Superprof

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Becoming a Superprof tutor

Why teach with Superprof?

Superprof appeals to tutors who value autonomy. The platform allows tutors to set their hourly rates and determine their teaching hours, offering them considerable control over their workload. Superprof provides an open market for students and tutors to connect, which is beneficial for both experienced educators and professionals looking to share their expertise on a part-time or full-time basis. Here’s a closer look at the main benefits of becoming a Superprof tutor:

Diverse Student Base:

Superprof has a global reach, attracting students of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in both academic and non-academic subjects. Whatever you specialize in, you’re likely to find interested students.

Flexible Schedule:

As an independent Superprof tutor, you have complete control over your schedule. This flexibility makes Superprof a great fit for those who want to tutor part-time or have other commitments.

Freedom to Set Rates:

Superprof allows you to price your services according to your expertise, subject area, and the demand for your skills. They do have a rate range, which is between $20 USD and $80 USD per hour.

Wide Range of Subjects:

Superprof supports tutoring across a vast array of subjects, from language, to math and science, to sports coaching and arts instruction. This variety gives tutors a space to offer lessons in multiple disciplines if they have diverse skills, expanding their reach and potential income.

Application and Onboarding Process

Signing up to become a Superprof tutor is straightforward. Superprof refers to it as “creating an ad” and they allow tutors to do this for free. Tutors can create as many ads for as many subjects as they want.

Prospective tutors can create a profile by providing details on their educational background, teaching experience, and subject expertise. The platform also encourages tutors to add a professional photo, description, and a short introductory video to make their profile more engaging.

Once a profile is complete, tutors can set their availability and hourly rates, and their profile (“ad”) becomes visible to students. Superprof does not require tutors to undergo an interview or training; however, verified profiles (which can include credentials or certification) often attract more students and earn higher ratings. Tutors can also respond to student inquiries through the Superprof messaging system to discuss schedules, learning goals, and lesson structure before a formal booking is made.

Requirements to become a Superprof tutor

Superprof doesn’t list any specific requirements for people to tutor on their platform. You do not have to have a degree or a teaching certificate. They do give some general suggestions, however.

Profile

Take some time to create a quality profile by giving a short description of your education and experience, as well as adding a nice photo of yourself. Superprof recommends that you:

• highlight your strengths;

• ask yourself why a potential client may choose you over another tutor;

• explain your learning style and teaching methodology;

• tell your story (hobbies, travels, life experiences);

• be specific (“I specialize in SAT, AP, and GMAT preparation in algebra” instead of “I teach math.”);

• bring passion, a love for your craft, and enthusiasm to your lessons; and

• use a high quality, friendly photo.

IMPORTANT: Superprof highly values responsiveness. If a student is interested in your ad, Superprof will send you a notificiation. The more responsive you are to these inquiries, the more Superprof will increase the visibility of your ad.

Background checks

It’s not a legal requirement for tutors to have a background check in the US, nor is it a requirement of the Superprof platform. However, having a background check available, and indicating that in your ad, can increase your chances of getting booked if you are interested in teaching children.

Payment Structure and Earnings Potential

Superprof’s payment model allows tutors to set their own rates. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the tutor’s expertise, the subject taught, and the geographic location. Superprof sets a range of $20 USD to $80 USD per hour.

For example, tutors offering specialized skills or languages tend to set higher rates than those teaching more common academic subjects. Additionally, Superprof does not charge commission on lessons, so tutors receive the full amount they set for their hourly rate. However, in some regions, a membership or premium plan for tutors might be required to unlock certain platform features or boost visibility.

While not mandatory, the company also recommends that you offer your first class to each new student for free. This is in order to discuss their needs, establish a learning plan, and incentivize students to take a chance on you with their hard-earned money.

Payment Method:

Superprof tutors are paid directly by students, and Superprof does not handle payment processing for lessons. This direct model allows for immediate payment but also means that tutors and students must agree on preferred payment methods, such as PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfers, or cash for in-person sessions.

How is Superprof free for tutors?

The reason that Superprof doesn’t take commissions and allows teachers to place free ads is that they charge students a monthly subscription to be on the platform. This is separate from what tutors charge their students hourly. They also offer paid options for tutors to access additional platform features and boost ad visibility.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Tutor Profile Customization

Superprof’s profile system is designed to help tutors showcase their expertise and connect with the right students. Tutors can upload qualifications, add testimonials, and specify preferred teaching methods to stand out. An introduction video, in particular, can significantly increase student interest, as it offers a preview of the tutor’s style and personality.

