Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Spence.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started working with kids with special needs when I was still in elementary school, and from that point on I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping children who needed extra support. I officially began teaching in 2019 as a Special Education teacher, and I quickly fell in love with watching kids grow when given the right tools and encouragement.
That passion led me to open Next Door Tutoring LLC in 2022 with one clear goal: to provide high-quality, affordable tutoring for the average family.
So many children need help, but not every family can afford the $60–$100 an hour price tag that tutoring often comes with. I wanted to change that by making tutoring accessible while still delivering excellent instruction.
After COVID, education changed. Students needed more support than ever, and I saw an opportunity to step in. In the beginning, it was just me—the very first tutor—working with students on my own. The need kept growing, and so did we.
What started with one tutor offering K–5 services has grown in just three years into a team of 30 tutors serving learners of all ages—from Pre-K through adult education.
Today, we can tutor in any subject, including Spanish, math, reading, science, and test prep. We proudly work with students both online nationwide and in person at local libraries across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Many of our tutors are local certified teachers with multiple certifications. Others bring unique expertise—like tutors with master’s degrees in chemical engineering or current medical students on their path to becoming doctors.
Even now, while I run a busy and growing business, I still continue to teach Special Education full-time. Teaching is where my heart is, and it keeps me connected to the students and families I care so deeply about.
No matter the subject or the age, our tutors make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun. We believe every student deserves the chance to succeed, and at Next Door Tutoring, we’re making that happen—one learner at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road building Next Door Tutoring. I have my bachelor’s degree in Special Education, but I don’t have a business degree or formal training in how to run a company. It all started with me making a simple Facebook page and posting in local community groups, hoping to connect with families.
From the very beginning, it was hard—and truthfully, it still is. I’ve had to balance teaching full-time while also handling tutoring, marketing, hiring, payroll, admin work, and everything in between. I had no blueprint for this, just a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed because I knew I wanted to make a difference.
There have been real struggles along the way. It hasn’t always been easy to keep good tutors. After three back-to-back hurricanes, business slowed down so much that I honestly thought about quitting. But instead, I kept posting, kept showing up, and kept working hard.
I’ve also had to grow personally—like pushing past my fear of talking to strangers on the phone. Now, something that once scared me feels natural.
Through all of the challenges, I’ve built a solid tutoring team that I’m proud of. The road hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has made me stronger and more committed to helping kids succeed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Next Door Tutoring LLC, we provide affordable, high-quality tutoring for students of all ages, from Pre-K through adult learners. We offer support in every subject, including reading, writing, math, science, Spanish, test prep, and college-level courses. Families can choose to work with us online nationwide or in person at local Sarasota and Manatee County libraries. We have earned 49 5 star reviews on Google.
What makes us different is that we’re built on a mission of accessibility. While many companies charge $60–$100 per hour, we keep tutoring affordable with flexible packages so the average family can get the help their child needs. Our team is made up of certified teachers, professionals with advanced degrees, and even current medical students—each bringing unique expertise and a passion for making learning meaningful, engaging, and fun. At Next Door Tutoring, we combine quality teaching with affordability and heart, helping every learner build confidence and succeed.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are of pretending to be a teacher long before I ever stepped into a real classroom. I begged my parents to buy chalkboard paint for a wall in our basement so I could set up my own “classroom.” I’d line up my stuffed animals and spend hours teaching them lessons. My grandma, who was a teacher herself, would often play along with me, and that encouragement is what first sparked my interest in teaching. Looking back, it makes sense that I eventually turned that childhood game into my career.
Pricing:
- $40 an hour for Pre-K to 8th Grade Sessions
- $50 an hour for High School to Adult Learners
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nextdoortutoring.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextdoortutoringllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextdoortutoringLLC/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextdoortutoringllc
