Tips for Finding a Tutor Parents Families.com

In our local newspaper this morning, there is an article about a new program at our local library to help kids access tutoring. It got me to thinking about our own adventures in finding a tutor for my son a few years back, other families and their tutor searches, and all the various types of tutors and educational help that is available. I thought I might share a few tips on how to find and choose a tutor…

While the yellow pages are always a possible resource in a tutor search, and any town of moderate-size probably has a professional, for-profit educational tutoring company such as Sylvan Learning Center or some other business providing tutoring, there are also other avenues for finding teachers and tutors. When my daughter was starting out learning to play the alto saxophone way back in sixth grade, there was a student teacher helping out with her band class as she finished her teaching credentials. Since she was a saxophone player herself, she offered to take on extra students and my daughter was able to benefit from some individualized lessons after school in the band room and we didn’t have to look to hard to find her a music teacher.

I think the best way to find a tutor is to ask for referrals–ask your friends, you child’s teacher, people at church, etc. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather consider someone who comes with some recommendations and some personal testimony from other people I know. Many schools keep a list of tutors and teachers available who can help with various subjects, and I’ve even known of some schools who have a volunteer parent pool of tutors available free of charge to help kids who need some assistance in specific subjects (if you don’t have one of these at your school, maybe it would be a good resource project to develop?!).

If your child has a learning disability or a special educational problem, you may need to be more selective and put even more careful research into your search. We found the tutor for my son a few year’s back based on recommendations by the head of his therapy and testing team–she did the legwork and gave me a few suggested referrals and I then called and interviewed/chose the right person for our family. So, don’t hesitate to check with specialists who work with children with learning disabilities and learning challenges, they may be able to direct you to a good tutor. Additionally, if you live in or near a university town–there may be resources at your local college (graduate students, student tutors, special education departments) that could provide possible tutors for your child.

On a final note, don’t give up on your search for a tutor. It may take some time to find someone who is well-suited to your child and someone whom your child responds well to. Leave no stone unturned and ask around–it’s a much tougher search when you’re trying to manage it on your own.