Great news - The new and improved ITA blog is up and running!
Head over to Tumblr, and see what's new!
http://itatutors.tumblr.com/
Showing posts with label ITA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ITA. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Message from ITA: New blog coming soon!
Hi all,
Just a quick heads up to let you all know that a new ITA blog is on the way!
What does this mean for you?
Plenty! The new blog will have a few great new features, including an easier way for you to submit all of your burning "Ask Micki" questions. Plus, we are rolling out a new streamlined layout that will make reading, posting, and searching easier than ever!
Don't worry - we will still be maintaining access to the old ITA blog (accessible through a link on the new blog), just in case you want to go back through any of the old postings.
As soon as we get the new blog functioning at 100%, we'll be posting the new link, and a Tweet announcing the unveiling!
Just a quick heads up to let you all know that a new ITA blog is on the way!
What does this mean for you?
Plenty! The new blog will have a few great new features, including an easier way for you to submit all of your burning "Ask Micki" questions. Plus, we are rolling out a new streamlined layout that will make reading, posting, and searching easier than ever!
Don't worry - we will still be maintaining access to the old ITA blog (accessible through a link on the new blog), just in case you want to go back through any of the old postings.
As soon as we get the new blog functioning at 100%, we'll be posting the new link, and a Tweet announcing the unveiling!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Message from ITA: Privacy Policy and T&C Locations
Hi, all!
Recently we had a question from someone asking about the location of our privacy policy and terms and conditions. It got us talking about the possibility that other visitors to the site may be missing them as well.
Since we strive to be as upfront and transparent with our policies as possible, we thought it might be a good idea to take a few minutes and post links to the policy pages for everyone.
Privacy Policy: http://www.itatutor.org/privacy.php
Terms & Conditions: http://www.itatutor.org/FAQ-tc.php
These policies are also available by scrolling to the bottom of the FAQs page on the ITA website.
Thanks everyone for your time!
Recently we had a question from someone asking about the location of our privacy policy and terms and conditions. It got us talking about the possibility that other visitors to the site may be missing them as well.
Since we strive to be as upfront and transparent with our policies as possible, we thought it might be a good idea to take a few minutes and post links to the policy pages for everyone.
Privacy Policy: http://www.itatutor.org/privacy.php
Terms & Conditions: http://www.itatutor.org/FAQ-tc.php
These policies are also available by scrolling to the bottom of the FAQs page on the ITA website.
Thanks everyone for your time!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
We asked, you answered!
Here are the results!
The breakdown by the numbers (multiple choices allowed) was:
Math: 70%
Math: 70%
Foreign Languages: 75%
English: 66%
Humanities & Social Sciences: 33%
Tutoring Business Tools: 25%
Other: 8%
Thanks again to all the tutors who voted - be watching for more learning resources in the areas you requested!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Great News for Professional Tutors!
The US Department of Labor now recognizes Tutoring as its own profession! In other words, welcome to the elite group of Standard Occupational Classification Code 25-3099.52 - the new, official occupational code for tutors!
This is big news for tutors, because for years tutoring was in a limbo state when it came to occupational codes. Teaching? Coaching? Teacher Assistants? "Well...yes and no," that was usually the answer.
There was never really a place that "Tutoring" fit, but that is all changing thanks to dedicated tutors like all of you who have a true passion for the tutoring profession.
What titles are included in the new, Tutoring Occupational Code 25-3099.52?
College Tutor
Computing Tutor
Corporate Tutor
Elementary Education Tutor
English Tutor
History Tutor
In-classroom Tutor
In-home Tutor
Learning Center Instructor
Math Tutor
Nursing Center Tutor
Online Tutor
Peer Tutor
Private Tutor
Professional Tutor
Reading Tutor
Second Language Tutor
Test Preparation Tutor
Tutoring Assistant
Tutoring Clinician
Is ITA involved in this Occupational Code development?
Yes! We are happy to say that ITA has been selected as an industry expert for tutoring, and we are assisting the Department of Labor and O*NET with this exciting project!
Who is O*NET?
O*NET (Occupational Information Network) is an automated database that replaces the old Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) as the nation's primary source of occupational information. O*NET's database is used by millions of employers, workers, educators, and students as they make decisions about education, training, career choices, and work.
So what's happening now?
The US Department of Labor is in the process of interviewing professional tutoring organizations and industry experts in order to compile the information needed to permanently make "Tutoring" its own professional classification.
