Ask Micki: Sale on tutoring?

© sxc.hu/Thoursie

Question: Hi, I have a question that deals with the business side of tutoring.

Is it inappropriate to offer sales or promotions for tutoring services?

Here's my idea: I'd like to have a "Back to school" type of deal where I give parents 20% off of my tutoring services.  It would be for tutoring appointments in September only, and would last from September 1st through the end of September.  Is this a good idea? Bad idea? Inappropriate in any way?

Thank you so much for your help!
Becky Anne from MI


Answer: Hi, Becky Anne -  This is a great idea!  Everyone loves a deal, and offering a discount for your tutoring services is not inappropriate at all.  I have heard from a lot of tutors who have done this, and they all report great success with the technique!

Plus, the fact that you are making this an exciting, focused ("Back to School"), limited time promotion almost guarantees success.

On another note, you are also doing your tutees a favor.  With the economy being like it is right now, I know that your tutoring parents will really appreciate the break in cost, especially with all of the other back to school expenses looming overhead.

Good luck with your sale, and stop by when you get a chance to let us know how it worked out for you!

Ask Micki: Yes or No?

© sxc.hu/ba1969

Question: Hey, Micki, I need a quick answer to a question about prizes and tutoring rewards.  I tutor kids in English, mostly elementary school students in grammar, spelling, etc. 

Since most of my tutees are under the age of 11, they are still excited about stickers, pencils, toys, etc.  I was thinking that it may be a good idea to implement some prizes or rewards for my young tutees, but my friend said that you should never bribe kids.

Help!
Alan from PA

Answer: Hey there, Alan, thanks for the question.  First of all, I have to say, that even as a full grown woman, I still love stickers, pencils, and toys, so you are never too old for the fun stuff - it never goes out of style!

Second, little prizes and rewards for your young tutees are definitely not the same thing as a bribe.  A bribe, in the spirit of the word, is a way of controlling another person (typically making him or her going against his or her ethical beliefs) by promising money or goods. 

Providing prizes, on the other hand, is a way of rewarding great behavior, good study habits, and enthusiastic learning.  In other words, prizes are similar to a raise at work, or a medal for winning a competition - they act as rewards, and help enforce good behavior. Nothing wrong with that!

Ask Micki: Tutee Poaching

© datarec

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a situation here that is really ticking me off, and it involves an ex-friend, and fellow tutor.


Here's what has happened: my friend and I decided to start tutoring math during our first year of college.  We used to kind of cover for one another, and when she couldn't make appointments, I'd cover for her.  Of course, if I couldn't make sessions, she'd cover for me.  It worked out great, and at one point, we even talked about going into business together.

I'm glad we didn't.  Now, a few years later we are both still tutoring, but there's a problem.  She has been stealing my clients.

She has dropped her rate to a ridiculously low amount (about 25% of what she used to charge. What I still charge.  It is a very fair rate.), and she has been putting ads up at school about avoiding the expensive tutors and hiring her instead.  She has also taken down my posters from the school bulletin boards, I've watched her do it.

To make matters worse, one of my tutees told me that when she ran into her at school, my ex-friend started bad mouthing me, saying that I charge too much, and that she is just as good for much cheaper.  The thing is, I have heard from other tutees that she is not as good, just way cheaper. 

It makes me wonder how many other tutees she told this to who didn't tell me.  Let's just say, I've lost about 10 clients this year, and I'm not happy about it.

What do I do? I've tried talking to her, and all she did was tell me to "get over it" or lower my prices.  We have tried talking about it before, and it always ends badly.  So now what do I do?  Put up ads talking about how cheaper isn't better? Talk to her clients about her? I'm really annoyed, and not sure how to handle this.

Thanks,
Anon.



Answer: Hello, there, anonymous.
Wow, that's an uncomfortable and frustrating situation, I'm sure.

The good news is that it sounds like you are dedicated to quality tutoring at fair rates.  Chances are, several of the tutees who switched to her lower rates will be coming back to you once they discover that they miss the quality tutoring you provide.  The tutees who have stuck with you know that it is about value, not low price, and that they are getting a lot for their money with your services.   

So, keep your head up, and don't let it get you down (I know, easier said than done, but give it your best shot!).  Just continue to offer good tutoring at fair rates, and you will get clients who want to learn.  Word spreads fast, and good tutors are always in high demand. 

Since it sounds like you two are beyond talking about this, we need to move on to Plan B.  As annoying as this situation is, the first thing to do is take a step back from the situation.  Stay calm, cool, and collected.  Getting angry won't help, and a smear campaign is only going to make things worse.

