Finding a Tutor: What to Look For

If your child is falling behind in their studies, or simply wants to have the best chance of success, hiring a tutor can make a world of difference. Success in life is dependent upon not just rising to the occasion, but going above and beyond the call of duty. Getting to the expected level often isn't enough. Getting ahead means actually getting ahead of the competition. And make no mistake about it: the other students in your child's school are the competition. While it's hard to make a child understand that what they are doing in high school has an impact that will resonate with the rest of their life, as a parent you know all too well. Here are some things to consider when hiring someone to help your child get ahead.

Experience

While hiring a tutor who is a student themselves can be cheap, it can also lead to a host of problems. Kids have a tendency to relate well to each other, but that can mean getting off focus rather easily as well. On another note, someone similar in age is going to have a hard time enforcing study habits and rules that should come along with any instruction. A far better solution is to find someone who is not only good with the material themselves, but can teach it well. That means hiring a professional, and it should be the first thing you consider when looking for someone.

References

Don't just hire a tutor based on what they say about themselves. It's easy to say any number of things about yourself. You could begin telling people tomorrow that you're an experienced astronaut, but it doesn't make it true. Make sure you ask for and call references. While personal references are okay, you'll want references from previous employers, preferably in the education spectrum. While the person you hire doesn't necessarily need to be a professional educator, they should have some relevant experience in their background.

Scheduling

You shouldn't have to work around the schedule of a tutor. Rather, look for someone who will work around yours. As a side note, if you can find someone willing to come to your house instead of you having to drive your child to theirs, it can make the entire process much more convenient. While scheduling issues and convenience should come secondary to ensuring your child gets the best instruction possible, it is nonetheless a factor that should play a role. When you have two candidates of equal strength, you may want to go with the one who will make appointments a breeze.