We are thrilled that ITA has been chosen to represent the tutoring profession as an industry expert during this process, and we are doing our best to represent the needs, wants, and challenges faced by professional tutors. We also appreciate any input you could give us about your career as a tutor.
If you are interested in taking part in a confidential survey for the Department of Labor relating to the occupational code for tutors, or just have questions about this new occupational code, please let us know: contact@itatutor.org
Congratulations to all of us who are involved in tutoring at any level - it's been a long and exciting road to get to our destination - Code 25-3099.52!
This is big news for tutors, because for years tutoring was in a limbo state when it came to occupational codes. Teaching? Coaching? Teacher Assistants? "Well...yes and no," that was usually the answer.
There was never really a place that "Tutoring" fit, but that is all changing thanks to dedicated tutors like all of you who have a true passion for the tutoring profession.
What titles are included in the new, Tutoring Occupational Code 25-3099.52?
College Tutor
Computing Tutor
Corporate Tutor
Elementary Education Tutor
English Tutor
History Tutor
In-classroom Tutor
In-home Tutor
Learning Center Instructor
Math Tutor
Nursing Center Tutor
Online Tutor
Peer Tutor
Private Tutor
Professional Tutor
Reading Tutor
Second Language Tutor
Test Preparation Tutor
Tutoring Assistant
Tutoring Clinician
Is ITA involved in this Occupational Code development?
Yes! We are happy to say that ITA has been selected as an industry expert for tutoring, and we are assisting the Department of Labor and O*NET with this exciting project!
Who is O*NET?
O*NET (Occupational Information Network) is an automated database that replaces the old Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) as the nation's primary source of occupational information. O*NET's database is used by millions of employers, workers, educators, and students as they make decisions about education, training, career choices, and work.
So what's happening now?
The US Department of Labor is in the process of interviewing professional tutoring organizations and industry experts in order to compile the information needed to permanently make "Tutoring" its own professional classification.
We are thrilled that ITA has been chosen to represent the tutoring profession as an industry expert during this process, and we are doing our best to represent the needs, wants, and challenges faced by professional tutors. We also appreciate any input you could give us about your career as a tutor.
If you are interested in taking part in a confidential survey for the Department of Labor relating to the occupational code for tutors, or just have questions about this new occupational code, please let us know: contact@itatutor.org
Congratulations to all of us who are involved in tutoring at any level - it's been a long and exciting road to get to our destination - Code 25-3099.52!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Good things are coming!
*** From Jess, Tech Support here at ITA ***
Hello, everyone!
Recently we've received quite a few emails from you asking about the possibility of adding some links on the ITA site that will take you to relevant products and services. Places that ITA recommends and trusts to do business with our tutors. Well, great news!
We are in the process of doing exactly that. Over the next few weeks you will be seeing pre-screened, pre-evaluated products, services, companies, and advertisements from selected partners. These will be companies and websites that ITA trusts with our business, so you can feel confident using their products and services, too.
The companies, products, and services that will be offered through the ITA website are from partners that we have contracted with specifically to bring you the best, most relevant links possible.
What does all this mean for you?
It means that the next time you are looking for a respected, ITA trusted company that can provide you with a quality learning aid, software, or even a background check, you won't need to look any further than your own ITA website.
Stay tuned for these exciting changes, they will be happening soon!
Hello, everyone!
Recently we've received quite a few emails from you asking about the possibility of adding some links on the ITA site that will take you to relevant products and services. Places that ITA recommends and trusts to do business with our tutors. Well, great news!
We are in the process of doing exactly that. Over the next few weeks you will be seeing pre-screened, pre-evaluated products, services, companies, and advertisements from selected partners. These will be companies and websites that ITA trusts with our business, so you can feel confident using their products and services, too.
The companies, products, and services that will be offered through the ITA website are from partners that we have contracted with specifically to bring you the best, most relevant links possible.
What does all this mean for you?
It means that the next time you are looking for a respected, ITA trusted company that can provide you with a quality learning aid, software, or even a background check, you won't need to look any further than your own ITA website.
Stay tuned for these exciting changes, they will be happening soon!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Cyber Monday...and Tuesday!
Hello, everyone!
The ITA Cyber Monday sale was such a huge hit that we've decided to extend it! Cyber Monday has been extended until Tuesday, 11/30/2010 at 11:59 pm (PST).
Now is a great time to renew your membership, or sign up for the first time, and get 40% off the regular rates!
The ITA Cyber Monday sale was such a huge hit that we've decided to extend it! Cyber Monday has been extended until Tuesday, 11/30/2010 at 11:59 pm (PST).
