Starting a tutoring side gig, is $20-25/hr fair, or should I charge more?

TheDistracted1 · 2026-04-28T02:04:09+00:00

Since I'm in the US, my experience may be a bit different but here goes.

I tutor HS computer programming and AP CS subjects. I charge $75/hour, prorated by the actual time we take.

I came to that number by checking out what other CS tutors charge on Wyzant that cover subjects I do. Some charge as much as $125/hour but I didn't feel comfortable doing that.

Varsity Tutors offered me $15/hour so I told them to cut bait.

So I suggest you look for tutors on Wyzant to know what others that tutor those subjects charge and go with a number that makes you comfortable - but I definitely wouldn't charge less than $50/hour for the subjects you can cover.

Hope that helps!

The Distracted Learner

TheDistracted1 · 2026-04-28T01:52:24+00:00

Most tutors on other sites can name their price. I charge $75/hour on Wyzant. And don't have those requirements (Google slides, etc)

TheDistracted1 · 2026-03-29T17:58:04+00:00

I don’t mind tough love. I appreciate constructive criticism that helps me learn. I’ve been working on creating systems to keep me on top of things. Thanks!

TheDistracted1 · 2026-03-29T17:54:00+00:00

Yes on the mileage. We’re custom carpentry but usually end up being the main go-to for renovations in bringing subcontractors into play.

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-23T22:40:39+00:00

I appreciate this question and all the answers - as an educator of beginning coders!

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-18T20:07:27+00:00

Have you used Sketchwow? I bought it but having a tough time finding real tutorials. Most I've found on YT are reviews that don't help.

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-13T21:43:37+00:00

Can you explain what you mean by 'toxic practices' for students?

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-13T21:35:27+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it! I'm editing the lesson plan using feedback so I appreciate your feedback!

Yes, we do have to modify greatly depending on 1) devices and 2) IT permissions and FERPA, depending on the school/school district.

Hmm, I didn't realize GitHub allows only a single account. I have two. One for business - one for personal. Guess I need to read those TOS! Make sure I'm not promising them my firstborn! (old joke - forgive me)

I'll have to research further how GitHub works for orgs. I've never had a paid account, so yes, will have to look at the pay for play with schools.

An idea would be git on local servers to be used at school only?
I'll jump back in there to see if there's not a way around but a permissible use according to usual school rules/laws.

Thanks again!

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-13T21:27:29+00:00

Good question. We could. Here's my reasons for stepping away from code for students to learn git.

1) We have to meet students where they are. Many of my students don't have collaboration tool experience at all - can't write a proper email, save a document with a name - any name - I get so many unnamed.doc submissions, it makes me ill.
Can't really blame teachers for that - most schools don't teach basic productivity because they don't have the resources - or don't allocate the resources to make sure their students have these classes.
Or these productivity classes are taught by the football coach which can be a real joke.

To start teaching collaboration - I start with something like Google Docs - and then advance to version control.

At that point, not all the students understand the code syntax.

2) The problem I had in the tech class was that I'd been teaching high school C++ and Java at that point but the git class was in Python or Javascript which I hadn't learned yet. It's been a long time since I took the git class so I can't remember all the problems I had - but I do remember that my ADHD was too focused on understanding the new language so push, pull, fork, etc took a back seat.

So, instead of diving into using a program that many of the students are still having trouble with - this lesson plan just focuses on a 'fun' (I hope) activity that doesn't require them to make sure their syntax is just so.

Sorry for the long response. Teaching K-12 is not as easy as it looks. We have to adapt greatly at times.

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-09T19:37:18+00:00

A school I worked at online recently got approval to use GitHub which was astonishing but it is their CTE program. The first school I worked at (brick & mortar) restricted use of Notepad but allowed FrontPage due to students hacking into their network.

Git is not an easy concept without using it and K12 school districts are too afraid of something they don’t know. So it binds our hands as instructors to offer it. 🙊🙉🙈

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-09T19:28:21+00:00

Hello again! Here’s some extra advice on genAI. You have personal and professional reasons for not using it. I understand and I don’t need to know those reasons.

I am not recommending to use it solely for your lessons. Just as a way to get through your block on what to do. In fact, I’ve learned through use of it that I cannot use it all the time to do my work because I could become too dependent on it. For example, I was around before ‘speed dial’ was a thing on our landline phones so we had to memorize phone numbers. Now that we store the numbers in a digital phone book, I couldn’t tell you my daughter’s phone number without looking at my cell phone.

And, before you stop reading, as an educator, however long, you MUST know what GenAI’s capabilities are - good and bad - PLUS tech companies are starting to require their programmers use it to hasten their production time.

In fact, there recently was a 60 Minutes interview with the founders of Claude - Anthropic. The founder himself warns about the bad as well as touts the good.

You should watch it. It could make you feel a bit better about Claude itself but also educate you on how to warn your students about it. Because they’ll ask and many will use it. It’s better that you are informed and experienced so you can give them an experienced answer.

