When most of us think of the jobs high school students are looking for, we tend to think of working for a burger chain or pizza place, or even a part-time job at Wal-Mart. Most of us probably don’t think of tutoring as a suitable job for a high school kid. However, it can be. Many high school students take Psychology, Sociology, and Human Relations classes as preparatory courses for their college studies in a few years. Since many curricula these days tend to emphasize the importance of “hands-on” experience, what better way for aspiring teachers to gain experience than through mentoring? Let’s consider the options for high school students in the world of tutoring.

For most students, peer tutoring at their local school is a logical choice. Some larger districts offer work experience credits as teacher assistants. Some may even provide part-time employment through their districts to serve as a tutor. While this may be possible, we know volunteer work through local elementary school districts, or working as a peer tutor in a high school special education classroom, is the norm. Regardless, there are many benefits to be derived from working as a Peer Tutor.

First, it builds a real-world bridge between high school and post-school work. Many people have landed their first job in their field because of their high school experience doing something related. Second, it develops character, on-the-job soft skills, and the opportunity to preview a career field before going out into the world to do so. Finally, students can also work at a daycare or local Boys and Girls Clubs or YMCA After School Program as tutors, gaining valuable experience and cash together.

Regardless of where you choose to tutor other students, think of the great benefits you will gain from helping your peers. Tutoring students develop human relations skills. In this age of text messages and impersonal communication, building a face-to-face tutor-student relationship greatly benefits the tutor. Peer mentoring can build a resume foundation that also builds career bridges. The supervising teacher can become a solid professional reference for the peer tutor looking to continue in the field of Education in the future. It’s a win-win situation, whichever way you look at it.

I hope you enjoyed the article and that it helped you understand that when high school students work, it may not always be with a quarter pound.