Now is a great time to renew your membership, or sign up for the first time, and get 40% off the regular rates!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Poll (and email) results
Well, the results are in!
After going through the poll results on the ITA blog, as well as all of the emails that we received from all of you, here's what you want to see in the ITA store:
Looks like the majority of you would like to see some take along rewards for your tutoring sessions. So, be on the lookout for some additions to the ITA store!
After going through the poll results on the ITA blog, as well as all of the emails that we received from all of you, here's what you want to see in the ITA store:
Looks like the majority of you would like to see some take along rewards for your tutoring sessions. So, be on the lookout for some additions to the ITA store!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Big changes for ITA!
To mark our 4 year anniversary, we're making some big changes to the look of the site. We're updating, modernizing, and making it even more user friendly.
We will be making the switchover beginning Saturday (September 18th) at 8:00 PM (PST), and we are expecting that the majority of ITA's web pages will be sporting the new look by midnight Sunday (Sept. 19th).
This will be a rolling switchover for the website, so there should be no interruption of service, and we don't anticipate any problems.
Hope you all like the new and improved ITA website!
~ ITA IT Staff
Friday, July 2, 2010
Ask Micki: ITA final project idea
Question: Hi Micki, I was thinking of doing a math maze for my final ITA project. Basically, it would be a maze that has a path of letters, and the end goal would be a final number (the sum of all of the numbers if you follow the correct path).
This math maze would be for grade school kids. Good idea or not?
Thank you,
Marvin from NH
Answer: Hey, Marvin - way to make math fun! I think that the math maze would be not only a great project for your certification, but also a great tool to take with you during your math tutoring sessions.
A really good idea - can't wait to see it in the resource bank once you get it perfected.
Happy tutoring!
This math maze would be for grade school kids. Good idea or not?
Thank you,
Marvin from NH
Answer: Hey, Marvin - way to make math fun! I think that the math maze would be not only a great project for your certification, but also a great tool to take with you during your math tutoring sessions.
A really good idea - can't wait to see it in the resource bank once you get it perfected.
Happy tutoring!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Great News! ITA is online again!
Edit:
Hi, everyone!
Great news to report - Thanks to our brilliant IT guru, ITA is back up and running!
She managed to restore all of our data, and get the ITA site back online in record time. Most of the site is now 100% functional.
The login area will remain offline, but will tentatively be back online by tomorrow morning. We are switching servers after tonight's incident, and the full switchover takes a few hours to complete.
The login area will remain offline, but will tentatively be back online by tomorrow morning. We are switching servers after tonight's incident, and the full switchover takes a few hours to complete.
Thank you all so much, again, for your patience while we get this sorted out tonight!
-------------------------------------------------------------Hi everyone,
We just want to let you all know that our web host (IX Web Hosting) is currently down, so the ITA site is not active at this moment. Apparently our web host had a server crash, and it has temporarily wiped out a few sites. Unfortunately ITA was one of them.
The good news is that we have been in constant communication with our web host, and they are promising us that their servers will be up and running (and all backups restored) very soon.
We also have our best IT person on the job, and she is working like crazy to get the site switched over to a backup server.
Hopefully, due to the late evening hour, this isn't affecting too many of you...We are very sorry for any inconvenience this is causing; things should be back to normal very soon, and we here at ITA thank all of you for your patience!
~ The ITA team
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ask Micki: What to do for my ITA project?
Question: Hi, Micki. I am pretty much done with my ITA training (tests, evaluations, and time log are all finished), but I can't figure out what to do for my project. Could you give me a few ideas?
Thanks for your help,
Jill, MA
Answer: Hi Jill, thanks for your question. The best part about the ITA project is that there are so many different things you can do.
Basically, you are creating an activity sheet, worksheet, or other resource for other tutors (and yourself) to use. For example, if you are an elementary school English tutor, maybe you could develop a vocabulary activity sheet (word search, crossword puzzle, etc.). If you are a junior high school science tutor, maybe you could come up with a step-by-step worksheet that lays out a biology or chemistry experiment. Math tutor? A worksheet that helps tutees understand geometry, algebra, or calculus would be a great project.
One tutor submitted a fractions worksheet for kids that broke down complicated fractions addition into adding pieces of pizza together - it was a big hit!
Or, maybe you'd rather develop a resource that helps tutors during their sessions - a time sheet, learning contract, or some other tool that tutors can take with them to their sessions. One tutor submitted a really useful learning contract that helps keep tutees accountable for their homework and study habits.
In other words, try to develop a resource that you could use during your tutoring sessions.
