O tutor, where are thou?
Finding the right tutor can feel much like the epic journey of Odysseus, encountering all sorts of characters along the way. There are many things to consider when seeking a tutor for your child: experience, comfort, communication, and price. Of course, we want the student to feel comfortable asking questions of the tutor and absorb information through communication with the tutor. We want to pay reasonable prices for the tutoring service, and we want to be sure the tutor has sufficient experience. When I first became a math tutor, I had no experience nor did I know the going rate for tutoring services! I was merely in the right place at the right time and have been tutoring ever since.
Many moons ago, in the thick of my undergraduate studies at Baylor University, I stumbled upon an introvert’s paradise. I found a quiet nook on the highest floor of the Baylor science building with a window, with a couch, with two glorious whiteboards. For weeks I enjoyed my nook without anyone entering the precious study space and basked in my uninterrupted solitude.
I spent time between classes in my spacious, quiet alcove (mine by squatter’s rights), and occasionally stole a nap there. One day someone stopped to stare at the mathematical graffiti I'd strewn across my whiteboards (mine by squatter's rights). He asked about the "symbols" on the board and I began to describe the nature of my work. Unbeknownst to me, my isolated camping ground sat just outside of the university’s Student Athlete Study Center and the gentleman who stopped to chat was looking to hire more math tutors!
Because I was a math major I was nearly hired on the spot, and thus began my decade-long side-career as a mathematics tutor. Working for the Baylor University Student Athlete tutoring center was a great introduction to tutoring. Initially, I simply showed up to my tutoring hours to answer questions that students had related to homework. I soon grew confident enough to make practice quizzes and practice tests for my students, using their class notes and graded work as my guide. I essentially re-took math classes through the eyes of my tutees. I worked to understand their perspectives in order to correct any misunderstandings.
I am glad someone found me in my (mine forever!) nook and introduced me to the exciting world of tutoring. Faulty logic implies that if you want to find math tutors, just look for gloriously cozy, less-traveled by, private reading corners with a view. Since such reasoning is not sound, this guide should help you find math tutors if the need arises. Many of the most qualified tutors are not seeking to work as a tutor. Moreover, some of the most marketed tutors are not the most qualified tutors. Though finding the right tutor is not an exact science, here is my guide for seeking qualified math tutors.
Universities : If you live near a university, visit their website and search “Mathematics.” If the university or college has a math department, make a phone call to the math department and ask for tutor recommendations. If you want a tutor for grades 1 - 7, it may be better to contact an education department. It is possible that the departments contain adjunct professors, instructors, or even students that tutor privately. The departments probably receive inquiries often enough that someone can quickly connect you with helpful, interested parties.
The downside: It may take a few tries to find a tutor that you are comfortable with. Different students require different skill sets from tutors, and you may need a few test runs before the right match is found.
Unfortunately, some rural areas are not close to any universities. What then?
Wyzant.com: Wyzant is a tremendously useful tool for tutors and tutees who are new to the search! Wyzant allows tutors to set up a profile, take qualifying subject exams to confirm that they are capable of tutoring particular subjects, and they can list a photo of themselves. Parents can request a background check on the tutor before agreeing to hire them! Everyone wants to be sure these days, right? Parents can even leave reviews about the tutor. This is the Yelp of tutors and Wyzant’s reach stretches pretty far. It would be worth it to try a tutor search if you are not located near a university.
I created a tutor profile with Wyzant after I received my Bachelor of Science in mathematics. I worked with two families pretty regularly, meeting with their sons once a week, and it was a great experience for all involved. One of the moms would even pack up a tupperware of dinner for me because I would leave my full-time job, meet with her son for an hour of Calculus, and then head straight to night class (the math bug could not be shaken) without much time in between for dinner. Bless her and bless her homemade lasagna!
So yes, I think Wyzant is a safe way to initiate the tutor-finding process until you find the right match.
The downside: Wyzant takes a hefty tax (35% for awhile, then 30%) from the tutor’s hourly rate, so Wyzant tutors are likely to charge more per hour.
MA+hnasium: Mathnasiums are Math Learning Centers across the country designed to assist in the mathematical development of elementary- through high school-aged students. Though I have never worked with or for a Mathnasium center, I know undergraduate math majors who have been employed as tutors at a Mathnasium. Again, I am sure the tutor's earn less per hour than what you will pay, but with Mathnasiums create the space for tutors and students to meet and provide substantial training for the tutors. I believe Mathnasiums are worth the try when seeking a tutor for your child.
If you are not near a university, if there are no Wyzant tutors in your area, and if there are no Mathnasiums nearby try:
GOOGLE: A web search along the lines of, “Math tutors in ________ (insert your town’s name)” is a great start. This is certainly a last resort, but potentially worthwhile.
It saddens me that so many students rely on private tutors these days. Back in my day, if we didn’t understand part of our homework, we asked our parents to drive us to school earlier than usual the next morning (before emailing teachers became commonplace) and we would ask for our teacher’s help (for free). Forgive my soapbox moment, but I believe public schooling, in its entirety, should be free.
