If you’ve thought about finding a tutor for your child—you’re not alone. Over the past few years, the demand for tutoring services has surged, and for good reason. Many parents are concerned about their children catching up after significant learning loss during the pandemic, dealing with low test scores, and facing increased college admissions competition. Plus, as subjects become more complex and nuanced in higher grades, it can be challenging to provide the necessary support if you’re not familiar with the material. Thankfully, a tutor can make all the difference in helping your child navigate these challenges.
Finding a great tutor goes beyond simply hiring someone with subject matter knowledge. A truly effective tutor should also help your child develop strong studying habits, time management skills, and confidence in their abilities. We spoke with a tutor from K12 Tutoring, who shared the key characteristics that distinguish a good tutor from a great one:
Characteristics of a Great Tutor
- Subject-Matter Expertise: They have a deep understanding of the subject they’re teaching.
- Positive Attitude: They encourage your child through any challenge, teaching them to learn from mistakes and fostering a love of learning.
- Strong Communication Skills: They can explain complex concepts clearly in a way your child understands.
- Commitment to Success: They are reliable and consistent, helping your child every step of the way.
- Patience: They take time to work through any challenge with your child, listening to and addressing their needs.
- Adaptable: They can adjust their teaching methods to fit your child’s learning style and needs.
Identifying Your Child’s Needs
Before you begin, it’s essential to prepare some key information that will help you find the right tutor. Start by defining your child’s academic goals. Are they struggling with a challenging subject, preparing for an important test, or aiming to excel beyond grade-level expectations?
Next, determine your child’s preferred learning style. Do they learn best through visual aids, hands-on activities and exploration, or classroom lectures? Outlining your child’s goals and learning style in advance will help the tutoring service match your child with a tutor who can meet their unique needs.
How to Find the Right Tutor
There are several options for tutoring services, each with its own advantages:
Online Tutoring: Services like K12 Tutoring have gained popularity among busy parents. These online learning platforms allow your children to learn from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to travel to sessions. K12 Tutoring is a standout choice among online services because it is exclusively staffed with state-certified teachers who deliver personalized, tailored sessions to help your child succeed.
Local Tutoring Centers: If your child prefers in-person learning, local tutoring centers can be a great choice. These centers offer one-to-one sessions in a quiet, structured learning environment. Depending on your location, there may be multiple centers to choose from.
Private Tutoring: You can find a private tutor through your child’s school or apps like Care.com. A private tutor will offer one-to-one in-person attention, with flexibility in where tutoring takes place.
If you’re still unsure which route to take, here are some steps to help you narrow down your options:
- Decide if you’d like online or in-person tutoring sessions: Consider where these sessions would take place and the best option for your child’s learning style and your family’s schedule.
- Read reviews and ask for referrals: Other parents can share their experiences and help you find a great tutor!
- Consider the services and expertise: Look at the full array of services and the tutors’ experience and credentials to ensure they can provide what your child needs.
- Compare costs: Some services offer special bundle pricing options to help make tutoring more affordable.
Monitoring Progress
It may take some time to see progress on your child’s tests and report cards. With that being said, it’s important to have open conversations with your child about their tutoring sessions. While they might not come right out and admit they’re still struggling, these discussions can help you determine their confidence, enthusiasm, or attitude toward their studies. Their tutor should also provide regular feedback on their progress and the methods being used to help your child overcome any obstacles.
If, after a reasonable amount of time, there are no evident improvements, you may want to consider switching tutors or exploring a different learning platform.
Supporting Your Child’s Academic Journey
When choosing a tutor for your child, remember that they are gaining more than just subject matter knowledge; they’re also building confidence in their abilities and working toward a bright future. With the immense pressure kids face today, from college admissions to entering a competitive job market, it’s important to provide encouragement and remind them that they can achieve great things. As you sort through tutoring options and carefully select the right one, know that you are doing everything possible to help your child thrive in school today and in their future. It all starts with your encouragement and finding the best resources—like a great tutor—to support your child’s journey.
To learn more about K12-powered online schools, go to K12.com.