To become a handwriting tutor, you need to be trained in a recognized hand writing curriculum, certified, and hired by a company. You may also start your own business as a tutor. The training process differs for traditional, decorative forms of handwriting like calligraphy, and practical instruction for school age children. Hand writing tutors are often employed by schools, institutions which teach children with special needs, or community or art centers that offer classes for personal enrichment. You can also start your own handwriting studio to conduct classes, hold workshops, and teach private lessons.
Handwriting tutor training typically does not require a specific educational background. Different workshops have different requirements, but for the most part, any interested adult can pursue training. Even so, sometimes an associates or bachelor's degree is required to become a handwriting tutor with full certification. Workshops typically take one or two days, but some handwriting training is more intensive, requiring weeks or months of training.
Before you begin your training, decide on what kind of students you wish to teach. Some curricula are geared towards young children who are having difficulty with basic writing skills, like holding a pencil, or writing individual letters. Other handwriting educational systems are art based, and can be adapted for both children and adults. Alternative handwriting methods, or shorthand, is typically taught to teenagers and adults.
Specialized handwriting methods for decorative writing, like calligraphy, usually take more time to learn. Not only must you understand the method for teaching, you must also be able to demonstrate the process and the handwriting to your students. Practical handwriting alternatives also take time to learn. The time it takes to become proficient depends entirely on your own ability to process new information.
When you have decided what method of handwriting you wish to learn, you must complete multiples classes and obtain certification if possible. Having a certification greatly increases your credibility as an educator and may help you build your client base. Even so, it is not impossible to become a handwriting tutor if you don't have a certification. Often, experience can make up for the lack of certification.
After obtaining the proper training, you are ready to become a handwriting tutor. You may find employment in therapy or other medical centers, organizations which specialize in helping children with special needs, tutoring companies, schools, art schools, or community centers. In some cases, the institution may be actively hiring new tutors or looking for someone to conduct a handwriting class.
If you cannot find a company that is hiring a handwriting tutor, you can still approach potential organizations with a portfolio of your work, an explanation of the handwriting method, and details on how a handwriting program could benefit that institution. Many centers that offer personal enrichment classes look for new programs and classes on a regular basis. Your presentation and plan of instruction will be critical, so make sure it is clear and professional.
In some cases, it may make more sense to open your own handwriting studio. Consult your government agencies for specifics regarding business licenses and tax requirements before advertising for students. You may work out of your home or find studio space and set up a brick and mortar facility. Working from your home is certainly cheaper, but having a studio adds a sense of professionalism to your business. You may also become a private handwriting tutor who works with students in their own homes.
To build clientele, advertise at schools, public centers, and online. You may also register with professional tutoring sites that provide parents, teachers, and other individuals with contact information for tutors in your area. Having a website will also increase your visibility. Even so, much of your business will probably come by word of mouth, so treat each student as a special client.
