What does a reading tutor do?
Typically working with children, a reading tutor facilitates activities that enhance students' reading and comprehension skills. They may provide tutoring sessions in a one-on-one or group setting, depending on their place of employment. Their responsibilities include developing lesson plans and activities in adherence to the students' needs, conducting skills assessments, preparing quizzes and tests, grading performances, and assisting students in the areas they find difficult. Moreover, as a reading tutor, it is essential to motivate students to reach goals while making them feel comfortable throughout the lessons.
Reading tutor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real reading tutor resumes:
- Manage a phonetic/whole language curriculum for middle/high school students with various learning differences.
- Work with students with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
- Perform the role of a reading tutor for students that have English as a second language (ESL).
- Design and implement lessons focuse on fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness.
- Prepare and implement IEP goals.
- Provide accommodations for IEP students.
- Tutor students online in mathematics and reading.
- Tutor children on content and grammar for various assignments.
- Train all the tutors using the CRLA tutoring certification program.
- Provide assistance to migrant students who wish to obtain a GED.
- Work with students who have special needs such as dyslexia and ADHD.
- Create a positive and fun learning environment the kids look forward to attending.
- Tutor small groups of 3rd and 4th grade RTI students in reading and math.
- Tutor small groups of children in reading (grade level: Pre-K to 3rd grade )
- Demonstrate step-by-step mathematical and/ or grammar techniques to help students improve in their problem areas.
Reading tutor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 35% of Reading Tutors are proficient in Kids, Math, and Professional Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Physical stamina, Communication skills, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Reading Tutors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Kids, 35%
Tutored kids with Dyslexia using the Sequential English Education curriculum as well as the Susan Barton System for Reading and Spelling.
- Math, 26%
Encouraged proper organizational methods and tutored reading and math.
- Professional Development, 24%
Volunteered Annual Elementary School Carnival Professional Developments Presented
- AmeriCorps, 6%
Monitored student's progress using individual growth and developmental indicators using AmeriCorps protocol.
- English Language, 2%
Guided several international students to improve their English language abilities.
- ESL, 2%
Developed and delivered reading instruction for refugee ESL students
Most reading tutors use their skills in "kids," "math," and "professional development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential reading tutor responsibilities here:
Physical stamina. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a reading tutor to have is physical stamina. Their role and responsibilities require that "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." Reading tutors often use physical stamina in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked one-on-one with students who were esl, had physical or emotional disabilities, or required additional assistance to complete their assignments"
Communication skills. Many reading tutor duties rely on communication skills. "teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators," so a reading tutor will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways reading tutor responsibilities rely on communication skills: "served as lead communication between learning styles and the belchertown school department. "
Patience. This is an important skill for reading tutors to perform their duties. For an example of how reading tutor responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a reading tutor: "cultivated patience and responsibility as to set a positive example as a role model. ".
The three companies that hire the most reading tutors are:
- CARE44 reading tutors jobs
- Educate!3 reading tutors jobs
- YMCA of Greater New York2 reading tutors jobs
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Compare different reading tutors
Reading tutor vs. Tutor/mentor
Tutors and mentors are two different teaching jobs. Tutors oversee helping students understand varied subjects, assessing as well as encouraging them during the learning process. On the other hand, mentors go far beyond the role of tutors. They are wise and trusted counselors who help students get the motivation they need to advance in their chosen careers. Also, they share with their mentees their career paths, act as their role model, as well as provide guidance and emotional support.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between reading tutors and tutor/mentor. For instance, reading tutor responsibilities require skills such as "kids," "professional development," "english language," and "k-3." Whereas a tutor/mentor is skilled in "mentoring students," "role model," "organic chemistry," and "student athletes." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that tutor/mentors earn slightly differ from reading tutors. In particular, tutor/mentors are 5.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a reading tutor. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Reading tutor vs. Learning center instructor
Learning center instructors' primary goal is to give direct mediation instruction for recognized students. They cooperate with staff members on suitable student placement for constructive learning. Their duties include directing all activities concerning planning, organization, development, communication, and delivery of training programs as well as initiatives. They work on leadership strategies for assisting children's emotional and social development and handling their behavior. Additionally, they coordinate with community organizations, facilities, and other professionals to design balanced recreational routines for participants.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that reading tutor responsibilities requires skills like "kids," "americorps," "english language," and "k-3." But a learning center instructor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "basic mathematics," "course curriculum," "child care," and "educational programs."
Learning center instructors earn a higher average salary than reading tutors. But learning center instructors earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $37,954. Additionally, reading tutors earn the highest salaries in the education with average pay of $38,172 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Learning center instructors tend to reach similar levels of education than reading tutors. In fact, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for reading tutors in the next 3-5 years?
R. Todd Coy Ph.D.
Professor, Colby-Sawyer College
Reading tutor vs. Computer science tutor
A computer science tutor is specialized in computer science and knows how to teach this subject comprehensively. The computer science tutors assist students in learning the subject effectively and improving their performance. Their duties include evaluating the student's strengths and opportunities, as well as suggesting an extensive learning plan that will help the student achieve their set goals. They also simplify complex problems for students to comprehend more easily, and combine learning materials into a practical learning system.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from reading tutor resumes include skills like "kids," "professional development," "americorps," and "english language," whereas a computer science tutor is more likely to list skills in "java," "c #," "javascript," and "sql. "
Computer science tutors make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $32,192. On the other hand, reading tutors are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $38,172.computer science tutors typically earn lower educational levels compared to reading tutors. Specifically, they're 5.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Reading tutor vs. Teaching assistant and tutor
Types of reading tutor
Updated January 8, 2025
