Helpful Things to Consider When Creating a Tutoring Contract

Tutoring students can be a great source of income and incredibly gratifying. As a math teacher, I knew that some students needed more time with specific topics. Weekly tutoring sessions were a great way to help those students. Before you start, it’s essential to communicate effectively with students and parents to ensure that everyone understands the tutoring agreement. Check out these helpful things to consider when creating a tutoring contract or agreement.

1. How much will you charge per hour?

The average fee can range from $25 – $80 per hour, depending on the grade level you are teaching. Fees are generally lower for elementary grades and increase through middle and high school.

Think about your teaching and tutoring experience. You can usually charge more per hour when you have more experience.

When determining your hourly fee, you might consider whether you will have additional expenses like transportation to and from the tutoring location or rental fees for space. Also, consider printing costs if you provide worksheets or other printable materials like task cards.

Finally, consider a family discount if you will be tutoring more than one child in a family. A family discount is beneficial for summer math when parents want their children to avoid the summer slide.

2. How and when will the parents pay you?

Payment options is so important and very helpful to consider when creating a tutoring contract or agreement. Cash or check always works, but also consider using electronic payments like Venmo or PayPal for convenience. Some people use QR codes or credit card readers for their phones also but you’ll need to factor in the fees for that.

You should also decide if parents will pay weekly, monthly, or simply at the end of each session. Consider accepting payments before sessions to eliminate the possibility of frequently canceled sessions.

3. Where will the tutoring take place?

I have used my home, the library, and the school as different places to tutor. If you are using your home, make sure you have a comfortable place for students and parents to wait if they are early for their session and you are working with another student.

Always ask permission to use public places like libraries and schools. Some may require a fee to rent a room or space, so consider that when determining your costs.

4. How long will the sessions be?

For younger students, grades K – 2nd, I’d recommend 30-minute sessions. You could have 45-60 minute sessions for older students. I usually work with upper elementary and middle school students and have found that 45-50 minute sessions work well.

If you schedule them hourly, that gives you 10-15 minutes to transition from one student to the next. That’s perfect for you to wrap up one session and quickly prepare for the next. You’ll also need to have time to chat with parents to let them know about their child’s progress or any issues that you think should be addressed.

5. What is the cancellation policy?

Life can be so incredibly busy so I recommend a 24 hour cancellation policy. If students or parents provide 24 hour notice that they won’t be able to attend tutoring, you won’t charge them. If they cancel within 24 hours, you will charge them for the tutoring session.

You also need the option to cancel the session yourself in case of an emergency or illness. Again, I’d recommend a 24 hour policy with that. If the family has prepaid for the session and you cannot deliver, you will need to reschedule or reimburse them for the money they have paid.

6. How will you handle vacations or long term breaks in tutoring?

Over the summer months when working on summer math packets, make sure parents let you know about vacations and longer term breaks from tutoring. That way you can better plan your schedule. I worked with a family who traveled the entire month of July but wanted sessions in June and August. It was helpful to know so I could better help their children and adjust my schedule.

If parents ask for materials to work on over the vacation, make sure you can provide that as well.

7. Students who are late for tutoring sessions

Everyone is busy and there will be times when students are late. Depending on your schedule, it might not be possible to extend the lesson for students. For example, let’s say you have a student scheduled at 4pm and 5pm. If the student for your 4 pm session comes late at 4:15, and it’s a 45-minute session, I’d recommend working with them until 4:45 so you have time to prepare for your student at 5 pm.

From my experience, if parents know their students will be missing time with you, they’ll make an effort to be there on time since they’re paying for the entire session. On the occasions that I decided to extend the sessions for the students, I found that the students were late more often than not. The families must value your time as much as you respect theirs.

8. Services you will provide

Always be clear about the services and materials you will provide. For example, I generally plan the lessons and provide all materials for the student. I also offer additional homework if requested by the parent.

Always keep family and student information confidential. Although this seems obvious, it’s also important to say that you will not complete the student’s assignments for them (yes, I’ve had parents request that!)

For more information on creating your tutoring contract, I’d suggest using this website:

https://www.free-legal-document.com/tutoring-contract.html

I hope this is helpful and that you learned helpful things to consider when creating a tutoring contract. I wish you lots of luck and great success in your tutoring business.