Counseling Education

What to Look for in a Tutor

There are several reasons why parents may want to hire a tutor for their kids. Children have different ways of processing information, and some may be more responsive to one-on-one lessons. Some children on the other hand may want to get a head start in their schooling or are not challenged enough in the classroom. In this case, a tutor may effectively give your child the challenge and knowledge that you need.

Whatever you reasons may be, it's important to screen your tutor applicants thoroughly to ensure that they are giving your child the education that they need and deserve. Below are a few things that you need to look into before hiring a tutor

Education Level

The educational attainment of your tutor really depends on your preferences. Some parents prefer that the tutor has a Bachelor's Degree or at least a certification in education. Others however would be satisfied with an education level that's beyond the grade level of the child. For instance, if your kid needs tutoring in 1st grade math, then you may be comfortable hiring someone in second or third grade. Needless to say, tutors with formal education would cost more than your average student, so you may want to take that into consideration if you're on a budget.

Experience

You want an individual who knows what they're doing. Be sure to ask applicants about their prior tutoring experiences. Inquire about the subjects that they taught as well as their students. If they have experience teaching kids that's the same age as your child then consider that as a big plus. You may also want to ask for references or testimonials from other parents so you can learn about what others are saying about them.

Character traits

Make a list of must have traits that your tutor should possess (i.e. honesty, dependability, patience, etc.) When you're interviewing applicants, ask them to cite experiences that demonstrate the traits that you're looking for. Again, be sure to get a references list of the contact information of past clients so that you can verify for yourself.

Background

Consider running a background check on your prospective tutors. If you can, check with the Department of Motor Vehicles or even your county courthouse for any records pertaining your applicants. After all, wouldn't you want to know if your prospective tutor has a criminal record?

Schedule

Be sure to ask prospective tutors about their schedule and their flexibility. Are they in school? Do they have a part-time or full-time job? Don't forget inquire about their hours of availability to see if they concur with your kid's schedule. After all, no matter how great a tutor is, they won't do any good if they aren't there to actually instruct your child.

Transportation

If you have a tight schedule or if you're always on the road, transportation can be an issue, so be sure to ask about it. It's certainly a big plus if a tutor has their own means of transportation, because you won't have to worry about picking them up or dropping them off.