How to Hire a Tutor in 3 Easy Steps

You’re either a Math person, or you’re not. And chances are, if you’re a Math person, you’re not the best at identifying intransitive verbs, symbolism or indirect objects. Everyone has their academic strengths and weaknesses, so before you give up on that subject that doesn’t come very easy to you, consider hiring a tutor. Hiring a tutor can do wonders for your work in the subject in which you’re struggling, but first, there are a few things you need to consider. 1. Know where to look. There are a variety of places to look for a tutor. First, you can start by asking the counselor’s office or the teacher of the subject at your school. If they don’t have any suggestions, try asking friends or looking on community bulletin boards at the local library and coffee shops. There are also online tutor boards that you can utilize to find experienced tutors in your area, like Wyzant.com. This site allows tutors to post their resume, which includes their experience, ratings from past students and their hourly rate. 2. Ask about experience and pay. Don’t just assume that because someone is claiming to be a tutor that they have actual success in that particular subject. Tutors need to provide proof, and that can be in the form of a previous student’s review or a letter of recommendation. You can also ask to see their transcript – or most recent grade in that course if they’re still a student. Essentially, don’t be afraid to ask for their credentials or previous experience. Additionally, you need to have a discussion regarding payment. Ask the potential tutor what they’re rate is and talk with your friends and family about how much they have paid tutors in the past. Negotiate on the price if you need to and discuss when and how the tutor should be paid. Do they expect payment each session, week or month? Do they prefer cash, check or PayPal? 3. Set goals. When you have found your tutor, be sure to prioritize goals. Obviously, a better grade is the end goal, but you also want to be sure you’re better able to understand the material after each session. Second, set a timeline. Will you need the tutor for a few weeks, a semester or the entire school year? And do you need a tutor once a week, twice a month or several times a week? Finally, if you don’t believe your tutor is helping you reach your goals, don’t be afraid to end the sessions and begin the search for a new tutor. The point of having a tutor is to better your academic performance, and if that’s not happening, it may be time to move on.