Tutors Need a Bigger Platform: Here’s Why
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When I started tutoring regularly in 2021, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Back then, as a PhD student studying Spanish, I felt really disappointed in the job market for future Spanish professors. The full-time positions available were scarce, making each job application submission feel like entering a hopeless, yet hard-fought battle. However, as a part-time tutor, I could still use my expertise to help and positively influence student learning experiences. Shortly after, in addition to Spanish, I started teaching English and literacy as well.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed what I did and tutored for a few different online companies at the time, I did start to notice some frustrating trends, such as a lack of students signing up for tutoring at times, as well as low pay. I thought, “there must be someplace where I can tutor within the community.” However, nowhere I looked was hiring locally, and I was also intimidated by the prospect of having to market myself as an independent tutor. I was not great with social media and had no idea how to start my own business.
That really got me thinking, “why don’t tutors have a bigger platform?” There are many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and positive impact that one-on-one and small group tutoring have on student learning. In fact, The National Center for Education Statistics reports that “Forty-six percent of public schools reported providing high-dosage tutoring at any time during the 2023–24 school year, and 90 percent of these schools rated it as being ‘moderately,’ ‘very,’ or ‘extremely’ effective in improving student outcomes” (nces.ed.gov).
More grant dollars and funds should be utilized to create a supportive learning environment for students, especially with teacher shortages at an all time high. Year-round tutoring positions need to be created in schools to provide students with a tailored, detailed and less overwhelming learning environment. We need to do away with a system that is always rushing children into learning something new without hardly any time to digest the previous lesson. Investing in tutoring should not be viewed as a burdensome expense by school administrators, parents or caregivers. On the contrary, easy access to qualified tutors in the classroom, libraries, at home, and other learning institutions is necessary for students to feel less overwhelmed and more capable and confident.
If you have ever considered hiring a tutor for your child, do not hesitate! Qualified tutors like me are ready and waiting to help students achieve their learning goals now. Don’t know where to look? Go to a trusted tutoring platform like Wyzant.com, check local ads, Facebook, or even do a simple internet search for tutors in your area.
As someone passionate about helping students succeed, I am fighting for a brighter educational outlook for children through my tutoring services because I know that we make a difference.
References
National Center for Education Statistics. 2024. “Press Release - About One-Quarter of Public Schools Reported That Lack of Focus or Inattention From Students Had a Severe Negative Impact on Learning in 2023-24 - July 18, 2024.” National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/7_18_2024.asp.
