children or family according to their dietary preferences and restrictions
- Following ethical standards and policies for childhood education at all times
ATTRIBUTES
Characteristics of a successful Private Educator include:
Natural intelligence
Natural intelligence and the ability to quickly learn and disseminate information is paramount in this role. Private Educators should be able to use various sources of information and tools to enhance their knowledge and skills, as well as to help the child(ren) learn effectively and efficiently. They should be able to solve problems, think critically and apply their learning to real-world contexts.
Organizational skills
A Private Educator should be proficient in planning and keeping themselves and students organized throughout the day. He or she should always be setting goals, managing competing priorities and monitoring progress, whether it’s an academic, athletic or social/emotional milestone. They should be able to juggle many simultaneous tasks and bring structure to their students’ lives.
Interpersonal communication
A Private Educator should be able to adapt their communication style to different situations and audiences, whether they are interacting with children, family members, family friends, or other caregivers like coaches, teachers, etc. He or she should have a high-degree of emotional intelligence, be capable of clear and concise communication, be an active listener and demonstrate empathy and respect at all times.
Safety-conscious and responsible attitude
A Private Educator should take full responsibility and accountability for their actions and decisions. He or she should be able to work independently and proactively, take initiative and ownership of their relationship with their students, and always ensure they are acting in a responsible manner. He or she should demonstrate integrity in every interaction with the students and keep the parents informed at all times of issues that arise.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation for a Private Educator/Tutor generally ranges from $75-125K. Factors that command a higher salary include specific education, experience or training requirements, the ability to work/be on call outside of normal work hours, being required to travel or live in, fluency in languages other than English or willingness to handle non-academic/childcare related responsibilities within their role. Components of a Private Educator’s compensation may include:
Base salary
A fixed annual amount received for performing duties as agreed upon. A Private Educator’s base salary is dependent on the duties he/she is responsible for, the location of the family/student(s) they teach, as well as the experience and qualifications of the Private Educator .
Discretionary bonus
Discretionary bonuses are variable amounts that are paid annually based on an individual’s performance. The percentage of compensation paid as a salary versus a bonus is entirely up to the employer, but for an Private Educator, a discretionary bonus can range anywhere from 10 – 20% of total compensation. The most common reason for a higher bonus percentage (relative to salary) is to tie an employee’s compensation to their overall performance. It also allows an employer to set strategic goals during the employee’s annual performance evaluation, with the pay out of their bonus linked to the completion of stated goals.
Living Expenses
A principal may prefer that their Private Educator lives in with them, either at their residence, at an adjoining accommodation on their property or within certain proximity of their residence. Reasons for this include the need for this person to be available off-hours, the importance of proximity to the residence or principal due to various duties associated with the role (e.g., waking children up, driving them to activities throughout the day, etc.) or because the residence is located in a remote area. If a principal requires any of these living situations of their Private Educator, housing and/or moving expenses are expected to be included in the employee’s compensation package.
STANDARD BENEFITS
Homes with part-time or modest childcare needs may not need to provide benefits to their employees. For established employers, Private Educators typically have access to the following corporate-style benefits (or receive a stipend to obtain such benefits themselves):
Medical, dental and vision
Standard health benefits help employees stay healthy, reduce absenteeism and ultimately increase productivity.
Retirement savings account
401k, thrift savings plan or simple IRA, especially with employer matched contributions, shows your employees your commitment to their future.
Paid time off
PTO allows your employees to take time off from work for various reasons, such as vacation, sickness, personal matters or holidays.
Travel/miscellaneous expenses
Employers are responsible for expenses an employee incurs when travelling for work or while transporting children. A family car may be provided for regular transportation, or expenses may be reimbursed or covered by a travel allowance/budget. If domestic or international travel is required for employment, accommodations, meals and miscellaneous expenses should also be covered by the employer.
OTHER BENEFITS / "PERKS"
Additional benefits are often included to enhance the attractiveness of an employment offer, as well as encouraging long-term employment. Such benefits include:
Education
- Tuition reimbursement, scholarships/savings plans for those with college-aged children
Professional development
- Encouraging and covering an employee’s participation in training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or professional certifications
Health and wellness
- Healthy food, beverages or snacks offered
- Paid or discounted gym memberships or fitness classes
- Access to wellness programs with counseling services, health screenings, substance abuse treatment, etc.
- Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance
- Financial counseling
- Legal advice
- Transportation reimbursement or allowance
Charity
- Volunteer opportunities
- PTO days for community service
- Charitable match program
Family benefits
- On-site childcare or childcare reimbursements
- Parental and family medical leave
Workplace
- Remote work/flexible hours
- Casual work attire
- Employee recognition programs, awards or rewards
REPORT STRUCTURE
A Private Educator generally reports:
- To a House/Estate Manager
- To another Nanny or other childcare staff
- Directly to the principal(s)
- To another contact designated by the principal (e.g., Director of Operations or Administration of a family office, a principal’s Chief of Staff, etc.
A Tailored Approach to Education
A Private Tutor/Educator is dedicated to providing personalized instruction to support your child’s academic growth. Whether helping with homework, preparing for exams, or fostering a love for learning, they ensure that each lesson is tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. Their goal is to build confidence and inspire success in every subject.
Ready to achieve your child’s academic goals? Let us connect you with a Tutor or Educator that supports your child’s learning with professional teaching strategies and expert guidance.
Adam Cook
Managing Director, Old State Staffing
- Excel in Every Subject
Unlock Your Child’s Academic Potential
Why You Should Consider a Private Educator
A Private Tutor/Educator helps your child reach academic success by providing customized support across a variety of subjects. They adapt their teaching methods to your child’s learning style, ensuring each lesson is effective and engaging. A Private Tutor/Educator can help:
- Provide subject-specific support for academic challenges
- Develop personalized study plans to improve grades
- Build confidence and motivation for learning
- Prepare for exams and important assessments
- Offer a supportive and focused environment for learning
Hiring a Private Tutor or Educator ensures that your child has the resources and support they need to excel academically, boosting their performance and confidence in both school and everyday life.
- Experts For Every Need