Instead, talk to the clients you have now.  For the tutee who mentioned having talked to your ex-friend, be honest about your concerns.  Let him or her know that there may be cheaper services out there, but that they get what they pay for.  Don't name names, and don't use this as an opportunity to stoop to your ex-friends level.  You are simply giving your client an idea of why you charge what you do. 

Offer loyalty incentives for current clients.  Give them bulk discounts for paying up front (guaranteeing future business).  Offer discounts after sticking with you for X amount of months.  Provide additional services, such as homework verification services, etc.  You get the idea - give little bonuses that keep your tutees coming back for more. 

Also, try widening your tutoring area.  Put up flyers at other schools.  Tutor other ages, such as elementary school or junior high.  Try advertising your tutoring at local community centers.  Anything to distance yourself from the pettiness that seems to be taking place on your school's bulletin boards.

Also, like I said earlier, just continue to provide great tutoring, and word will get around.  Good tutors are always in demand, and people will pay for quality.

Good luck!

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© sxc.hu/datarec

Ask Micki: Focus or no focus?

© ljleavell

Question: Hi there, Micki. I'm a new tutor who is excited about getting started in the business.  I've tutored my first few people, and enjoyed every minute of it.  I like working with people of all different ages and levels of understanding. The challenge is fun, and it keeps my job interesting. 

Problem for me is that I'm having trouble choosing a tutoring focus. 

Most of my friends who tutor are "college level English tutors," "junior high algebra tutors," "high school chemistry tutors," or some other specific type of tutor.

Me, on the other hand, I have been bouncing around between math and chemistry at all levels, elementary school all the way through college. 

How do I narrow in and choose a single focus for my tutoring? Do I need to? Will it help my tutoring business down the road if I make a choice to narrow in on a certain kind of tutoring?

Thanks,
Jay from CA

Answer: Hi, Jay, thanks for the question!

My shortest answer for your question is, "Nope!"
But let me give you the longer version of my answer, too.  :-)

Right now, you are in a great tutoring situation.  You possess the enthusiasm for tutoring, you like tutoring all levels, you have a knowledge of two often troublesome subjects for students (math and chemistry), and you enjoy the ability to assist students at all grade levels.  I'd say you are doing well just the way you are working things now. 

Not everyone is comfortable tutoring certain age groups (kids, junior high students, adults, etc.), and not everyone is comfortable tutoring certain knowledge levels (beginning, advanced, etc.).  You, on the other hand, seem comfy tutoring at pretty much any age and any level - that is a strength, for sure, and will only benefit you in the tutoring profession. 

As for your tutoring business, I'd say the more people you can help, the better off you are (for a host of reasons - the joy of helping others, being able to assist a wide array of students, an increase in business due to your varied level focus, etc.).  So don't change a thing.

In other words...Get out there and tutor whoever, and whatever, you'd like! 

Good luck, and happy tutoring!

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Photo credit:
© sxc.hu/ljleavell
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/ljleavell

Ask Micki: How to handle problem billing

© Rob Owen-Wahl

Question: Hiya, Micki, I was hoping that you could help me with a problem I've been having on the billing end of things.  

Here's some background: I've been tutoring for about 5 years now, and have been loving every minute of it.  The problem is, when I got started, I took on a few unpaid tutoring jobs to get my feet wet, and gain some experience.

I talked things over with the 3 families, and we all agreed that I would provide 6 months of free tutoring.  No problem, I was happy to do it, excited about gaining the experience, and glad that I could help out some friends.

I think you see where this is going.  Now it is years later, and while 2 of the families began paying me for tutoring (and have kept me on as their tutor), the other family is still not paying me a cent.

At first I thought maybe they forgot about the agreement, so I brought it up, and they just kind of laughed it off, and moved on to scheduling our next appointment.  I brought up the topic a dozen more times since then, and they completely ignore the conversation every single time.

I love helping out friends, but I can't help but feel that I am being taken advantage of by tutoring every week, free of charge.  Also, it's not like they aren't able to afford tutoring.  I know this because they pay for 2 different sports tutors every week.

Is there a nice way to approach this subject without damaging a friendship or making things awkward? 

Thanks, Micki!
Ali, CA

Answer: Hey, Ali.  First of all, I'm happy to hear that after half a decade of tutoring, you still love the work - that's great!

