Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Online Math and Science Tutor

🎯 Role Definition

As an Online Math and Science Tutor you will deliver results-oriented, student-centered instruction in mathematics and science using virtual platforms. You will diagnose learning gaps, design personalized lesson plans aligned to standards (Common Core, NGSS, AP), use data-driven assessments to measure progress, and coach students toward academic goals including course mastery and standardized test success. This role requires strong content knowledge across algebra, geometry, precalculus, calculus, biology, chemistry and physics, proficiency with online teaching tools (Zoom, Google Classroom, Canvas, digital whiteboards), and the ability to build rapport with students and parents remotely.

You will be expected to manage a tutoring caseload, maintain accurate records, collaborate with families and school teachers when appropriate, and continuously refine instructional strategies through feedback and professional development. Ideal candidates balance rigorous pedagogy with patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

College students or recent graduates majoring in Mathematics, Science, or Education.
Licensed K–12 teachers seeking flexible or supplemental work.
Former tutors or teaching assistants transitioning to online instruction.

Advancement To:

Lead Online Tutor / Senior Subject Specialist
Curriculum Designer for Online Learning
Instructional Coordinator or Academic Coach
Manager or Director of Tutoring Services / Learning Center

Lateral Moves:

Content Developer (lesson plans, practice problem banks)
Test Prep Specialist (SAT/ACT/AP-focused instructor)
Online Course Instructor or Adjunct Faculty

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Deliver high-quality, standards-aligned one-on-one and small-group virtual tutoring sessions in math and science (K–12 and college level), using digital tools to model problem solving and make concepts accessible.
Design and implement individualized learning plans based on diagnostic assessments, prior academic history, and student goals, with measurable milestones and timelines.
Conduct initial and periodic academic assessments (diagnostic, formative, summative) to identify learning gaps, monitor growth, and recalibrate instruction.
Prepare students for standardized tests and advanced placement exams (AP Calculus, AP Biology, SAT Math, ACT Science) by teaching test-taking strategies, timing, and targeted content review.
Create engaging, scaffolded lesson materials—worksheets, practice problems, demonstrations, labs, and multimedia resources—that align with Common Core, NGSS, or state curriculum standards.
Use a variety of online instructional tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Canvas, Google Classroom, digital whiteboards such as Bitpaper or Miro) to deliver interactive lessons and maintain student engagement.
Differentiate instruction for diverse learners, adapting pace, complexity, and modality to support students with varied learning styles and academic levels.
Provide clear, actionable feedback after each session—documenting strengths, next steps, and homework—and maintain up-to-date progress notes and learning portfolios.
Communicate regularly with parents/guardians and, where appropriate, classroom teachers to align tutoring with school coursework, share progress reports, and recommend study plans.
Track and report student attendance, session outcomes, and progress metrics in the company LMS or CRM; meet organizational KPIs for retention and achievement.
Develop targeted mini-lessons and remediation activities to address recurring errors, misconceptions, and procedural gaps in math and science reasoning.
Incorporate inquiry-based learning, lab simulations, and real-world problem contexts in science sessions to build conceptual understanding and scientific reasoning.
Create and administer practice exams, quizzes, and benchmark assessments; analyze results to generate individualized remediation and enrichment plans.
Support students with special education needs by following IEP/504 accommodations and by coordinating modifications with parents and school staff when necessary.
Maintain strict confidentiality of student records and adhere to data protection and FERPA/privacy guidelines for online instruction and record-keeping.
Establish and maintain a positive, motivating virtual classroom culture that fosters resilience, growth mindset, and independent problem-solving skills.
Manage scheduling, cancellations, and rescheduling requests; ensure punctuality and professional conduct during all sessions.
Troubleshoot common technical issues for students (audio, video, screen-sharing) and escalate platform problems to technical support when required.
Continuously refine pedagogical strategies through reflection, session recordings, peer observation, and participation in professional development.
Create and curate a library of reusable resources—video lessons, solution walkthroughs, annotated notes—to scale instruction and accelerate onboarding of new students.
Mentor junior tutors, providing calibration on pedagogy, feedback techniques, and use of digital tools to ensure consistent instructional quality.
Collaborate with curriculum teams to pilot new instructional programs, provide feedback on materials, and help iterate content for online delivery.
Manage billing notes and session logs accurately to support invoicing, payroll, and client transparency when required by the organization.
Proactively solicit and incorporate student and parent feedback to improve lesson relevance, pacing, and instructional effectiveness.