And don't forget to have fun!
Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
Thanks for your help,
Jill, MA
Answer: Hi Jill, thanks for your question. The best part about the ITA project is that there are so many different things you can do.
Basically, you are creating an activity sheet, worksheet, or other resource for other tutors (and yourself) to use. For example, if you are an elementary school English tutor, maybe you could develop a vocabulary activity sheet (word search, crossword puzzle, etc.). If you are a junior high school science tutor, maybe you could come up with a step-by-step worksheet that lays out a biology or chemistry experiment. Math tutor? A worksheet that helps tutees understand geometry, algebra, or calculus would be a great project.
One tutor submitted a fractions worksheet for kids that broke down complicated fractions addition into adding pieces of pizza together - it was a big hit!
Or, maybe you'd rather develop a resource that helps tutors during their sessions - a time sheet, learning contract, or some other tool that tutors can take with them to their sessions. One tutor submitted a really useful learning contract that helps keep tutees accountable for their homework and study habits.
In other words, try to develop a resource that you could use during your tutoring sessions.
And don't forget to have fun!
Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ask Micki: Tutee lied to me during tutoring
Question: Hi, Micki. I recently had a problem during a tutoring session, and I was hoping you could help me. My tutee and I were working on some math problems, and I busted out one of my tutor training techniques (i.e. not doing your tutee's homework).
I asked her whether or not the problems were part her upcoming take-home final, and she told me, "no," that they were practice problems sent home as a worksheet by her professor.
Well, during our next tutoring session she showed me her graded take-home test, and I was shocked! She had lied to me about the problems being practice problems, and had inadvertently gotten me to do a bunch of her math final for her.
Honestly, I'm ticked off at being duped, and feel like she cheated. When I asked her about it, she just laughed it off, said I was easy to fool, and started talking about the next math class she'll need help with.
Due to integrity issues, and feeling like our tutoring ethics don't mesh, I dropped her from my tutoring schedule. My question is: What should I do to make sure this doesn't happen again at one of my other tutoring sessions? Thanks!
- J.A., a ticked off tutor in VA
Answer: Hi, there, ticked off tutor. First of all, sorry to hear about your unpleasant tutoring situation. It is always tough when a tutee breaks the tutor-tutee trust that takes at least a few tutoring sessions to build. In this case, your tutee pretty much lied to you, and tricked you into doing her final exam - not cool, and it won't serve her well as she takes more math classes in the future.
Second, good for you staying ethical, trying to do the right thing, and looking elsewhere for tutoring clients. There are plenty of tutees who are willing to put in the time and effort learning new skills, and you will be better off working with people who care about academic integrity.
Now, on to your question. To prevent this kind of thing from happening during future tutoring sessions, try the following steps:
1. Try out a learning contract. As strange as it may sound, a learning contract often gives the tutor and tutee a more formal framework for tutoring sessions, keeps the tutee accountable for his or her actions, and serves as a reminder that certain behaviors are expected for a good learning/tutoring experience.
2. Talk to your tutee about why tutoring is not a homework service. It could be that your tutee doesn't understand why you won't do homework for them. Let your tutee know that by working problems (rather than just doing their homework), you are helping them learn a skill that they can take with them into the classroom. The skills they learn through tutoring will also be helpful later, when they need to build on that knowledge to master more advanced material.
3. Review the take-home tests and homework prior to starting each tutoring session. Let the tutee know that you will be looking at the test/homework before the session so that you will know what concepts you need to tutor. It is also a good idea to look over the test/homework after it is graded. Checking out the test/homework works well not only because you get to see exactly what problems are on there, but also because the tutee knows that you are aware of what is on the test/homework prior to tutoring. It will keep your tutee honest.
Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
~ Micki
I asked her whether or not the problems were part her upcoming take-home final, and she told me, "no," that they were practice problems sent home as a worksheet by her professor.
Well, during our next tutoring session she showed me her graded take-home test, and I was shocked! She had lied to me about the problems being practice problems, and had inadvertently gotten me to do a bunch of her math final for her.
Honestly, I'm ticked off at being duped, and feel like she cheated. When I asked her about it, she just laughed it off, said I was easy to fool, and started talking about the next math class she'll need help with.
Due to integrity issues, and feeling like our tutoring ethics don't mesh, I dropped her from my tutoring schedule. My question is: What should I do to make sure this doesn't happen again at one of my other tutoring sessions? Thanks!
