Should You Get a Degree in Mathematics to Tutor Kids?
The decision to pursue a degree in mathematics before tutoring kids is a common one. While a formal education in the subject can be incredibly beneficial, it's not strictly necessary for success. Here, we explore the advantages of having a degree, alternatives, and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of Having a Degree in Mathematics
Deep Understanding: A degree in mathematics provides a solid foundation and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This knowledge is invaluable when explaining complex topics in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for students to grasp the material.
Credibility: Formal qualifications can significantly enhance your credibility as a tutor. Parents and students are more likely to trust and have confidence in your abilities when you have a degree, especially when dealing with higher-level mathematics.
Advanced Knowledge: If your tutoring involves higher-level mathematics, such as calculus or abstract algebra, a degree ensures you have the necessary knowledge to handle these topics with ease.
Alternatives to a Degree in Mathematics
Experience: Practical experience in teaching or tutoring can be just as valuable as a formal degree. If you have a knack for explaining concepts and helping students understand them, this can be a significant advantage.
Certification Programs: Some organizations offer tutoring certifications that demonstrate your expertise without requiring a full degree. These certifications can be a valuable addition to your credentials and may meet the needs of your students and their parents.
Subject Mastery: If you have a strong grasp of the material and can communicate it effectively, you may not need a degree. However, this approach requires significant experience and a deep understanding of the subject.
Deciding on a Degree in Mathematics
Ultimately, the decision depends on your goals, the level of math you wish to tutor, and the needs of your students. Many successful tutors have backgrounds in education-related fields or significant experience in tutoring, even without a formal mathematics degree. Consider your personal strengths, the age of your students, and the level of mathematics you plan to teach when making your decision.
Being Overly Educated
While a strong educational background in mathematics can be beneficial, it's important to consider the role of the tutor. Being overly educated can sometimes create a barrier to effective teaching. As a tutor, it's essential to be able to explain basic concepts in a way that students can understand, without becoming frustrated or taking them for granted.
At university, almost every math teacher has a doctorate. Tutors, on the other hand, can include bachelors graduates, master’s students, and even some high school students with teacher recommendations. It's interesting to note that in some instances, a math instructor might hold a master’s degree but also have extensive industry experience and years of high school teaching.
Standards for Tutoring
For tutoring, the standards are typically lower than those for teaching a subject. However, it's advisable to follow the formal standards as closely as possible. Children are usually taught by people with a bachelor's in education, not necessarily in the subject matter. Therefore, it's essential to learn how to teach and how children learn, rather than being overly educated in the subject matter.
At university, the expectations for teachers are the highest, with almost all math teachers holding a doctorate. Community colleges often have teachers with a master’s degree or higher, but exceptions do exist. For instance, I met a math instructor with a bachelor’s degree in both math and education, along with years of high school teaching experience. This was an unusual but valid exception.
Summary
Ultimately, whether to get a degree in mathematics depends on your goals and the needs of your students. If your heart is set on teaching children, consider getting a degree in education. Of course, you don't have to be a teacher to be a tutor, but the expectations on you are still relatively low. If you choose to go the route of a degree, look into a double associate's degree in education and math/science, which can be sufficient to become a respected private tutor.