TL;DR
Becoming a standout tutor in today’s crowded online space isn’t about gimmicks or flashy marketing...
it’s about authentic connection...
consistent presence...
and putting your students first.
Chemistry tutor Rose Kurian’s journey from self-taught teen to People's Choice Award finalist shows exactly how tutors can grow with heart, community, and courage.
How Did Rose Kurian Start Her Tutoring Journey?
Rose’s journey into tutoring didn’t begin with a business plan or a website. It began with necessity—and heart.
As a high schooler in 1998, long before online tutoring platforms were a thing, she taught herself chemistry using stacks of books and handwritten notes. She didn’t want to burden her father with long commutes to tutoring centers, so she took charge of her learning and began helping her peers.
“I just loved learning. I didn’t think I was going to be a tutor—I just wanted to understand chemistry better. And I wanted to help my peers who were struggling too.”
After completing her postgraduate degree in chemistry, Rose began lecturing, and later transitioned into online tutoring when invited by an agency. That first student? She still keeps in touch, now watching him share baby pictures on Facebook.
What Teaching Style Helped Her Stand Out?
Rose doesn’t follow a rigid curriculum. She starts where the student is.
“I ask simple, pressure-free questions—like ‘What’s the difference between an atom and a molecule?’—to see what they know and where the gaps are.”
Her lessons feel more like a conversation than a lecture. She engages students in a way that encourages curiosity and participation, while gently filling in knowledge gaps. Being self-taught herself, she instinctively knows where students may struggle and how to support them.
“Mistakes are a part of learning. You can ask me anything, anytime. Just try—because you’ll get there.”
How Has Online Tutoring Changed Her Approach?
Initially, Rose worked with voice-only tutoring platforms—no video, just a shared whiteboard.
“It felt odd not seeing the student’s face—but I got used to it. I could recognize their voices, their energy.”
As she transitioned to platforms with video and more interactivity, she found it easier to connect with students and build trust. The shift online also expanded her reach beyond her hometown to a global audience.
What Was It Like to Transition From Agency Work to Finding Her Own Clients?
Going independent gave Rose a deeper sense of value and freedom.
“When students found me on their own, it meant they already trusted me. They chose me.”
With her own clients, she could set her own rates and build long-term relationships. The emotional reward was just as powerful as the financial one.
What Role Did Community and Visibility Play in Her Recognition?
Rose made her nomination public. She posted in the Insider Secrets Club, on Facebook, and Instagram. She reached out to friends, students’ families, and even their grandmothers.
“It was humbling. So many people told me, ‘We believe you deserve this.’ That meant everything.”
Showing up and sharing her story helped rally her community—and reminded her that visibility matters.
How Did She Feel About Being a Finalist for the People’s Choice Award?
“I didn’t believe my eyes or ears. When I saw the message from my friend, I was stunned.”
Rose never set out to win awards. But being recognized as a finalist affirmed the real difference she was making in her students’ lives.
You can view the official finalist announcement by the Tutor’s Association here.
What Surprised Her Most About the Nomination Process?
“I realized I’m actually making an impact. That was a powerful thing to recognize.”
Filling out the nomination helped Rose reflect on her work and see it in a new light. It wasn’t about ego—it was about purpose.
What Advice Does She Have for Tutors Considering Awards or Recognition?
“I was scared. But I listened to that inner voice and applied anyway. And look what happened.”
Her advice:
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Push through fear of rejection
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Don’t underestimate your impact
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Trust your community
“You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care.”
Want to Be the Next Finalist? Here’s How to Apply for the World’s Greatest Tutor Award
The World’s Greatest Tutor Award isn’t just another digital badge. It’s global recognition, visibility, and validation.
Step 1: Apply Now
Complete the short application and pay the $25 entry fee. Deadline is August 9, 2025. Only 200 tutors per category accepted.
Step 2: Leadership Review
A panel selects up to five finalists per category based on your impact and story.
Step 3: Public Voting
From August 15–29, your network votes. Finalists receive resources to promote their nomination.
Award Categories:
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World’s Greatest Math Tutor
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World’s Greatest Reading Tutor
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World’s Greatest Writing Tutor
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Rising Star Tutor (2 years or less)
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Community Choice Award
Prizes:
| Place | Prize | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Gold Medal + $1,000 Vacation | Podcast interview + Live feature |
| 🥈 2nd | Silver Medal + Recognition | Insider Secrets spotlight |
| 🥉 3rd | Bronze Medal + Badge | Community recognition |
“If you’re scared, that’s okay. Do it anyway.”
Apply now before August 9, 2025
How Has Being Part of a Tutor Community Helped Rose Grow?
“I used to think I was just ordinary. But the community helped me see—I’m actually doing something special.”
From masterminds to friendships, the support system around her made all the difference.
What’s One Game-Changer She Learned for Growing Her Business?
One word: visibility.
“I was terrible at social media. But I stayed consistent. And then I got a student from one of my videos. It worked.”
Creating content—even imperfectly—put her in front of the people who needed her most.
What’s Next for Rose Kurian?
She’s not slowing down. Rose is tutoring globally, growing her business, and encouraging others to step into their own spotlight.
“You never know where one decision could lead. Just show up. The rest will follow.”
About Rose Kurian
Rose Kurian is an award-nominated online chemistry tutor with over a decade of experience. Based in India, she works with students around the world to make chemistry engaging, intuitive, and empowering. Her journey from self-taught teen to industry-recognized educator is proof that passion, persistence, and community can take you anywhere.
About the Author
Joanne Kaminski is a former teacher turned online reading tutor and the founder of the Insider Secrets Club 3.0, a powerhouse community for independent tutors building thriving businesses. With over a decade of experience in both education and entrepreneurship, Joanne has helped thousands of tutors grow their visibility, attract dream clients, and scale sustainably—without burnout.
She’s also the host of the Online Tutor Business Podcast, where she features inspiring educators who are transforming lives and reshaping the tutoring industry. Joanne is known for her practical strategies, generous spirit, and unwavering belief that tutors deserve to be celebrated for the world-changing work they do.
You can connect with Joanne at www.onlinetutorcoach.com.
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