Secondary Functions

Support lead tutors and curriculum designers in creating cross-curricular modules and diagnostic assessments for new grade bands or subjects.
Assist with student recruitment and retention initiatives by contributing sample lessons, conducting trial sessions, and participating in outreach events.
Participate in weekly staff meetings, training workshops, and peer review sessions to maintain alignment with best practices and company standards.
Contribute to data collection and reporting for program evaluation—help create dashboards and briefings that summarize student outcomes and engagement trends.
Help refine internal onboarding materials and technical guides for new tutors to reduce ramp-up time and improve early-stage student outcomes.
Volunteer for pilot projects that integrate new edtech tools, adaptive learning platforms, or assessment software into the tutoring workflow.
Provide ad-hoc support for classroom or school partnership coordination when working with institutional clients.
Keep a curated list of recommended third-party resources (books, apps, simulation tools) and recommend them to families where appropriate.
Assist with scheduling optimization and waitlist management to ensure high fill rates and efficient tutor utilization.
Support the creation and editing of marketing copy, blog posts, and video content that showcases tutoring outcomes and instructional approaches.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep subject-matter expertise in mathematics (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus) and sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
Experience designing lessons and assessments aligned to Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Proven ability to prepare students for standardized exams: AP subject exams, SAT Math, ACT Science/Math, and state-level assessments.
Proficiency with virtual teaching platforms (Zoom, Google Meet) and LMS tools (Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology).
Skilled with interactive digital whiteboards and annotation tools (Bitpaper, Whiteboard.fi, Explain Everything, Miro).
Familiarity with online assessment and practice platforms (Khan Academy, IXL, ALEKS, EdPuzzle) and using data from these tools to inform instruction.
Strong lesson-planning and curriculum-mapping abilities; experience creating scaffolded content and remediation plans.
Ability to analyze assessment data and produce clear progress reports and growth plans using spreadsheets or basic analytics tools.
Experience delivering synchronous live instruction and designing asynchronous resources (recorded mini-lessons, practice sets).
Understanding of differentiation strategies, scaffolding, and accommodations for students with IEPs or ELL needs.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication tailored to students, parents, and school stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills with empathy, patience, and the ability to build rapport quickly in a virtual environment.
Growth mindset and resilience—ability to motivate students, manage frustration, and promote persistence on challenging problems.
Organizational skills and time management to balance multiple students, individualized plans, and administrative requirements.
Critical thinking and problem-solving ability to diagnose misconceptions and present multiple solution strategies.
Adaptability and tech-savviness in adopting new platforms, tools, and instructional methods.
Cultural competency and ability to work respectfully with students from diverse backgrounds.
Coaching mindset with a focus on feedback that is constructive, specific, and growth-oriented.
Professionalism and reliability—punctuality, prepared materials, and transparent communication about scheduling and progress.
Collaboration and teamwork—willingness to share resources, align approaches with peers, and accept instructional coaching.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Education, or a closely related STEM field, OR equivalent demonstrated mastery through coursework and tutoring experience.

Preferred Education:

Teaching credential, Master's degree in Education or a STEM discipline, or relevant certifications (e.g., tutoring certifications, AP Reader experience).
Additional credentials in test prep (SAT/ACT/AP) or special education endorsements are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Secondary Education
STEM Education

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of tutoring, teaching, or instructional coaching experience; at least some experience delivering online instruction.

Preferred:

2+ years of documented success in online tutoring or classroom teaching.
Experience preparing students for standardized tests (AP, SAT, ACT) or delivering subject-specific intervention programs.
Prior work with LMS platforms, digital whiteboards, and virtual classroom best practices.