Second of all, and please take no offense at this - you are definitely being taken advantage of right now, and real friends don't take advantage of one another.  It is definitely time to sit down and have a talk with the parents about billing, etc.

The most important thing for keeping the mood pleasant, and keeping the awkwardness out of the room is to remain friendly and upbeat as you talk with them.

I know you may understandably be a bit frustrated, but try not to get defensive or angry - talk to them with a smile on your face, and present the whole situation as nicely as you can.

Let them know that as much as you love helping them out, and as much as you enjoy the work, you have expenses/bills, and paid work is important for keeping up with those expenses/bills.

Also, you may want to mention that, as your tutoring appointments increased, you don't have quite as much free time in your day, so every tutoring appointment really needs to count financially so that you can continue to make ends meet.

Let them know up front that it is nothing personal, and that you truly enjoy working with them, it's just that you need to be able to make a living with your tutoring.  

If they are reluctant, and you really enjoy working with the family, perhaps you could offer them a deal on your tutoring services.  Offer a package deal of a set number of sessions for a set dollar amount, or offer to give them a discount on tutoring.

Whatever you decide, please stop back by and let us know how things went!

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Photo credit: © sxc.hu/lockstockb
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lockstockb

Field Notes: Keeping my 8 year old tutee motivated.

When I saw the new field notes category, I couldn't help but be excited about posting something! 

What I want to share with all of you fellow tutors out there is a sure fire way to keep kids motivated while tutoring.  It has been working well for me for years.

Not only does this motivational technique work during tutoring, but it also keeps my tutee enthusiastic and on track in between tutoring sessions. 

The answer for me: charts and prizes.

Whenever I tutor my 8 year old tutee, we make sure to mark it on her chart with a little star sticker.  I carry the star stickers with me to every tutoring session, and I leave 4 charts - one for each week - with her mom.  I also leave a sheet of star stickers with my tutee's mom.

Whenever my tutee does the "in between" work (a worksheet that I leave for her to finish), her mom gives her chart another star.  She also gets a star for every book she reads in between our tutoring sessions (I tutor her in reading).  She can get up to 5 stars every week.

Then, she can "cash in" her chart for prizes at the end of the week, or collect them until she has a bunch of stars.  If my tutee has 5 stars, she can get a scented pencil, for 10 stars she can get a set of scented erasers, and so on.  Right now my tutee is saving up all of her stars in order to cash them in for a $10 gift certificate.

She has a lot of fun earning stars, and it definitely keeps her motivated to keep up with the learning!

Becca C., MN

Ask Micki: Last minute cancellations

© cema

Question:  Hi Micki,

I am looking for some tutoring business advice.  I work with about a dozen steady clients right now, and for the most part the business end of things has always run smoothly.

The problem I'm having is that one of my clients has a tendency to cancel at the last minute. 

The first time I figured, "no big deal," but it has happened every other week now for the past few months.  Most times he doesn't even bother to call or email, he just doesn't show up at our tutoring appointment.  It's not only kind of frustrating, but it also makes it difficult to schedule my time.

For the record, we tutor twice per week, Tuesday and Thursday, and I have been tutoring him for about 2 months now.

Any help in getting this situation figured out would be most appreciated.

Thank you!
Julie, music tutor

Answer: Hey Julie, thanks for your question.  Last minute cancellations can definitely throw a wrench into your tutoring schedule.  Plus, unless there are some good reasons, last minute cancellations are just plain rude when no notice is given.

The first thing I would do is have a talk with your tutor.

Communication is key here - sit down and talk about what has been going on with his schedule.  Talk about the frequency of the missed tutoring sessions.  Mention that you want to help him, but your schedules don't seem to be meshing, and maybe it is time to plan the tutoring sessions differently.

Talk to your tutee about setting up alternative arrangements for when and where to meet.  Is he getting stuck in traffic and can't make the appointments?  Maybe an earlier or later time would work, or maybe the location can be moved so that it is easier to get to on those days. 

Secondly, I would talk to him about setting up a way to contact you should he need to cancel the appointment for a good reason.  Make sure he has your phone number and email address, and let him know that you would appreciate some form of notice a few hours before the session begins.

I typically request cancellation 12 hours before the tutoring appointment, as this gives me enough time to fill that time slot, and avoid spending time and gas getting to an appointment that has been canceled.  I have also found that by requesting (not demanding) half a day's notice, I have fewer cancellations.

There are also those tutors who will have their tutees sign a contract stating that any cancellations not given within a specific time frame are subject to being charged as a "no show."  The rate on a "no show" charge can be anywhere from 1/2 of the tutoring session price to the full amount.

