We see you. Marking papers at midnight. Running on caffeine and sheer willpower. Juggling lesson plans, behaviour management, and the classic “I forgot my homework… again.” Teachers and tutors – you’re the backbone of education. You explain, inspire, and sometimes, work magic with even the most reluctant learners. But while your roles overlap, they’re not the same.
In this guide, we break down teachers’ & tutors’ roles and responsibilities, so you know exactly what’s expected – whether you’re updating your teachers and tutors’ roles and responsibilities resume or simply curious about the roles and responsibilities of a teacher in schools across the UK. And yes, we’ll even answer that age-old question: tutor vs teacher salary – who actually earns more?
Teachers vs. Tutors – What’s the Difference?
Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a teacher and the nuances of tutoring isn’t just useful for educators. It’s essential for parents, students, and anyone eyeing a career in education. Think of it like this:
Teachers:
They’re the full-course meal – the structured, balanced diet of education. From lesson planning and classroom management to safeguarding and professional development, teachers have a broad set of responsibilities. Check out our detailed guides like top 10 responsibilities of a teacher roles and responsibilities of a teacher uk and even find handy roles and responsibilities of a teacher pdf downloads to keep handy!
Tutors:
They’re the extra seasoning – stepping in to make things tastier (or, in this case, easier to digest). Tutors focus on personalised learning, reinforcing classroom lessons, and boosting student confidence. It’s a more targeted role, where you work one-on-one or with small groups to tackle specific challenges.
Top 10 Responsibilities of a Teacher
Teaching isn’t just about standing in front of a class and talking. If only.
- Lesson Planning & Delivery – AKA, crafting the perfect lesson… only to have it derailed by a fire drill.
- Marking & Assessments – Because learning isn’t official until it’s graded.
- Classroom Management – Keeping 30+ students in line without losing your sanity.
- Encouraging Engagement – Making Shakespeare exciting for Year 9? That’s an extreme sport.
- Curriculum Development – Sticking to the national curriculum while still making it engaging.
- Safeguarding & Wellbeing – Being part teacher, part counsellor, part human shield from playground dramas.
- Collaboration with Parents & Staff – Parent meetings: where diplomacy and caffeine come in handy.
- Professional Development – Because education never stands still.
- Admin & Paperwork – No one tells you how much paperwork is involved. It’s a lot.
- Extracurricular Involvement – Running clubs, sports teams, and school trips (and wondering why you signed up for this).
Five Key Responsibilities of a Tutor
Tutors may not have to wrangle a full class, but they’ve got their own skillset to master.
- Personalised Learning – Tailoring lessons to a student’s needs, because one-size-fits-all doesn’t work here.
- Reinforcing Classroom Learning – Filling in the gaps (or reteaching everything before GCSEs).
- Boosting Confidence – Helping students believe they can do it – even when they don’t.
- Adapting Teaching Styles – Because every student learns differently.
- Tracking Progress & Feedback – Keeping parents, students, and sometimes schools in the loop.
Essentially, tutors are the behind-the-scenes MVPs, helping students catch up, keep up, and sometimes get ahead.
Teachers vs. Tutors – Who Earns More?
Let’s talk money. When comparing tutor vs teacher salary, there are some key differences:
- Teachers earn a stable salary, with benefits like pensions, sick pay, and the occasional appreciation from students (we hope).
- Tutors often charge by the hour, which can mean higher earnings, especially for in-demand subjects. But there’s no guaranteed paycheque.
So, who wins? It depends. If you’re after job security, teaching takes the crown. If flexibility and higher hourly rates sound better, tutoring might be the way to go.
Because You Deserve Some Recognition
Whether you’re handling a bustling classroom or working one-on-one with a student, your role is vital. You’re shaping futures – and that’s not just a cheesy line; it’s the truth. Your passion, hard work, and dedication deserve recognition, and maybe even a discount or two along the way.
At Discounts for Teachers, we celebrate you. We know that while you’re out there being the heroes of education, you also need to invest in your well-being. That’s why we bring unbeatable savings on fitness, mental health, and wellness essentials—all for free!
So here’s to you: the teachers juggling lesson plans, the tutors squeezing in extra sessions, and everyone in between. Keep doing what you do best – because when you give at work, you win at life.