- J.A., a ticked off tutor in VA
Answer: Hi, there, ticked off tutor. First of all, sorry to hear about your unpleasant tutoring situation. It is always tough when a tutee breaks the tutor-tutee trust that takes at least a few tutoring sessions to build. In this case, your tutee pretty much lied to you, and tricked you into doing her final exam - not cool, and it won't serve her well as she takes more math classes in the future.
Second, good for you staying ethical, trying to do the right thing, and looking elsewhere for tutoring clients. There are plenty of tutees who are willing to put in the time and effort learning new skills, and you will be better off working with people who care about academic integrity.
Now, on to your question. To prevent this kind of thing from happening during future tutoring sessions, try the following steps:
1. Try out a learning contract. As strange as it may sound, a learning contract often gives the tutor and tutee a more formal framework for tutoring sessions, keeps the tutee accountable for his or her actions, and serves as a reminder that certain behaviors are expected for a good learning/tutoring experience.
2. Talk to your tutee about why tutoring is not a homework service. It could be that your tutee doesn't understand why you won't do homework for them. Let your tutee know that by working problems (rather than just doing their homework), you are helping them learn a skill that they can take with them into the classroom. The skills they learn through tutoring will also be helpful later, when they need to build on that knowledge to master more advanced material.
3. Review the take-home tests and homework prior to starting each tutoring session. Let the tutee know that you will be looking at the test/homework before the session so that you will know what concepts you need to tutor. It is also a good idea to look over the test/homework after it is graded. Checking out the test/homework works well not only because you get to see exactly what problems are on there, but also because the tutee knows that you are aware of what is on the test/homework prior to tutoring. It will keep your tutee honest.
Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
~ Micki
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Ask Micki: How to Price Tutoring Services
Question: Hi, Micki. I am a new tutor (just got my ITA certification, and have been tutoring elementary school-high school math for a few weeks), and I am having a hard time pricing my tutoring services. I don't want to overcharge for tutoring, but I also don't want to price myself so low that I am looked at as a bargain tutor who isn't good enough to be competitively priced. Any tips?
Thanks!
Amy, a new tutor
Answer: Hi, Amy, thanks for the question! Pricing can be a tricky thing for tutors, especially when they are just starting their tutoring career. On one hand, you don't want to price yourself too low and give the impression that your tutoring is not worth a higher price (not to mention the fact that it would be hard to make a living as a tutor if you charged rock bottom prices). On the other hand, you don't want to charge so much that no one can afford your tutoring.
Generally, about $25-$35 an hour is pretty standard, but I have talked to a few tutors who charge upwards of $70 per hour. Likewise, I have talked to a few tutors who charge lower rates ($17-$20/hour) for friends and family.
Usually, a good guideline is that the more difficult the subject matter, the higher the price.
So, a tutor who tutors a college student in Linear Algebra or calculus will typically charge more than a tutor who tutors a first grader in fractions.
Your rate can also vary by region - I notice that tutors in college towns and larger cities usually charge a bit more than tutors who work in smaller, more rural communities.
Good luck, and as always - Happy Tutoring!
Thanks!
Amy, a new tutor
Answer: Hi, Amy, thanks for the question! Pricing can be a tricky thing for tutors, especially when they are just starting their tutoring career. On one hand, you don't want to price yourself too low and give the impression that your tutoring is not worth a higher price (not to mention the fact that it would be hard to make a living as a tutor if you charged rock bottom prices). On the other hand, you don't want to charge so much that no one can afford your tutoring.
Generally, about $25-$35 an hour is pretty standard, but I have talked to a few tutors who charge upwards of $70 per hour. Likewise, I have talked to a few tutors who charge lower rates ($17-$20/hour) for friends and family.
Usually, a good guideline is that the more difficult the subject matter, the higher the price.
So, a tutor who tutors a college student in Linear Algebra or calculus will typically charge more than a tutor who tutors a first grader in fractions.
Your rate can also vary by region - I notice that tutors in college towns and larger cities usually charge a bit more than tutors who work in smaller, more rural communities.
Good luck, and as always - Happy Tutoring!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy 2010!
A quick blog posting from all of us at ITA to say Happy New Year everyone!
Wishing all of you a joyous 2010!
Wishing all of you a joyous 2010!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tips from Charlie: Holiday Gifts
Tips from Charlie: Holiday Gifts
Hi, everyone! Charlie the tutor here with a great holiday tip for all of my fellow tutors.
Have you noticed that around this time of year, people start buying gifts for neighbors, postal workers, babysitters, etc.?
Well, a few years ago I started thinking - why not apply the same festive attitude towards tutees and parents?