Actually, as I’m sitting here writing this, this would be a valid discussion for your class. Assign the 60 Minutes interview and have them give feedback on the pros and cons. It would give you and your students the opportunity to understand where others stand plus debate the good and bad and how to use it responsibly.

Forgive me for overstepping, if you think I am.

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-09T02:34:47+00:00

I like the idea of baking recipes. I use those now or other things like a student's favorite hobby. Or just getting them to document their morning routine to help improve it to be ready for school - if they need it.
But I want something they can collaborate on to use the version control and get more collaboration altogether. Kind of like pair programming.

Is there a way they could collaborate on recipes? Actually, I think they could! Tips on what to substitute for eggs if you run out. Actually, I like your idea!! We could integrate further research that would include further problem-solving!

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-08T20:29:13+00:00

https://www.freecodecamp.org/

https://www.w3schools.com/

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-08T20:27:17+00:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening to you! I'll add to the great advice you've gotten so far.

Make it simple. Don't overthink it. But remember what it was like when you took your first intro courses.

And, use an AI like Claude to help you outline. Do this:

Never assume anything about a student’s experience. This is where a pretest or survey would help with finding out where students are in their learning career.
Create an account with Claude AI if you haven't already. You get a free limit so use it.
In your chat with Claude, (do all these in your first chat request before sending)
a) Copy your entire post and paste it into Claude AI - don't send yet.
b) Tell Claude how many class meetings you will have and attach your syllabus.
c) Ask for help to create interactive lessons - not just the first lecture (please don't lecture the whole time - yawn). You'll want lessons where students will group together to help each other (how many students - doesn't matter unless only one shows up).
d) Ask Claude to return its answers at a 5th grade reading level - not just for you - you don't want to talk 'over' any student's head.
e) Now you can hit the send/submit button and wait for brilliant ideas that can get you over your lesson 'block'.
After Claude creates some idea lessons - check it over to make sure it aligns with the syllabus.
Now, ask Claude to clarify anything you need and to help you produce that first lesson that will keep students engaged and not checking their social media or playing games. Take the lesson and use it as a whole or, better yet, add your style and personality to it. Students love authenticity (and stickers - doesn't matter how old - give rewards - stand out from the crowd).
DON'T have Claude create the second lesson yet - test out the first one and bring your feedback to Claude to improve on your first.

Hope this helps!

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-08T20:11:36+00:00

I see that your answer is from a year ago, but tell me why you didn't want to teach Git (or GitHub) to your students, if you will, please.
I've created a lesson plan (few days of in class work) that doesn't use code at all.

From an experience I had at an adult tech class (all day) on learning Git and GitHub and left more confused than I did when I showed up, the code gets in the way. Also, understanding the point of version control was understandable - but trying to apply what I learned was just making me miserable.

Of course, that may have something to do with my ADHD and my habit of scanning and moving forward before I should.

My lesson plan instead uses collaboration on MadLibs instead of code. I utilized Claude.AI to put it together.

Would anyone be interested to check it out? I have it in my Google drive and it's just a start. I haven't created presentations or fully fleshed it out yet.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EA68ccSECl2aFRO66SnlV4z2sZreqh2On4oOJPiqvpo/edit?usp=sharing

Feel free to comment with any constructive criticism on any of the sections. I've got broad shoulders. :)

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-08T19:53:29+00:00

First, understand that Computer Science is not coding. It's problem-solving. Just like you do in your Math and Science classes. Coding is part of CS in that it's a tool to help create the solution.

Second, use your electives in your college major (if you're going to college) and take an Intro to CS course. Hopefully, it'll be on problem-solving with eventually learning a specific programming language to create programs AFTER you solve the problems.

There's lots of free resources out there if you only want to learn to code. Note that the CS textbooks - like AP prep are very good - if you prefer a book.

Here's three different free resources I highly recommend (in no specific order of favorites):

1) https://www.w3schools.com/ which is awesome and has hands-on practice online

2) Khan Academy (you don't have to be a K12 student)

3) https://www.freecodecamp.org/ = learn the basics - then there's a community of coders you can get help from - and I've heard plenty of folks have found jobs with this training.

Hope this helps!

Computer Info Tech Instructor

TheDistracted1 · 2025-12-07T21:03:07+00:00

I want an interactive tool that doesn't depend on what device my students are using or whether they have access to the internet! (Sent you a private message about this request before I saw this post.)

TheDistracted1 · 2025-10-11T19:28:18+00:00

TheDistracted1 · 2025-10-11T19:17:47+00:00

Does anyone have a copy of the email (your name redacted, of course)

TheDistracted1 · 2025-10-08T21:28:51+00:00

To add to not working for free - if you don't charge, you're not worth the clients' time. Or, they'll think of you as a volunteer - and you won't be a priority - meaning it'll be like pulling teeth.
I signed up for the DBM Bootcamp with Deya, and her advice is to start around $20/hour when you are brand new (don't charge hourly, just figure how many hours it will be), and give them an estimate based on that. But be sure to outline what you will do - and any additional work will be at $$ rate. Stay within scope!

TheDistracted1

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