Tutoring Contract Template

A tutoring contract is a legal agreement between a tutor and their client or hiring party that outlines the responsibilities of each. It places these responsibilities in writing to protect the rights of all involved and hold each party accountable for their actions. It helps handle issues like tutoring schedules, subject matter, and even cancellations.

This agreement sets reasonable expectations for both the tutor and the student. A contract reduces the possibility of conflict and aids both sides in getting the full value of their bargain. A tutoring contract template can help you get started crafting your agreement.

What to Include

Your tutor contract should specify all of the details of your work and your expectations for each other. This should include:

• Contact information
• Tutoring schedule
• Description of services
• Contract duration
• How to terminate the contract
• Payment and billing
• Privacy and confidentiality provisions

Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements differ from state to state and may vary depending on what you are teaching. Your tutoring contract will outline what services you provide. It is your responsibility to know whether a license is required to teach that subject matter.

For example, many states require a valid teaching license if you tutor in K-12 subject areas. Licensing requirements for college-level teaching or specialized instruction differ greatly depending on what you teach. You should consult your state’s requirements or ask an attorney whether you require a license to be a tutor.

How to Write

You can follow these useful tips on how to write a tutoring contract:

Step 1 – Include Tutor and Student Details

Your tutoring contract should include the identifying information for the tutor, the client, and the hiring party. Unlike most contracts, the client is often not the party paying for the services. This is typically the case when a parent hires a tutor for their child. The child is the client and should be identified in the contract.

Identifying information should include:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Title

Step 2 – Create a Tutoring Schedule and Establish a Contract Duration

Tutors typically teach on a set schedule. For example, a tutor may come every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM. If so, the contract should clearly establish what days and times each week the tutor is expected to teach. You can create and set whatever schedule you wish, so long as you both agree. You can even incorporate flexibility into your schedule if you desire.

The agreement should also outline how long the agreement lasts. You may decide to contract for a particular number of tutoring sessions. You might instead set a termination date, at which time you can choose to end or renew the agreement. Some contracts are ongoing and require a party to terminate the contract in some way, usually with notice.

Step 3 – Determine Subject Matter

Your tutoring contract should clearly define what the tutor will teach. It should explain what knowledge the tutor has, whether a special license is required, and any other relevant information to teaching that particular subject matter.

Step 4 – Define Terms of Payment

The tutoring agreement should define the amount of compensation and how it should be paid. This is most commonly done with a per-hour or per-session rate. It should also define when payment is due to the tutor.

Step 5 – Include Child Protection Clause

If the tutoring client is a minor, the contract should include a child protection clause. It outlines the tutor’s duties and obligations surrounding the child and any special procedures to protect the child.

Step 6 – Create a Signature Section

Your tutoring agreement should include a signature section. This should have an area where you and the hiring party sign the agreement and date it. Each of you should keep copies of the signed contract for your records.

Sample Tutoring Contract

You can download a tutoring contract sample in Word or PDF here.

Is Teaching the Same as Tutoring?

Teaching is not the same as tutoring, although they share several similarities. Both focus on instructing a child or others in a particular subject area. They both require intelligence, training, and patience to educate the client.

However, the two are different in several important ways:

• Teachers typically teach multiple students at once
• A tutor focuses on a single pupil or small group
• Teachers deliver a national or state curriculum
• Tutors focus on the student’s individual needs
• Teachers must manage behavior in a classroom and teach all students at once
• Tutors have fewer students to manage and can individualize their teaching strategy.

Tutors also provide better flexibility than teachers can. Teachers must consider the needs of all their students at once, while tutors can focus on the primary needs of their clients. Tutors are better able to provide the individualized attention and feedback needed to help their students grow and learn in a positive environment.

Tips for Tutors

If you are a tutor, these tips can help you get the most out of your profession:

• Always use a tutoring contract. Use a tutoring contract to outline all of your responsibilities and expectations. This makes clear what you are paid to do and not do. Without a contract, parents may expect you to do more than you bargained for.
• Determine parental presence. Know whether the parent intends to leave the child with you alone or whether the parent will stay for the session. You need to know whether child care is part of your agreement, as this can create both practical and legal concerns down the road if you are unclear.
• Check on licensure. Know if you need a license to tutor in your particular subject area. Do some research online and speak to a lawyer if necessary.
• Set clear payment expectations. Negotiate fair compensation for your services. Clearly define how and when you are paid to save you considerable conflict down the road.