How to Find the Right Academic Tutor

How to Find the Right Academic Tutor

This is a sponsored post by TakeLessons.com.  I will only post articles that I feel will benefit my readers.

I am a blogger by night, however I am a first grade teacher by day!  I work with a lot of students and I refer many of my students to tutors.  Therefore, I know how important it is to find the right tutor!  Here are some great tips to help you find the tutor that is right for you and your child!

Is your child falling behind in class, or struggling to understand a certain subject? It might be time to find a private tutor.

In large classrooms, it can be common for kids to fall behind. Getting some extra one-one-one attention from an academic tutor can help make a huge difference, but finding the right tutor is key. Not every tutor is the same, and no matter how great their resume looks, there are several other factors to consider.

Not sure where to start? TakeLessons connects you with tutors both locally or online, and can provide you with several options for finding the right academic tutor. Here’s what to think about when you start your search…

What to Look for in a Private Tutor

Relevant Academic Background
First and foremost, your child’s tutor needs to have mastered the subject that you’re hiring him or her to tutor. Don’t be afraid to get specific – if your teenager is struggling with an advanced math subject like calculus, for example, look for this listed specifically, or make sure to ask your tutor if they have experience teaching it. If you’re searching on TakeLessons.com, simply enter your zip code and the academic subject you’re looking for. Then, you can browse the results and read individual profiles, which will highlight the tutor’s teaching style, expertise, and more.

Teaching Experience
It takes a certain type of person to be a private tutor – knowledge of a subject isn’t always enough! Tutors, especially those working with children, need to be patient and encouraging, and know how to properly customize lessons for different students. Keep in mind, also, that an instructor who is used to teaching in large classrooms may not always know how to translate that to one-on-one tutoring. Seek out a tutor who has this type of experience or has been otherwise properly trained.

Teaching Philosophy
If you think you’ve found a tutor who has both the experience and the academic background to match what your child is working on, next you’ll want to consider their teaching philosophy and personality. Again, keep in mind that not everyone with a degree will make a good tutor or teacher, so it’s not enough to just find someone with a right academic background. You’ll want to find someone who has a teaching philosophy that matches your values. For example, some tutors are strict and “by the book”; others are more lenient and patient. Consider your child’s learning style, and make sure your tutor knows how to cater to it.

What Other Needs Do You Have?

Special Needs Experience
If your child has a learning disability or other special needs, it’s especially important to find a tutor with experience working with similar kids. Set aside some time to chat with your tutor before the first session, to discuss your child’s specific needs.

Availability
If you’re working around a tight schedule, keep that in mind when you’re selecting your child’s tutor. This can also mean thinking about when your child can focus best, whether that’s right after school, after dinner, or maybe even on the weekend. Consistency is key, so make sure you can stay committed to the day and time you choose. If this is difficult for you and your family, online tutoring might be the best option for you. You can learn more about online tutoring here.

Your Expectations
Think about how involved you’d like to be in your child’s tutoring, and communicate this with your tutor beforehand to ensure you’re both on the same page. Do you want a check-in after each session? Do you want a clear checklist of homework so that you can monitor your child’s progress in between tutoring sessions? Keeping the lines of communication open is essential for success.

What if Things Don’t Work Out?
Over time, you might find out the tutor you found may not be the best match for your child. The student-tutor relationship is the core of effective tutoring, so there are bound to be some mismatches along the way. Don’t fret if this happens, just resolve to improve the situation. Speak with your tutor about your concerns; sometimes it’s just a matter of unclear expectations. If it’s a more deep-seated issue – like if your tutor is not equipped to teach a particular subject — you might want to consider finding a different tutor. Make sure you’re working with a company that can accommodate this; with TakeLessons, for example, you’re protected by our 100% Money Back Guarantee with your first tutoring session, and students are also welcome to switch tutors at any time.

Finding the right tutor for your son or daughter might be a long journey or a short venture. However long it takes, though, remember that the process will be worth it when your child masters a new skill, aces the next test, and gains confidence in his or her abilities!

TakeLessons connects parents and students with academic tutors across the US. Visit TakeLessons to learn more about the subjects we offer and search for a tutor near you!

Ready to book now? Use code TUT15 at checkout (http://takelessons.com) or call us at 855-684-5320 to receive 15% off your purchase through 10/31!

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