Finding A Reputable Tutor

["Got Disney"]

Do you have "Kumon" out there...they are less expensive than Sylvan learning school....

 

[Christine]

To answer a few questions:

No teacher at my DD's seems to be doing after school tutoring (only students do it).

There are no convents close by.

I haven't heard of "Kumon" but we have "Knowledge Points" and "Huntington" which are all copies of Sylvan. Looks like I may have to go this route.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Gee, I wish you lived closer-I'm a semi-retired former geometry teacher who used to tutor. I think that contacting a local community college to see if any of their part time instructors tutors is a good idea, also you could contact your local high school to see if any retired teachers tutor. I, also, would hesitate to recommend Sylvan to a parent. I interviewed with them a few years back, and although they charge a lot, they pay rather poorly (at least around here). So I'd question the calliber of the people they attract (now, before you flame me-the place I teach at now also pays very poorly, but occassionally they attract some well-qualified staf, like me, I hope-so I just say QUESTION).

 

[Christine]

I, also, would hesitate to recommend Sylvan to a parent. I interviewed with them a few years back, and although they charge a lot, they pay rather poorly (at least around here). So I'd question the calliber of the people they attract (now, before you flame me-the place I teach at now also pays very poorly, but occassionally they attract some well-qualified staf, like me, I hope-so I just say QUESTION).

I am concerned about this. The place I contacted said that all of their tutors must have a 4 year degree plus some type of recommendation/proof that they have done some past tutoring. I don't know if that gets me anything or not?

 

[meandtheguys2]

My suggestion is Sylvan, due to a friend's experience there. She had a LD in math, barely passing and almost couldn't get thru statistics for her degree. Really bad, and frustrating for her.

She spent about 6 months with Sylvan, and went from a 4th grade math lovel thru Algebra. She was, of course, very motivated. She was paying for it! They were able to teach her in a way that she could learn, though.

 

[Christine]

My suggestion is Sylvan, due to a friend's experience there. She had a LD in math, barely passing and almost couldn't get thru statistics for her degree. Really bad, and frustrating for her.

She spent about 6 months with Sylvan, and went from a 4th grade math lovel thru Algebra. She was, of course, very motivated. She was paying for it! They were able to teach her in a way that she could learn, though.

Thanks. It is good to hear a positive story about one of these places. They can't all be bad?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Have you called your local public high schools? Here at dd's public hs, all the Math teachers tutor.

 

[Christine]

Have you called your local public high schools? Here at dd's public hs, all the Math teachers tutor.

The public high school holds tutoring sessions from 2:15-3:15 (right after they dismiss). My DD's school does not let out until 2:45 and she has a 40 minute bus ride down to where our public school system is. We couldn't get there until 4:00 and the session is overwith then.

 

[PlutoPony]

May have something for you..... go to http://www.tutorfind.com and enter your information (location/subject/grade) and it will give you a list of tutors that fit your need. Turns out I know OF several people who are involved in this organizationally in PWC and they have very good reputations. Plus DS plays tennis with the sons of several of the principles - if you want more info I'll be happy to approach them.

Beth

 

[Christine]

May have something for you..... go to http://www.tutorfind.com and enter your information (location/subject/grade) and it will give you a list of tutors that fit your need. Turns out I know OF several people who are involved in this organizationally in PWC and they have very good reputations. Plus DS plays tennis with the sons of several of the principles - if you want more info I'll be happy to approach them.

Beth

Beth,

Thank you! I pulled up the site and found 5 tutors in my area. I can't tell anything about them though. They have a form to submit but it looks like they want payment right away. I guess I need to give them a call.

 

[PlutoPony]

Wish I could give you any info about the quality of the tutors.... I do know that LOTS of kids in Geometry at Brentsville HS are having problems, and the people I know of who are associated w/ TutorFind live right around that HS so am sure they at least hear about Geometry frustrations from their friends.
Good luck - I may be in your boat in a few years!

 

[hematite153]

Not anywhere near your area but I have one suggestion to add.

Try checking local schools (not neccesarily DD's) and asking if they have any teachers on leave (parental or otherwise), substitute teachers and or retired teachers who might be interested in tutoring. (You may need to speak with math teachers directly since they are the ones most likely to know these people.) Often, if you are willing to pay Sylvan-like rates, you can actually get someone highly qualified who is willing to do it for the opportunity to spend a little bit of time teaching.

As for Sylvan, Kumon & the like, I have known people to have both good and bad experiences so make sure you reassess based on your own (& DD's) instincts. If it feels good, go for it!