A tutor is a private teacher who teaches individual students in one-on-one classes or in small groups. A teacher teaches more than 20 students at a time in a school or university. A tutor cannot have a qualification in teaching. A teacher has a degree in teaching pedagogy.
Teaching and mentoring involve far more differences than you think. While teachers have to manage large classes of up to 30 students, the job of a tutor is to support student learning in a more personalized and flexible way. Usually, teachers follow a unique approach to learning in the classroom. A tutor can be more flexible and choose a teaching method that suits the individual needs of each student.
Starting a class and starting a tutoring session are often very different experiences. A typical classroom, whether virtual or face-to-face, is likely to start during school hours from Monday to Friday, while scheduling tutorials has more possibilities. Both tutors and teachers help students master the knowledge they need to advance to the next grade level and ultimately succeed in college. However, while teachers focus on instructing students, tutors intervene when students need additional help, explaining subject-specific concepts and helping them improve their study habits and problem-solving skills.
Teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in elementary or secondary education or in the subject in which they specialize, although many also have master's degrees. Those who work for public schools must have a state-issued teaching license or certification obtained by passing a teacher certification test and a subject knowledge exam. Private school teachers don't have to meet state licensing requirements, although they need at least a bachelor's degree. There are no universal requirements for tutors, although many professional tutoring services require a bachelor's degree.
Some also require state license and previous teaching experience. Teachers present subjects to students and teach them specific aspects, such as mathematical formulas or grammar rules. They work with students throughout the academic year, laying the foundation to help them learn advanced concepts more easily. Tutors, on the other hand, provide assistance when students have difficulty learning or applying what they have learned.
Instead of teaching students, they focus on helping them learn problem-solving strategies so that they can ultimately accomplish their schoolwork without assistance. They may work with a student for the long term or meet with them only a few times, depending on their progress. Teachers not only instruct students, but also develop lesson plans, grade exams, communicate with parents, set classroom rules, and monitor students during recess, lunch periods. They can also serve on teacher committees, help plan school events, and attend continuing education courses or educational conferences.
In addition, they often oversee student activities, such as plays at school or academic clubs. The tutors, on the other hand, focus solely on helping students with tasks and strategies. Most teachers work in public or private schools. Some work for virtual academies, where they perform the same tasks as a face-to-face teacher, but communicate with students through email and video conferencing.
Most districts follow a 10-month academic year, followed by a two-month summer break. Teachers usually work 40 hours a week, but often spend their evenings and weekends grading papers or participating in school activities. Guardians work variable schedules, and many set their own schedules. Can work full time or part time.
Those who work for tutoring services often work with students in a tutoring center, while independent tutors frequently travel to students' homes. If tutoring is done correctly and the tutor can manage immediacy and mediate feedback to protect any negative feelings, the child will benefit greatly and learn at a fast pace.