I'm kind of on the fence about this.  Here's why: unless the cancellation issue is being repeatedly abused, charging for a "no show" takes away some of the goodwill between you and your tutee.  In other words, it can make the tutoring relationship a little tense.  Plus, there are those times when a cancellation cannot be avoided (emergency situations), and charging a tutee for those times is not good business.  This technique is definitely a last resort to be reserved for situations when a tutee is obviously abusing the cancellation policies that are in place. 

Chances are you will never need to use the "no show" charge, and the situation will be easily fixed with a schedule change or a request for a few hours advance notice. 

Good luck, and happy tutoring!

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Photo credit: © sxc.hu/cema
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/cema

Ask Micki: Last minute cancellations

Question: Hi, Micki, I have a question about a problem I've been having with one of my tutees.  We usually meet twice a week to go over his chemistry, but it seems like he has been canceling a lot of tutoring sessions lately.  I'm talking about 3 or 4 every month.

I understand if he is busy, or something unexpected comes up, but this is happening a lot. Plus, it is getting difficult to figure out my tutoring schedule, because I never know whether or not I'll be free for that hour of the week.  Well, that, and it is just plain frustrating to get a "I have to cancel" call 10 minutes before the session begins.

Any help you could give me would be unbelievablyappreciated, thanks!

~~~ Signed,
a Frustrated Chem Tutor in Alabama

Answer: Hey, there, Frustrated Chem Tutor - Last minute cancellations can be a huge pain to deal with, not only because they are irritating, but also because they interfere with your schedule planning.

The next time you meet with your tutee, take a few minutes to go over what has been happening lately.  Bring it up in a friendly manner, though - you don't want your tutee to feel attacked.

Mention that you have been noticing that about half of the tutoring sessions for the month have been canceled, and ask him if he wants to reschedule some of the sessions to days and times that work better for him.

If his schedule doesn't allow for rescheduling, mention that, if he is doing well in the chemistry course with only an hour per week of tutoring, maybe the second hour every week isn't necessary.

Now I know what you're thinking - you hate to lose the extra hours every month from an established client.  Trust me on this, in the long run your tutoring business will be better off - think of it this way, by freeing up that hour time slot every week, you will have the opportunity to schedule a more devoted tutee. 

If your tutee can't reschedule, and doesn't want to drop the extra hour per week, let him know (in a friendly tone of voice) that you need at least a few hours before the session begins for cancellations.

Let him know that because of your drive, your schedule that day, etc. that it would be really appreciated if he could let you know a few hours in advance that he will need to cancel...even better, ask if he could try to cancel 24 hours in advance if he thinks something may interfere with the tutoring appointment (i.e. a non-sick related reason, since sickness isn't planned).

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
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Photo Credit: Cema© 
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/cema

Ask Micki: How do I find tutoring clients?

Question: I just finished all of the ITA quizzes, and now I am moving on to finding tutoring clients so that I can get in some hours and evaluations (positive evaluations, I hope!).  I don't have any experience, and to be honest, I'm not feeling too confident. How do I find these clients? 

Thanks for your help, Micki,
Eleanor

Answer: Hi, Eleanor, thanks for your question!  Believe it or not, it is actually not as hard as you may think to find new tutoring clients.  Whether the economy is good or bad, tutoring is still a respected and valuable service that many people (students and parents alike) consistently support. 

Also, keep in mind that many tutors start out exactly where you are, without experience or tutees, so don't be intimidated by that - just get out there and be the best tutor you can be! Have confidence in your tutoring abilities and everything else will fall into place. 

All right, I know - enough with the pep talk, what you need are actual ideas! :-)

1. Go for the old fashioned technique:
Try posting flyers at local schools, colleges, libraries...anywhere that students and/or parents may frequent.  I have gotten quite a few tutoring clients this way over the years.  My most successful flyers have been the ones that include the little tear off tabs at the bottom of the page.  These are great because, if a person is busy, they can snag your contact info quickly without digging around for a pen and paper. 

I also make sure to include my name, phone number(s), subjects I tutor, that I am certified, and the age ranges I tutor.  When you get a little more experience, you may also want to include the number of years you've been tutoring, a few testimonials, and any other credentials that give you credibility.  If you don't have these things right now, don't worry - you'll develop them over time.

2. Go high tech:
There are online resources out there that will help you find tutees in your local area, or people who are seeking tutoring online.   TutorNation.com, for example, is a fantastic resource that we have partnered with for years.  Here's how it works: You enter your information (your location, subjects tutored, etc.), and TutorNation.com goes to work for you, finding you a tutoring client match!  It is a really easy to find tutoring clients in pretty much any subject and any age range, and I would recommend checking it out.