For example, this year for many of my tutees (or their parents), I have made up some "gift cards" that offer them 30 free minutes of tutoring during the new year. They can use this card for a quick test prep tutoring session, or apply it to one of our regular tutoring sessions.
For tutees (and parents) I have been working with longer (at least 6 months), I made up cards offering them one full tutoring session for free. I gave them a bit more of a "holiday gift," because I have contracts and long-term professional relationships with these tutees and parents.
I also make sure to hae some festive, holiday pencils and erasers for the kids I tutor. It may be a small token, but the gesture is appreciated by the children and their parents.
I do this mostly because I am a festive guy, and like to show my appreciation for the tutoring business tutees and parents have given me over the past year. I want them to know that I am happy having them as my clients.
Also, by showing my gratitude, I am furthering the loyalty of my clients; I am letting them know that they are appreciated, and offering them an incentive to continue using my tutoring services.
I have been doing this for 2 years, now, and it has worked out great for me. Give it a try, and see how it works for you!
~ Charlie
Hi, everyone! Charlie the tutor here with a great holiday tip for all of my fellow tutors.
Have you noticed that around this time of year, people start buying gifts for neighbors, postal workers, babysitters, etc.?
Well, a few years ago I started thinking - why not apply the same festive attitude towards tutees and parents?
For example, this year for many of my tutees (or their parents), I have made up some "gift cards" that offer them 30 free minutes of tutoring during the new year. They can use this card for a quick test prep tutoring session, or apply it to one of our regular tutoring sessions.
For tutees (and parents) I have been working with longer (at least 6 months), I made up cards offering them one full tutoring session for free. I gave them a bit more of a "holiday gift," because I have contracts and long-term professional relationships with these tutees and parents.
I also make sure to hae some festive, holiday pencils and erasers for the kids I tutor. It may be a small token, but the gesture is appreciated by the children and their parents.
I do this mostly because I am a festive guy, and like to show my appreciation for the tutoring business tutees and parents have given me over the past year. I want them to know that I am happy having them as my clients.
Also, by showing my gratitude, I am furthering the loyalty of my clients; I am letting them know that they are appreciated, and offering them an incentive to continue using my tutoring services.
I have been doing this for 2 years, now, and it has worked out great for me. Give it a try, and see how it works for you!
~ Charlie
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Delay in posting!
Hi, readers!
Just wanted to say a quick sorry for the delay since the last ITA Blog post. Apparently the entry I typed up last week disappeared into cyberspace. (side note - remind me not to use the auto-post feature next time :-)
As soon as I hunt the article down on my hard drive, I'll be posting it here - and you won't want to miss it! It is a posting about how to price your tutoring services, so stay tuned!
Micki
Just wanted to say a quick sorry for the delay since the last ITA Blog post. Apparently the entry I typed up last week disappeared into cyberspace. (side note - remind me not to use the auto-post feature next time :-)
As soon as I hunt the article down on my hard drive, I'll be posting it here - and you won't want to miss it! It is a posting about how to price your tutoring services, so stay tuned!
Micki
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Ask Micki: Sports Tutoring
Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about possibly tutoring a non-traditional subject.
I coach for a local little league team, and was recently contacted about tutoring a sport (baseball pitching, to be exact), but I have no clue if this is something that falls under the realm of tutoring, if it is possible, how much I should charge, etc. Any advice on this? Thanks!
~ Coach, math tutor, and science tutor from So. Cal.
Answer: You sound like one busy person! I would say, without a doubt, a big resounding YES, go for it! If you are helping someone learn a skill, then I would consider it tutoring - since you have an athlete with a need to learn better pitching techniques, you are acting as a tutor for that skill.
I have talked to a lot of tutors over the past few years who have tutored basketball, the physics of baseball, water polo, ice skating...pretty much every sport under the sun will have potential "tutees" who need to improve their skills.
As far as what to charge, my advice would be to stick with your typical rates, and treat this job exactly like any other tutoring gig. Think of it like this - you'll be the exact same professional, friendly tutor, charging an appropriate rate, except instead of meeting at a table, you'll be meeting on the field.
Good luck, and happy tutoring!
I coach for a local little league team, and was recently contacted about tutoring a sport (baseball pitching, to be exact), but I have no clue if this is something that falls under the realm of tutoring, if it is possible, how much I should charge, etc. Any advice on this? Thanks!
~ Coach, math tutor, and science tutor from So. Cal.
