Private tutor & teacher

Private Teachers and Tutors instruct students in specialized areas like art, drama, dance, music, test prep, or other areas of academia not covered in schools. They work outside of prescribed school hours and facilities to provide students with supplementary education and knowledge.

Duties and tasks

  • Answering student and parent inquiries
  • Conversing with parents, students, and supervisors as needed
  • Demonstrating particular aspects of a subject (ie. dance) as needed
  • Determining gaps in students knowledge and working to fill those gaps
  • Giving tests or quizzes as needed and appropriate
  • Instructing students in interesting and differentiated ways to teach a topic
  • Inviting guest speakers or arranging field trips as appropriate
  • Organise performances, exhibitions, or demonstrations of student skills when appropriate
  • Participating in professional development activities like seminars and lectures to stay up-to-date on current trends within a specialized field of study
  • Planning and delivering lectures in classroom settings
  • Planning individual and small group lesson plans, typically on a single subject
  • Staying informed of new teaching styles and up-to-date information about the given topic
  • Working one-on-one with individual students to determine personalized courses of study

Skills required

  • Ability to handle and keep track of tuition or fees (if working one on one)
  • Ability to perceive when others are in need of help
  • Ability to work with students of all levels and abilities
  • Communication and teaching skills
  • High level of intelligence
  • Instructional capabilities
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Record keeping and progress charting abilities are necessary
  • Speaking and other oral communication
  • Training or expertise in the given area of study

Working conditions

Private Teachers and Tutors usually do not work in traditional schools. They work with students outside of prescribed school hours, and as such, their work may take place in freestanding buildings, community centre's, private homes, etc. They also may sometimes work after school but in school buildings.

Professional associations / Industry information

Australian Teacher Education Association [ATEA] 

Department of Education (WA) 

Department of Education and Training (ACT) 

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 

NSW Teachers Federation 

Queensland College of Teachers 

Teachers Registration Board of South Australia 

The Australian Literacy Educators Association 

Victorian Institute of Teaching 

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