You may also think about signing up to be an online tutor.  This can be a great option for tutors who are looking for tutoring work, but need to work non-traditional hours, or want to broaden their geographic availability. 

*Full Disclosure: TutorNation.com is a website we have partnered with for years, and they offer a 30% discount to TutorNation.com members who are interested in ITA tutor training.

3. Word of Mouth:
Having a happy student or parent talk about you ("...a great tutor!") is often the only advertising you need to build a successful tutoring business.   Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and will help you build your tutoring client base really quickly. 

4. Do some pro bono work: 
If you can afford to, offer some tutoring free of charge to friends, friends' children, co-workers, relatives...pretty much anyone who will be willing to provide you with tutoring experience and evaluations.  They may even be able to provide you with some word of mouth advertising, and a positive testimonial for your flyers. 

I hope that I've been able to help give you a few good ideas to build on and use when looking for new tutoring clients.  Get creative, be tenacious, and try to stay confident.  Implement these ideas, stay focused, and pretty soon you'll be so busy tutoring that you'll need to turn down work!

Good luck out there, and as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: In honor of Earth Day...

In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, I'm going to be highlighting some green ideas that will make your tutoring more eco-friendly.  So, without further ado, here are 3 simple ways to be a little kinder to the environment during your tutoring sessions!

1) Go paperless when you can
If you have learning tools or other handouts on your computer, send them via email to your tutee.  If you are tutoring your tutee in history, a timeline may be helpful, but it doesn't need to be printed out to be useful.  The same can be said of English grammar rules - many times the printed handout would be no more useful than having it on screen during essay writing. 

Even if your tutee prints out what you send, think of it this way: at least you are not both printing out the same document - half as much paper will be generated.

2) Be energy conscious. 
When possible, choose to tutor in an area with natural lighting - it's also easier on the eyes.  Try to travel by the most environmentally friendly method possible, to and from your tutoring sessions.  Even better would be to meet at a place where both of you are already going to be nearby, so you're combining trips.

3) Be mindful of your office supply choices.  
Use refillable mechanical pencils, reliable (and refillable) pens that last, recycled paper, and other recycled office supply choices.

Don't be surprised if your tutee begins to mimic your good choices.  Recently I had a tutee show off what she bought with the money her parents rewarded her with when she aced her final - a fancy schmancy mechanical pencil like mine!

Ask Micki: Bad Time to Start a Tutoring Business?

Question: Hi, Micki.  I have a question that started out as a friendly debate between my friend and me.

I really want to start a home-based tutoring business.  It has actually been a dream of mine for quite a few years, and I am finally in a position to start it.  My friend, on the other hand, thinks that it is a terrible time to start a tutoring business, and thinks I should wait another year. 

What do you think?
Thanks!
Jeffrey S., LA

Answer:  The short answer to your question is: Yes! It is always a great time to start a tutoring business, either online or in-person.  Whether the economy is good or not so good, freelance tutoring always does well. 

In terms of tutoring as a career choice, it is a rewarding path to take.  Tutoring (online or in-person) is a great home business to start, because you get to help tutees achieve their learning goals and work hours that are convenient for you.

In terms of business and finance, tutoring is an excellent business to establish because of the low start up costs, low overhead costs, and ease of advertising your tutoring services.  Besides learning the basics of good tutoring, you will also need a passion for the profession, and some general office supplies.

In short, I say, "go for it!" The economy may not always be good, but if you pursue your dream of beginning a tutoring business (and really put in 100%) you will undoubtedly be successful.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: 10 year old tutee hates science

Question:  Hi, Micki.  I am hoping you can help me come up with some ways of making tutoring more entertaining.  I work with a bright, friendly 10 year old who is really, really bored with the botany part of her science class.  She works really hard, and her grades are good, but I feel bad that she is so bored during tutoring.  Any ideas for how to make botany more thrilling to a 10 year old? 

Thanks!
Science Tutor in IN

Answer:  Hi there, Science Tutor - the short answer to your question is ABSOLUTELY!  Sorry, I know I'm a bit too excited, but science is one of the few subjects for tutoring that automatically lends itself to fun, hands-on activities.

First, if you are an ITA tutor, check out the resources once you login to your account.  There are a ton of cool science experiments for kids, exercises, and activities that will jazz up any tutoring session.  Besides botany, there are also experiments and activities for biology, chemistry, astronomy, and a host of other subjects!

