Academic Tutor

Are you passionate about education? Would you like to be part of an amazing team of rock star academic coaches and tutors? If you answered yes, then we can’t wait to meet you.

The Critical Thinking Child (CTC) is an educational consulting and tutoring firm for schools, parents, and community organizations that need academic support services for elementary and middle school students.

We are seeking committed part‑time academic coaches to work in‑person at schools in the Chicago South Side area.

Perfect job opportunity for retired teachers, college students, mentors, tutors, TAs, aspiring school counselors, and retirees seeking flexible hours.

• Academic Coach/tutor role – 1099 hourly (minimum 6‑month contract)
• Subjects: K‑8 elementary reading, grammar, and math
• Serving 1–2 school/center sites in‑person (Chicago’s Southside)
• Car/transportation required
• Able to guide and provide academic instruction
• Able to commit to work dates during the school year
• Approximately 15‑20 hours per week

Seeking candidates who embody confidence and assertiveness, as this role demands a proactive and strong demeanor.

For this position, we are seeking individuals that are loving, enthusiastic, reliable, respectful, and patient while working with children. Candidates must be able to follow directions, multitask, and show initiative. Excellent classroom management skills is a must. Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to deal with all levels of personnel and the general public in a professional manner, are required.

• Tutoring and test prep for elementary and high school students
• Teaching math, grammar, and reading using curated academic materials / predetermined curriculum
• Utilizing EdTech games and apps to support student learning
• Supervising students as an authority figure or “managing” student groups
• Supporting our partner schools and classroom teachers
• Record‑keeping and documentation of students’ attendance and academic performance

Mandatory requirement:
Punctuality and attendance is essential in this job. You must be prompt, attend all appointments on time, and submit your assignments by the deadline.

Additional requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (preference for candidates with at least two years of study at an institution of higher education)
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant content area is preferred
• At least two years of youth camp experience, early childhood education, or related experience in roles such as college tutor or TA, coach or mentor, camp counselor or youth activity leader
• Experience teaching, specifically elementary students, is highly preferred
• A driver’s license with reliable transportation
• Be at least 22 years of age
• Fluency in written and spoken English (Spanish is a plus)
• Experience with Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

• Supervise kids at an average 1:15 instructor‑to‑child ratio in a classroom

• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time for programs that take place outside of a conventional classroom space
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs

Note – The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Starting pay range: $20‑$23 per hour.

A candidate’s hiring is contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a national criminal background check (as required by school districts and departments of education) that may include fingerprinting, employment verification, and verification of education and certification (if applicable).

Entry level

Part‑time

Education and Training

Education Administration Programs