by Theresa Ann White

Created on: March 22, 2009

Tutoring can be a profitable business venture regardless of economy.

Educational services are the number two industry in the United States with over 13 million employed in this sector. Of these numbers, 195,000 are self-employed, according to the government's Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Effects of the Recession

The economic downturn is having a profound effect on the need for retraining as thousands are dismissed from their jobs and forced to find employment in new fields. The recession is also affecting those who are currently employed in the school system as teachers with layoffs and downsizing taking place in Boston, New York, California and Florida. Private tutoring is a perfect job choice for these unemployed educators.

The Need for Extra Education Resources

Despite the large numbers employed in education, there is an ongoing teacher shortage, especially in grades K-12. This shortage will be intensified within the next five years as large numbers of teachers retire. The projected number of retirees outstrips the number of education major graduates. The combination of teacher shortages, increased student enrollment and aging school facilities has produced an immediate need for additional educational services. Private tutors are that additional resource.

"No Child Left Behind" Tutoring Opportunities

School children may be eligible for free tutoring services under the No Child Left Behind Act. According to the U.S. Department of Education guidelines, to be eligible for this service, the student's family income must be below a certain level and the child must be enrolled in a Title I school. A list of tutors is provided by the school district.

English as a Second Language Tutoring

The expanding immigrant population is also creating a need for tutoring for individuals who are learning English as a second language. This can lead to new tutoring opportunities for persons who are bilingual, particularly in the Spanish language. California, Florida and Texas are seeing the largest increases in immigrant populations, and this flow is not expected to ebb. A report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics in March 2009 shows that the highest education attainment by the foreign born population is less than a high school education (18.9%).

Political refugees and asylees make up a substantial number of immigrants to the U.S. In 2007, the largest numbers of political refugees came from Burma, Somalia, Iran and Burundi. Most refugees from Burma are illiterate. Somalia lists English among its official languages but access to education in that war torn country is dismal. The Central Intelligence Agency Data Sheet on Burundi indicates an average school life expectancy of seven years. With the exception of Iran, these refugees will require English language instruction and vocational training in order to survive in the U.S. English-language tutoring is a vast opportunity with these groups.

A Wide Open Field

Private tutoring is one of the quickest and most substantial routes toward additional income. A quick Internet search will show dozens of companies who are offering tutoring services to students at all levels of the educational system.

If you enjoy teaching and have a proficiency in a specific field such as English, Writing, Math or a vocational area, then tutoring services could be a profitable income source.

Home tutoring or online tutoring can be promoted through business cards, networking or a free ad at Craig's List.

The need for tutors is immediate and opportunities are plentiful.

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