What’s the Difference Between a School Teacher, a Tutor, and a Homeschool Teacher?

When it comes to learning, not all teaching roles are the same. A school teacher, a tutor, and a homeschool teacher all help you learn and grow, but they do it in very different ways. Understanding those differences can help you see why one hour of work a week is never enough to keep up, especially if you are learning from home.

School Teachers vs. Homeschool Teachers

A school teacher works with a whole class at once. They follow a set timetable and a curriculum that is made for many students with different needs. Their job is to keep everyone learning at the same pace and to make sure the whole class understands the main ideas. They have to balance the learning of 20–30 students, which means they cannot always slow down or speed up for one person.

A homeschool teacher works very differently. They usually teach one student, or a very small group, which means every lesson can be personalised. They plan lessons, explain new ideas, give feedback, and check how well you are doing in every subject. If something is hard, they can spend more time on it. If something is easy, they can move faster. They teach you, not a whole class, so they make sure you don’t miss important skills in reading, writing, maths, science, and more. But because homeschooling gives you personalised teaching, it also takes more time. Real learning can’t happen in just an hour a week.

How a Tutor Is Different

A tutor is someone who gives you one hour of focused help. In that hour, they go over things you didn’t understand, explain them clearly, and help you practise until it makes sense. But tutoring is extra support—it does not replace schoolwork or full-time learning. One hour is helpful, but it is not enough to cover all the subjects and skills you need. It’s a bit like trying to train for a marathon by walking to the fridge. You’re moving, but you’re not really preparing for the big race.

Why One Hour a Week Is Not Enough

Education needs time. In school, students spend many hours each week learning, practising, and improving. They read, write, do maths, learn science, solve problems, and think about the world around them. These skills need regular practice—not a quick session once a week. Homeschooling is the same. To learn well and be ready for adult life, you need time to study, explore, try again, and understand things properly. One hour just can’t cover everything.

Skills You Need as a Home Schooler

Even with a homeschool teacher, you need certain skills to make the most of your learning time.

These skills help you stay on track and become a confident, independent learner:

• Accountability – taking responsibility for your learning, even on days you don’t feel like it.

• Adaptability – coping when plans change or a subject takes longer.

• Communication – explaining your ideas clearly and asking for help when needed.

• Creativity – thinking in new and interesting ways.

• Critical thinking – questioning information and spotting mistakes or false ideas.

• Curiosity – wanting to learn and explore new things.

• Digital literacy – using technology wisely for research, not just scrolling.

• Emotional regulation – staying calm when work gets frustrating.

• Focus – paying attention, even when there are distractions.

• Goal-setting – choosing goals and working towards them.

• Independent learning – finding answers, taking notes, and studying without someone watching over you.

• Life skills – managing time, responsibilities, and basic everyday tasks.

• Organisation – keeping track of your work and deadlines.

• Persistence – not giving up when the work is hard.

• Problem-solving – figuring things out when they don’t make sense at first.

• Reading comprehension – understanding what you read.

• Resilience – bouncing back after mistakes.

• Self-motivation – starting your work without being pushed.

• Time management – balancing work, hobbies, and rest.