Do you have a knack for spotting patterns and unusual connections? Do you quickly pick up on nuances in written communication? If so, becoming a dyslexia tutor may be the perfect career for you.
As the demand for tutors continues to grow, this role has become an ideal opportunity for those with specialized skills to put them to good use. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of education or looking for a new profession, this guide will give you all the information you need to become a dyslexia tutor. We’ve covered everything from certification requirements to schooling opportunities and even tips on job hunting as a dyslexia tutor.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about becoming a dyslexia tutor.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds. While dyslexia is not a disease, it presents specific symptoms that can create roadblocks for those affected and affect their performance in school. Symptoms of dyslexia include trouble spelling, pronouncing words, and understanding what is being read.
This may cause a person with dyslexia to misread a word or transpose numbers or letters. People with dyslexia may also have poor comprehension, spelling, and handwriting skills. Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty processing phonetics and are more likely to encounter reading comprehension issues. Even though dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder, many people can overcome the challenges it brings by using appropriate reading and writing tools and specialized instruction.
Becoming a Dyslexia Tutor: Certification Requirements
There are no legally mandated certification requirements to become a dyslexia tutor, but there are a few organizations that can help you prepare and prove your aptitude for the job. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is the largest non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of people with dyslexia.
The organization has several certifications, including tutoring, and hosts conferences, workshops, and other events throughout the year for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. You can also explore becoming certified through the International Dyslexia Association. This certification requires the completion of 12 hours of IDA-approved training and a written test.
Becoming a Dyslexia Tutor: Training and Skills Development
Before you start taking on students, it’s essential to make sure you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of dyslexia. Becoming a dyslexia tutor means that you will be working one-on-one with students, so you must know how to spot the signs of dyslexia and know how to help.
First, familiarize yourself with the common indicators of dyslexia, including trouble reading, spelling, and pronouncing words, trouble keeping track of left and right, and trouble organizing thoughts.
Next, thinking about how you can use your skills to help these students is crucial. You may find yourself assisting students to gain confidence in themselves, explore a new passion, or even feel less discouraged about the end-of-year exams.
Use these tips to get started:
– Be positive: Remember that there is nothing wrong with struggling with reading and writing. Many people do, and it does not reflect a person’s intelligence. It’s important to remember that each person’s learning experience is different, and you should be supportive of that.
– Be creative: Don’t feel you need to follow the same old paths. Instead, explore new ways you can help students grow their reading and writing skills.
– Be flexible: Let students know that it is okay to change their goals. There is no shame in changing paths.
How to Become a Dyslexia Tutor: Finding Employment
If you’re ready to make the jump to becoming a tutor, there are a few different ways to go about finding employment. The first thing you’ll want to do is build a tutoring resume. This is your chance to market yourself to potential employers and include all of your relevant skills and experience. Depending on your tutoring, you may also have to provide a copy of your state’s criminal record.
While this varies by state, it’s essential to keep in mind that most large employers conduct background checks. You can also use sites like Indeed, Craigslist, and HubGig to find potential tutoring jobs. While there are many different ways to find employment as a tutor, the most important thing is to be patient. Tutoring is often part-time, so you may need patience in finding your ideal job.
Conclusion
Now that you know what dyslexia is and understand what it takes to become a dyslexia tutor, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision about this rewarding career path. Remember that this job can be emotionally taxing, so make sure you’re prepared to handle the ups and downs that come with working one-on-one with students struggling with a difficult learning disability. However, becoming a dyslexia tutor can be a gratifying experience with the right mindset and training.
