How to Start and Grow a Tutoring Business | for Elementary Teachers*

How to Start and Grow a Reading Tutoring Business is a practical, step-by-step mini course designed for elementary teachers who want to turn their skills into income — whether as a side hustle or a full-time business. This mini course is for you if… You're a current or former elementary school teacher who wants to start tutoring (or already has a student or two and wants to do this more intentionally) You've thought about tutoring but aren’t sure where to start You want to find clients without spending money on ads or building a social media following You're ready to get organized, get confident, and start earning! This course includes lifetime access to: 7 video trainings with slides Printable tools and templates, like a tutoring info sheet, tutor policies page, lesson plan template, tutoring flyer template, and much more What You'll Learn: Module 1: Setting Up Your Business Get the foundations in place from day one. You'll learn how to research and set your rates, choose your session location, set your availability, create a cancellation policy, and handle the legal and financial basics — without getting overwhelmed. Module 2: Finding Your First Clients You don’t need to use social media marketing or even have a website! This module covers the most effective (and completely free) ways to find your first tutoring families — including word-of-mouth strategies, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, homeschool communities, bulletin boards, and more. Module 3: Getting Yourself Organized Build the systems that keep you professional and prepared. You'll set up a new client intake form and student binder system, learn how to keep detailed session notes, and see how to use a parent summary sheet to make sure you and the family stay on the same page. Module 4: Onboarding & Working with a New Client Here, we walk through the entire process from the first parent phone call to the first instructional session — step by step. Learn how to have the initial conversation, set expectations, prepare for the first session, run your assessments, plan instruction, and set measurable goals. Plus, we’ll talk about how to gracefully end a tutoring relationship if and when the time comes. Module 5: Growing Your Business We’ll discuss how to build momentum and growth over time. You'll learn what the most powerful growth tool is, how to collect and use testimonials, how to build relationships with pediatricians and speech therapists who can send families your way, and what to do when your schedule is full. Module 6: Other Tutoring Options to Consider In-person lessons aren’t the only path! This module explores joining a tutoring company, trying out online tutoring, and practical tips for making virtual sessions engaging and effective for young learners. Module 7: Motivation and Dealing with Behavior Challenges Some of your students may be distracted or disengaged. This module gives you a toolkit of strategies to keep kids motivated and wanting to work with you. Why This Course is Different Most business courses weren't built with teachers in mind. This course makes it easy for any educator to get started with tutoring! It was created by elementary teacher and reading specialist Alison Ryan, who’s been in business since 2012 and understands the reality of building a business from scratch. You don't need a website. You don't need a big social media following. You don't need a lot of startup money. You just need to know what to do — and this course will show you! NOTE: This course does not provide legal or financial guidance, nor does it guarantee that you will earn an income from tutoring.