How to write a strong subject request
Whether you’re new to Dojo Tutor or you’ve been on the platform for a while and want to expand your offerings, every subject on your profile goes through a review. This process helps us maintain the quality that families count on when choosing a tutor.
This guide walks you through what makes a strong subject request, and what to avoid, so you can put your best foot forward and get approved faster.
Why must subject requests be approved?
Families on Dojo Tutor choose tutors based on demonstrated expertise. When a family selects a subject like Calculus or Chemistry, they expect that they’ve selected someone who has real depth in that area, not just general familiarity. Our review process exists to make sure every tutor-subject pairing meets that standard.
This means your written request matters. A short or vague submission, even from a highly qualified tutor, makes it difficult for our team to verify your fit and can slow down or prevent approval.
The most common mistake is telling what, not how.
The most frequent reason subject requests stall or get declined isn’t a lack of qualifications, it’s a lack of detail. Many tutors submit requests that state their credentials, but don’t explain how they’d actually teach the subject.
Here’s what we mean:
- Needs more detail:
“Taught Pre-Cal for several years and am certified for grades 7-12.”
- Stronger version:
“I’ve taught Precalculus for 5 years at the high school level, covering polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic relationships, and intro to limits. I use a concept-first approach to help students understand why a formula works before drilling procedural steps. Students who struggle with the jump from Algebra 2 often need help connecting prior knowledge, and I build that bridge explicitly in my sessions.”
Both tutors may be equally qualified, but only the second one gives our review team, and ultimately families, enough to go on.
What makes a strong subject request?
Think of your subject as a brief pitch to a parent. They want to know three things: Can you do this? Have you done it before? What would a session with you actually look like?
A strong request typically includes:
- Specific experience with the subject that includes academic credentials/degrees and beyond. Name the topics you’ve taught the age groups you’ve worked with, and the settings where you gained your experience (classroom, tutoring center, private tutoring, homeschool, after school programs, etc.).
- Needs more detail:
“I’m a 20-year teacher, certified K-12, and have taught through high school.”
- Stronger version:
“In 20 years of teaching (K-12 certified), I’ve taught math for grades 3-5, 7th grade pre-algebra, and high school Algebra 1. For younger students, I focus on building number sense through manipulatives and real-world problems. For my Algebra 1 students, I emphasize translating word problems into equations and building comfort with variable expressions.”
- Your approach to teaching it and what you’d actually do in a session. How do you help a student who’s stuck? How do you adapt for different learners? Families are looking for tutors who can teach, not just tutors who know the material. THis is especially important for subjects where many people feel personally competent, but have limited teaching experience. Writing, reading, and general science are common examples.
- Alignment between your experience and the subjects your requesting, especially if you’re requesting multiple subjects. Your written response should address each one. A degree or career in one area doesn’t automatically cover related subjects. For example, a Biology degree is great for Biology, but if you’re also requesting Chemistry and Physics, explain what gives you confidence in those areas specifically (additional coursework, tutoring experience, professional work, etc.)
- Needs more detail:
“I am proficient in French. I can teach beginner classes. I have a minor in French.”
- Stronger version:
“I minored in French and spent a semester abroad in Madrid. I’m conversationally fluent and comfortable teaching beginner-level classes focused on vocabulary building, basic grammar, and everyday conversation. I use a mix of repetition, visual aids, and simple dialogue practice to help new learners build confidence before introducing more complex sentence structures.”
A few subject-specific tips:
While the principles above apply to every subject, here are a few things to keep in mind for specific categories:
High school math and science:
- Each subject you request should be addressed individually. Listing “math” or “science” broadly without discussing specific topics, makes it harder for our team to verify your fit.
- If your expertise is primarily in one area (e.g. math) and you’re adding adjacent subjects (e.g., Physics), explain the connection: coursework, professional experience, or tutoring you’ve done in that specific subject.
- Standardized test experience (SAT, ACT, AP, CLEP, etc) can all strengthen your request, especially when paired with academic or lived experience.
Reading, writing, and ELA:
- This is one of the areas where we see the most overconfidence. Being a strong reader or writer is not the same as being able to teach it to a learner who struggles. Focus on your pedagogical approach - how you scaffold essays, teach close reading, or give feedback.
- Your own writing quality in the request matters here. If you’re requesting to tutor writing, your request itself is evidence of your skill.
Coding:
- For younger learners (K-8), focus on your ability to make coding accessible and fun. Mention specific platforms (Scratch, Code.org, etc) and how you introduce computational thinking to kids.
- For high school. Families expect deeper technical depth. Name specific languages, tools, or curricula, and describe how you explain concepts, not just how you use them.
Languages:
- Fluency alone isn’t enough. Describe your approach to instruction: how you teach vocabulary, grammar, and conversation and the level(s) you’d like to teach.
- If your primary language is the language you’re requesting to teach, that’s great, but still describe your teaching methodology.
Before you submit: A quick checklist
Run through these questions before sending your request:
- Did I address each subject I’m requesting individually, with specific details?
- Did I describe my teaching approach, not just my credentials?
- Did I write in clear, complete sentences?
- Would a parent reading this feel confident booking me for this subject?
- If I’m requesting multiple subjects, did I explain my fit for each one, even if they’re related?