Answer: You sound like one busy person! I would say, without a doubt, a big resounding YES, go for it! If you are helping someone learn a skill, then I would consider it tutoring - since you have an athlete with a need to learn better pitching techniques, you are acting as a tutor for that skill.
I have talked to a lot of tutors over the past few years who have tutored basketball, the physics of baseball, water polo, ice skating...pretty much every sport under the sun will have potential "tutees" who need to improve their skills.
As far as what to charge, my advice would be to stick with your typical rates, and treat this job exactly like any other tutoring gig. Think of it like this - you'll be the exact same professional, friendly tutor, charging an appropriate rate, except instead of meeting at a table, you'll be meeting on the field.
Good luck, and happy tutoring!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Ask Micki: Tutoring a Family Member
Question: Hi, Micki. I have been tutoring for about 9 years, and was just recently asked if I could tutor my 10 year old niece. I know that mixing business and personal life can be disastrous, and I am wondering if saying "yes" to this tutoring gig is a bad idea? Should I avoid working with family?
Thanks for your help!
~ Uncertain Aunt, WI.
Answer: Hi, Uncertain Aunt, thanks for your question! Traditionally, a lot of people say that mixing family and business is a recipe for disaster. I disagree.
I think that tutoring family members can be fun, rewarding, and helpful for the tutee - all of the elements that any of your tutoring sessions have.
Think about all of the older brothers and sisters who help their younger siblings with homework, or parents who successfully homeschool their children. These are both methods of tutoring or teaching that work well.
I had a lot of help from relatives when it came to my homework, and remember turning to my aunt for help with biology, my dad for math, my grandfather for some practical garage skills, etc...all tutoring in their own way. It was fantastic! I learned a lot during the "tutoring," had fun, and was able to spend some time getting to know them better.
The trick to making it work? Laying down a few ground rules and keeping the lines of communication open between you and your tutee.
Let your niece/tutee (and her parents) know that you are excited about working together, that you know that tutoring will be beneficial for her, and that you think it would be a great idea to set up some times for tutoring sessions. Approach the scheduling as a way to fit quality tutoring time in to everyone's busy schedule.
Let your sister know, in a nice, polite way, that you need to keep track of the tutoring appointments (via time sheet) for record keeping purposes.
This will also help avoid any billing pitfalls in the future if you are being paid for your tutoring. If all else fails, tell her that it is a requirement for your business budget and taxes that you account for income and time scheduled.
Yes, they are family, but treating your tutoring business like a business is an easy way to keep the tension out of the scenario.
Being too casual with your tutoring schedule or record keeping could lead to problems, so treat your niece/sister like any other client when it comes to paperwork. Trust me on this, I found out the hard way!
When the time comes for your first tutoring session, sit down with your niece and let her know what you'll be going over, what you expect her to do, what she can expect of you as a tutor, etc. Use kid friendly terms, but lay out the rules and the groundwork for a successful tutoring relationship.
Last of all - have fun, and enjoy the one-on-one "aunt time" you get to spend with your niece!
Good luck, and happy tutoring!
Thanks for your help!
~ Uncertain Aunt, WI.
Answer: Hi, Uncertain Aunt, thanks for your question! Traditionally, a lot of people say that mixing family and business is a recipe for disaster. I disagree.
I think that tutoring family members can be fun, rewarding, and helpful for the tutee - all of the elements that any of your tutoring sessions have.
Think about all of the older brothers and sisters who help their younger siblings with homework, or parents who successfully homeschool their children. These are both methods of tutoring or teaching that work well.
I had a lot of help from relatives when it came to my homework, and remember turning to my aunt for help with biology, my dad for math, my grandfather for some practical garage skills, etc...all tutoring in their own way. It was fantastic! I learned a lot during the "tutoring," had fun, and was able to spend some time getting to know them better.
The trick to making it work? Laying down a few ground rules and keeping the lines of communication open between you and your tutee.
Let your niece/tutee (and her parents) know that you are excited about working together, that you know that tutoring will be beneficial for her, and that you think it would be a great idea to set up some times for tutoring sessions. Approach the scheduling as a way to fit quality tutoring time in to everyone's busy schedule.
Let your sister know, in a nice, polite way, that you need to keep track of the tutoring appointments (via time sheet) for record keeping purposes.
This will also help avoid any billing pitfalls in the future if you are being paid for your tutoring. If all else fails, tell her that it is a requirement for your business budget and taxes that you account for income and time scheduled.
Yes, they are family, but treating your tutoring business like a business is an easy way to keep the tension out of the scenario.
