Q: How long do you usually work with clients?
I don’t usually work with clients for more than 2-3 months, though I have had some whose time with me spanned 3-4 years.
Many tutors, though not all, depend on repeat clients. This is not bad in and of itself, but it can lead to mental and emotional dependency on the tutor that hampers student independence, autonomy, and agency.
Q: Will you help my student with their homework?
I am a certificated Spanish and English teacher. In general, I practice what professional educators call the gradual release of responsibility.
Let me explain.
Initially, I will help students a great deal. Typically by the fourth lesson I am already helping students develop their confidence so that they can take charge of their own learning.
I empower students to be independent learners. This is impossible if I’m constantly helping them with the nuts and bolts.
If you are interested in finding someone who will partner with you and your student for long-term assistance with daily homework, let me know, and I may be able to put you in contact with someone if I’m unable to do it myself.
Q: Do you tutor math or science?
No.
Q: How long have you been a tutor?
I began my time as an educator when I was in junior high.
How is this possible?
My mom had me grading and tutoring in her 4th grade classroom after school when my bus dropped me off at the elementary school where she worked. She is a world-class educator who was particularly good at writing and behavior management. This is my skill-set too, plus world languages.
Q: Can you be more specific about how you will help my student?
I will be there to help them based on needs as they present themselves, and report back to the parents on their progress after sessions upon request. Often, struggles with homework are a sign of students not finding meaning in the learning process. This can happen for a number of reasons.
Unfortunately, students are often labeled as lazy, and while this is sometimes the case, in my experience I have found that students often want to do well. Often they have become discouraged and given up. This doesn’t mean that their potential has disappeared. It has just gone into hiding.
The first step is to figure out how students are experiencing their learning day to day and to see how they feel about their learning process, their learning goals, and whether or not they see themselves as a positive contributor to their learning environment. This is a skill I have developed over many years as a educator.
I can usually diagnose problems that would take years to figure out without someone with my skillset.
With me, your student will be on the right track soon.
Q: Will you work remotely with my student?
Prior to the pandemic, my answer would have been no. However, I have become skilled at navigating online academic support services. I would be happy to work with you and your student online.
Still have questions? Contact me by filling out this form below.