How to Find the Right Tutor

You may not be able to pick your child's teacher, but you can pick their tutor. Deciding to get a tutor for your child can feel like a big decision and a lot of work. There are many different tutoring options and it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right tutor for your child.

Different Types of Tutoring Options- When looking for a tutor, it can be helpful to research different types of tutoring options in your area. All of these options may offer both in-person and virtual tutoring.

• Franchised Tutoring Centers- Franchised tutoring centers are found all over the country.

  • Pros: These types of tutoring franchises have a lot of resources at their disposal. They typically have more availability in scheduling. Tutoring franchises often have a scripted curriculum that is exclusive to their centers.

  • Cons: These centers do not always employ certified educators. Student learning is not always individualized or paced to meet individual needs, but rather follows a scope and sequence outlined in their program.

• Local Tutoring Centers- Local, small-business tutoring centers may be found in your area.

  • Pros: These types of centers typically have a classroom-type space where multiple tutors will be working with individual or small groups of students. Local tutoring centers often employ certified, local teachers and experts in their field. Student learning is often differentiated and centers do not typically have their own curriculum.

  • Cons: Tutoring centers can often be more costly than some other options. That being said, the benefits of individualized tutoring, good resources, and expertise may outweigh this.

• Independent Tutors- Local individuals who are tutoring one-on-one or in small groups in their community.

  • Pros: These tutors are often current or past educators who can differentiate learning to your child's specific needs and pacing. This type of tutoring often has flexibility in location (in-person at someone's home, a public meeting space, or virtual).

  • Cons: These tutors are often referral-based which can make them harder to find (it can be helpful to ask around in your community or at your child's school). It is up to parents to ensure that the tutor has the appropriate credentials.

Tutor Credentials

• It's important not to assume that your child's potential tutor is appropriately credentialed in the area that he/she is tutoring. While many tutors may be experts in their field, it does not mean that they have teaching experience.

  • When speaking to a potential tutor, ask about his/her credentials. All certified teachers will have a state certification (either active or expired) in their field of study.

  • If the tutor is advertising themself as a specialized tutor in an area such as Special Education or Orton Gillingham tutoring ask questions about what institution he/she received the credentials from.

Teaching/Learning Style

• While most people are familiar with the idea of different learning styles, it is important to know that there are also different teaching styles. Ask questions about how the tutor structures lessons, engages students and plans instruction. Knowing these things will help you gauge if the tutor may or may not be a good fit for your child.

Commitment/Scheduling

• Tutors are often limited to the hours after school and possibly the weekends. Due to the limitations of hours, finding a tutor with availability that matches your own family's schedule can often be difficult. Make sure you ask about availability upfront and see if the desired tutor may have a waitlist. Tutoring centers often employ multiple tutors allowing the center to offer more availability than an independent tutor.

Pricing

• The benefits of tutoring can be great for your child's learning success and confidence, but the costs can be high. The cost of a tutor can vary greatly depending on the tutor's qualifications and location. On average, a private tutor can cost anywhere from $25/hr to $100/hr. Rates are often determined by experience, location, and subject area.

While there is a lot to think about when it comes to hiring a tutor for your child, the benefits of tutoring typically make it worth it. Individualized and focused instruction outside of school can have large benefits on not only a child's academic growth but his/her self-confidence and self-esteem as well. Tutoring creates a safe and effective learning environment for children of all ages.

If you're interested in receiving more help about how to find a tutor or would like to discuss tutoring options, please feel free to reach out to Teacher2Tutor LLC!