Being too casual with your tutoring schedule or record keeping could lead to problems, so treat your niece/sister like any other client when it comes to paperwork. Trust me on this, I found out the hard way!
When the time comes for your first tutoring session, sit down with your niece and let her know what you'll be going over, what you expect her to do, what she can expect of you as a tutor, etc. Use kid friendly terms, but lay out the rules and the groundwork for a successful tutoring relationship.
Last of all - have fun, and enjoy the one-on-one "aunt time" you get to spend with your niece!
Good luck, and happy tutoring!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ask Micki: Late for tutoring sessions
Question: Hi, Micki. I have a tutee (I'll call him Harry) who I have been tutoring now for over a year. He's a great guy, pays attention during our calculus tutoring, and has just been a model tutee except for one thing...recently he has been late showing up for tutoring sessions.
At first, Harry was a minute or two late, but now he shows up for every tutoring session (2 per week) *at least* 15 minutes late. The problem is that I have another tutoring appointment right after his, and I don't want to be late because of Harry's tardiness.
What can I do? I probably should have done something earlier - it has been going on for about 3 months, and I'm kind of worried that it may be too late to fix things.
Thanks for your help!
Signed,
a slightly frustrated tutor in Rhode Island.
Answer: Hi, thanks for your question!
First of all, have no fear - it is never too late to fix a problem! Especially since it sounds like you two have a great tutor / tutee relationship; that should make it much easier to talk to "Harry" about how your tutoring sessions are going.
This kind of problem is all about communication. Sit down for a few minutes with Harry before the tutoring session starts, and figure out why he is always running late.
Has he been putting in extra hours at work? Maybe he is taking part in an activity that ends too close to your tutoring start time. Maybe he took a new job further from home, and has been getting stuck in traffic. The best way to figure out what's up is to ask Harry about his schedule.
I would avoid saying anything confrontational (why ruin a great tutoring relationship?), and focus on how you two can fix the scheduling issue.
Mention that you have another tutoring appointment, need to leave on time, and don't want to short change Harry on any of his calculus tutoring.
Also, keep in mind that it may be time to change things and rearrange when and where you two meet for tutoring.
If Harry is having trouble getting to the tutoring sessions because of work, or school, maybe you could reschedule to another day or time. If he is getting stuck in traffic, maybe you two could meet halfway someplace and work there - he'd be on time, and you could leave from the meeting place to make it to your next tutoring appointment on time.
Whatever the situation may be with Harry's schedule, you two should have no trouble working it out as long as you keep your dialogue open, friendly, and non-confrontational. Think of this like a calculus problem you may encounter during tutoring - if you two patiently work on this together, the solution will be easy to find!
Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!
At first, Harry was a minute or two late, but now he shows up for every tutoring session (2 per week) *at least* 15 minutes late. The problem is that I have another tutoring appointment right after his, and I don't want to be late because of Harry's tardiness.
What can I do? I probably should have done something earlier - it has been going on for about 3 months, and I'm kind of worried that it may be too late to fix things.
Thanks for your help!
Signed,
a slightly frustrated tutor in Rhode Island.
Answer: Hi, thanks for your question!
First of all, have no fear - it is never too late to fix a problem! Especially since it sounds like you two have a great tutor / tutee relationship; that should make it much easier to talk to "Harry" about how your tutoring sessions are going.
This kind of problem is all about communication. Sit down for a few minutes with Harry before the tutoring session starts, and figure out why he is always running late.
Has he been putting in extra hours at work? Maybe he is taking part in an activity that ends too close to your tutoring start time. Maybe he took a new job further from home, and has been getting stuck in traffic. The best way to figure out what's up is to ask Harry about his schedule.
I would avoid saying anything confrontational (why ruin a great tutoring relationship?), and focus on how you two can fix the scheduling issue.
Mention that you have another tutoring appointment, need to leave on time, and don't want to short change Harry on any of his calculus tutoring.
Also, keep in mind that it may be time to change things and rearrange when and where you two meet for tutoring.
If Harry is having trouble getting to the tutoring sessions because of work, or school, maybe you could reschedule to another day or time. If he is getting stuck in traffic, maybe you two could meet halfway someplace and work there - he'd be on time, and you could leave from the meeting place to make it to your next tutoring appointment on time.
Whatever the situation may be with Harry's schedule, you two should have no trouble working it out as long as you keep your dialogue open, friendly, and non-confrontational. Think of this like a calculus problem you may encounter during tutoring - if you two patiently work on this together, the solution will be easy to find!
Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!
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