Resources for growing your tutoring skills

As a tutor, you take seriously your responsibility to provide your students with the best academic guidance possible. One way you can do that is to continually hone your skills and accumulate experience. Even the most qualified tutors need help or guidance at times. 

There are several resources available to you that provide support, present innovative learning activities, and offer suggestions for troubleshooting problems. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Find helpful information online

Depending on the keywords used, an online search for resources will yield a list of videos, webcasts, and articles on various aspects of tutoring. For example, WETA’s website offers a comprehensive article on tutoring to help improve reading comprehension. Other online resources include:

• ABCYa: Free educational games for students from Pre-K through sixth grade
• Education.com: Free templates for lesson plans, activities, and games for elementary students
• Wide Open School: A collaboration between the National Head Start Association and other education organizations that provides support for tutors, students, teachers, and families

Enroll in a massive open online course

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) represent a movement to provide free or inexpensive lifelong learning on various subjects. MOOC platforms allow learners to take a single class, or enroll in a series of courses to build competency or earn certifications. Canvas Network, Coursera, edX, and Udemy can help you brush up on specific subjects or gain additional skills in tutoring and teaching methods.

Contact your state’s department of education

A state education department’s mission is to enhance the quality of education and learning outcomes for all students. To this end, many states provide teaching resources, some of which you can adapt and incorporate into your one-on-one sessions. For example, Nebraska’s Department of Education provides a list of websites offering free downloadable materials, sample lesson plans, and activities.

Lean on other tutors

No one has to grow their tutoring skills alone. Instead, ask for help or insights from individuals with more experience in the field. Tutors who work on online communication platforms like Remind can reach out to other tutors for activity ideas or advice on getting students more engaged.

Tutors who provide services through Remind get the resources they need to create positive learning environments for their students. And they can easily connect with other tutors for additional advice and encouragement. If a supportive tutoring community is what you’re looking for, complete an online application or visit our website today to learn more.