5 Tips for Choosing the Right Tutor

Feb. 13, 2025

4:10 p.m.

Online_Learning_01

Each child has unique educational needs, and selecting the right tutor for your child can make all the difference in their academic success and confidence. You want to find the tutor that can help students find growth and success. Below are the top five things to look for when choosing a tutor for your child:

1. Subject Knowledge

Knowing a subject and knowing how to teach it effectively are two entirely different skills. A great tutor not only understands the subject matter but also knows how to convey it in a way that makes sense to your child.

Example: If your child needs AP Statistics help, a friend who's an accountant may not be enough. AP Stats requires a graphing calculator, class-specific methods, and AP exam prep. A skilled tutor understands these, identifies struggles, and has experience guiding students to success.

2. Teaching Style & Approach

An effective tutor should be flexible and adaptable in their teaching methods. If one approach isn’t working, they should have the ability to pivot and present the material in a different way. This adaptability ensures that the tutor meets the student’s needs, no matter their learning style.

Key Considerations:

Can the tutor change their approach if it isn’t resonating with the student?
Do they have various teaching techniques and tricks up their sleeve?
Are they able to “read the student” and recognize when adjustments need to be made?

3. Qualifications & Experience

Educational background and experience matter when choosing a tutor. Classroom experience is often a bonus, as it typically equips tutors with the ability to work with diverse student backgrounds. Additionally, a tutor’s ability to work with students with learning differences, such as ADHD, and Executive Function challenges can make a world of difference.

Questions to Ask:

Does the tutor have formal teaching experience?
Have they worked with students who have similar needs or challenges as your child?
Are they patient, encouraging, and skilled in explaining concepts in multiple ways?

4. Compatibility

The relationship between your child and the tutor is crucial. Your child needs to feel comfortable with the tutor and the sessions should be productive. Tutoring can already feel like a chore for some students, so having a tutor they enjoy spending time with can make the process much more effective.

Key Considerations:

Does your child feel comfortable with the tutor?
Does the tutor’s personality align well with your child’s?
Can the tutor create a positive and engaging learning environment?

5. Flexibility & Personalization

In recent years, online tutoring has become a widely accepted and necessary option, offering flexibility and access to highly qualified tutors without geographic limitations. While some students and parents may have experienced less-than-ideal remote learning environments, online engagement options, including tutoring, have evolved significantly and will be a required part of learning, work, public engagement, and life moving forward. Online tutoring can help build these necessary skills to deal with this future while helping a student grow and succeed.

Key Tip: Don’t let past experiences with remote learning deter you from considering an online tutor, especially if they are otherwise a perfect fit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tutor involves more than simply finding someone proficient in the subject. Look for a tutor with strong subject knowledge, a flexible teaching style, solid qualifications, and good compatibility with your child. Focusing on these factors will help ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive. If you have questions about selecting the best tutor for your child, determining the right level of support, interviewing tutors, or starting tutoring services, reach out to Jen Birdsell at Peak Academic Solutions, an Annapolis-based online tutoring company.

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