Why retired teachers make the perfect tutors

When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retirement can soon wear off, and you might find yourself missing the daily contact with colleagues and students. 

Retired teachers can struggle to fill their days and often miss the social connection that a school provides. Additionally, the rising cost of living can make it difficult to make ends meet financially. For these reasons, becoming a tutor can be the perfect solution. Not only can you make a positive difference in the lives of your students, but you can also supplement your retirement income and enjoy the social interaction that comes with teaching. With your years of experience and knowledge, you can help your students succeed and have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in their lives.

From teacher to tutor

Transitioning from teaching to tutoring can be a rewarding experience for those looking to continue their passion for educating others. Tutoring provides an opportunity for individual attention not available in the classroom and can be particularly beneficial for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Tutoring also eliminates some of the stresses of teaching, such as paperwork and dealing with the pressures of a traditional classroom. For those looking to continue their career in education and make a difference in the lives of students, tutoring can be the perfect fit.

Benefits of becoming a tutor

Retired teachers can benefit in many ways from working as a tutor in retirement. The flexibility of tutoring allows you to work when you want, supplementing your retirement and pension. Working with individual students or small groups gives you the opportunity to build strong relationships and understand their learning needs. You will also be able to learn from colleagues and make new friends, as well as learn from different cultures and communities. 

As a retired teacher, you already have teaching skills, and as a tutor, you don't have to adjust your teaching approach the same way as you would in a classroom. This can be a rewarding experience, as you can see the investment of your time in nurturing and helping pupils grow.

Why schools need retired teachers?

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns have had a major impact on the quality of education. The Department for Education (DfE) reported in 2022 that the attainment gap between primary and secondary levels of education was at its widest in a decade. 

Teaching Personnel is an approved partner for the National Tutoring Programme (NTP), which helps students who may have been disadvantaged by school closures receive quality tutoring. 

Retired teachers have a lot of knowledge and experience to offer, and while they do receive specialist training for tutoring, schools, parents, teachers, and pupils can be confident that their tuition is being delivered by an experienced teacher. 

The Education Endowment Foundation suggests that an intensive programme of one-to-one or small-group tuition can add up to four to five months of progress for pupils. Schools need retired teachers to help close the attainment gap and ensure students get the education they deserve.

National Tutoring Programme

Become a tutor for the National Tutoring Programme (NTP)! Schools now receive their catch-up funding for this programme automatically from the Department for Education (DfE). 

As a tutor, you'll receive competitive hourly rates, paid weekly. To join, you'll first undertake free specialist training, the Tutor Toolkit, developed by our partner company Best Practice Network (BPN). This CPD Accredited course includes six modules, covering different topics and tools for delivering high-impact tuition. Once you're done, you can choose the days and times you're available and we'll find the tuition sessions that fit. Now in its third year, the NTP is a great way to make a difference, while also tailoring your retirement life to your needs.