2. Student Feedback and Ratings

Student reviews and ratings play a vital role in building a tutor’s reputation on Superprof. Positive feedback can help increase visibility and attract more students. Tutors who maintain high ratings and receive regular positive reviews are often prioritized in search results.

3. In-Person and Online Classes

Superprof accommodates both online and local, in-person lessons. Tutors can specify if they are available for face-to-face sessions, online lessons, or both, allowing them to reach a larger pool of students. The online option is particularly beneficial for tutors who want to expand their reach to international students.

4. Multilingual and International Platform

Superprof operates in multiple languages and regions, which is beneficial for tutors who are multilingual. This aspect allows for diverse teaching opportunities and a chance to connect with students from various cultural backgrounds.

5. Resources and Support

While Superprof does not provide a set curriculum or lesson plans, tutors have access to a community forum where they can share tips, seek advice, and connect with other tutors. This peer network can be a valuable resource for new tutors or those exploring additional teaching methods. Superprof also has a dedicated Customer Service team to serve tutors in nine different languages.

Is Superprof legit?

Yes, Superprof is a legitimate platform that connects students with 29 million tutors across 50+ countries. Offering over 2,000 subjects and 24 million lessons, it emphasizes quality with verified tutor profiles, validated diplomas, and certified student reviews. More than one million students have given their tutors 5-star ratings, highlighting high satisfaction and trust.

The reason many prospective tutors ask this question is because Superprof has low requirements for tutors, allows them to sign up to the platform for free, and doesn’t take commissions on their earnings. Once you understand that their business model is to charge students a monthly subscription fee and offer optional paid platform feature upgrades to tutors, you can see why that is.

Superprof Reviews

Pros and Cons of becoming a Superprof tutor

Pros

• Autonomy: control over teaching rates, schedule, and curriculum.

• Direct Payment: Tutors receive payment directly from students, without commission.

• Diverse Subjects: Opportunities to teach niche and non-traditional subjects beyond standard academics.

• Global Reach: Access to an international student base.

• Profile Customization: Tools to enhance tutor visibility and attract more students, such as video introductions and reviews.

• Quality support staff: Superprof has a dedicated Customer Service team to serve tutors in nine different languages.

Cons

• Lack of Structured Curriculum: Tutors must create their lesson plans, which can require additional preparation time.

• No Guaranteed Bookings: Tutors must rely on the quality of their ad to attract potential students.

• No Central Payment Processing: Tutors are responsible for collecting payment directly from students, which can complicate transactions. (Need a solution for processing payments? Try PayPal or Payoneer)

• Potential Additional Fees for Tutors: In some regions, tutors may need a paid membership to access premium features or increase profile visibility.

Who Should Consider Tutoring on Superprof?

Superprof is best suited for educators who enjoy flexibility and independence in their teaching. It’s an ideal platform for those who want to set their own rates, offer lessons in diverse subjects, and connect with students directly. It’s also particularly advantageous for tutors skilled in niche subjects or extracurricular activities, as it allows them to reach an audience that might not be available on more traditional academic tutoring platforms.

Additionally, the platform’s openness to a wide range of tutoring levels and backgrounds means it’s accessible for both professional educators and skilled individuals looking to share their knowledge part-time. Superprof’s model is attractive for tutors who appreciate building their own brand and profile without being tied to a specific curriculum or centralized payment system.

Superprof hires tutors from around the world and is very popular in countries such as Canada, USA, Mexico, UK, India, Australia, France, Portugal, Chile, Indonesia, Argentina, and Colombia.

Tips for Success on Superprof

Optimize Your Profile:

Include a clear, professional photo and a detailed description of your expertise and teaching style. A well-crafted introduction video can also make a strong first impression on potential students.

Encourage Reviews:

Positive reviews significantly impact your visibility and credibility on the platform. Ask satisfied students to leave feedback, which can help build a strong reputation.

Be Responsive and Professional:

Prompt responses to student inquiries and clear communication regarding expectations can help build trust and lead to more bookings. As mentioned before, Superprof will actually boost your ad if you’re more responsive.

Set Competitive Rates:

Research the rates of other tutors in your field to price your services competitively while still reflecting your expertise and experience level.

Be Adaptable:

Since Superprof attracts a diverse student base, be ready to tailor your teaching style to accommodate different learning preferences and cultural backgrounds.

The Final Verdict on Superprof

Superprof provides a flexible, independent tutoring environment that suits a wide range of educators and professionals. For those seeking autonomy and the ability to set their own rates, Superprof is a solid choice. However, the need for self-promotion, lesson planning, and direct payment handling means that success on Superprof often depends on a proactive and organized approach.