Oftentimes a parent needs a little extra help when it comes to their child’s education. This is perfectly normal!  But before a parent hires a private tutor, and even if they've already hired a private tutor, there are some very important questions you need to ask them to maximize the value your child receives from their tutoring sessions.

1. How long have you been tutoring?

The more experience a tutor has, the more assured parents can be that they will be a good fit for their child.  The very best tutors for standardized tests have an extensive professional background in teaching and tutoring.  Other good candidates for tutors are college students or recent graduates that have spent a considerable amount of time tutoring in addition to their regular studies.  These students have recently experienced high school and are familiar with the popular tricks and pitfalls that teachers like include in their exams nowadays.  They are also familiar with popular new technology trends in the classroom.

2. Do you have any references?

Parents should always ask for a reference.  If a tutor can’t provide at least two solid references as to their teaching ability, then that should be a major red flag.  Tutoring is often expensive, and you should make sure you’re getting top service for top dollar.

3. Is there anything I can do to help?

Tutoring relies heavily on interaction between the child and their tutor to achieve successful results.  However, most parents overlook that they must also play an active role in the tutoring process.  A parent actively involved in the tutoring process can more effectively monitor their child’s path to success.  This doesn’t mean a parent needs to be present during tutoring sessions; it usually suffices to just receive a report from the tutor so they know what their child has been doing.

4. How long of a commitment can you make?

If your child needs help over a long period of time, such as throughout a semester or academic year, then it’s essential that they find a single tutor and stay with them for the entire period.  This is especially important if the tutor is covering a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT.  Switching tutors is jarring for the student.  Long-term tutors also get to know your child’s learning process, strong points, and weak points and can teach more effectively than a short-term tutor.

Interested in more questions to ask your tutor?  Check out these cool links:

• http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/finding-a-tutor-questions-to-ask/
• https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/tutors/types-of-tutoring/checklist-questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-tutor
• http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/986909/questions-to-ask-your-potential-tutor
• https://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/13734/questions_you_should_ask_a_tutor_and_the_tutor_should_ask_you
• http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/11/24/4-questions-parents-should-ask-a-private-high-school-tutor

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