Second, look over the lesson plans and homework for the next few weeks (if it is available), and talk to your tutee about what she is currently studying, what she is going to be studying, etc.  Then, come up with a few simple experiments that will highlight the botany principles she is studying.

For example, if she is learning about chlorophyll, check out an experiment like this:
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html

Is she studying up on plants and watering?  Check out this experiment:
http://www.helium.com/items/1608049-plant-science-experiments-for-kids

Is your tutee learning about different plant and flowergroups?  Try putting together a plant field guide or a flower press: http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2009/06/make-a-portable-flower-press.html

Is your tutee learning about fungi or growth patterns of other plants?  Try putting together a simple herbarium!

The possibilities are endless, so have fun with them - Your tutee will be grateful, and your tutoring will be even more effective!

And, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Bounced Check

Question: Hi, Micki, I have a question about an awkward situation that just happened to me.  I have been tutoring someone in junior high for about 2 years now.  I have always gotten along well with my student, and my student's parents.  My student's test results and homework improvement have been excellent, too.  Overall a great experience, and never any problems.  Until now, that is.

Tonight, I went to cash the check from my student's parents and it bounced.  I feel really awkward bringing it up to them, but I need to get paid in order to pay my own bills, etc.  I am not sure if they did this on purpose because money is tight, or if they honestly didn't know what would happen. Thoughts or suggestions on how to handle this?

Thanks!
Anonymous in CA

Answer: Hi there, Anonymous.  Sorry to hear about the awkward situation.  Billing issues can definitely be the not-so-enjoyable part of the tutoring business.

The good news is that chances are it was an honest mistake on the part of your student's/tutee's parents.  I am almost 100% certain that they did not mean to give you a bad check, nor did they intend for this awkward billing issue to happen. 

I remember way back in my early college years I had switched bank accounts, and accidentally wrote out a check from the wrong account - the one that had been closed.  Of course the check didn't go through, I was embarrassed, and I made sure to keep better records in the future.  The point is that mistakes happen, and they are usually easier to fix than you may think.

What I would do is discreetly bring up the issue to your tutee's parents while your tutee is out of the room.  Mention that there was a problem with the check, and politely ask if there is any way that you could get your tutoring payment again.  Make sure to bring tutoring billing records, tutoring log sheets, etc. with you.

They will probably be a bit embarrassed by what happened, and will do what they can to make it right ASAP.  Give them the benefit of the doubt.  It could have been a simple bank account mixup.

Whatever you do, stay polite, patient, and professional - besides this one billing issue, they sound like dream clients that you want to keep. 

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Negative Tutee

Question: Hi, Micki! I'm an English tutor who has been having some trouble with a tutee being really negative. Every time we get together for tutoring, he tells me "my professor hates me," "English stinks," "my professor wants us all to fail," etc. I've tried boosting his confidence during tutoring, but it's not helping. The tutoring sessions are really negative, and I think it is preventing him from learning the material. What to do?

Thanks,
Michelle W., English Tutor from Madison, WI

Answer: Hi, Michelle. Sorry to hear that your tutoring session have been such a downer. Negativity can drag down even the most positive tutor, and can be tough on both the tutor and the tutee. Since your tutee is frustrated with his course, maybe you could approach his learning style during tutoring. Maybe respond with something like:

"Sorry to hear that this class is giving you a hard time this semester. Let's check out a few of the things that are giving you grief. I'm sure we'll be able to work through the problems together, and give you a good understanding of the material."

" I don't think that your professor hates you. He/she may just have a different learning style than you do. Let's go through the material together so that you'll have a great understanding of things, even if your professor isn't totally clear."

"Let's review how you've been studying and doing your essays/homework. Maybe we can find some ways to streamline things a bit, and make your homework (and lecture) time less stressful."

Notice, in all of these responses, you're getting your tutee actively involved in finding tutoring solutions with you.

Now there are those rare cases when a professor and student really don't get along, or the professor is simply (forgive my tactless word choice) a jerk. In those cases, your tutee may not be able to solve things through tutoring. If the professor is really awful, he/she may need to go to the school administration to figure things out.

That being said, a lot of students are convinced that they have a prfoessor who is trying to fail everyone in the class. In most of those cases, a different learning approach during tutoring can help. And remember, a positive tutor can work wonders for confidence, self-esteem, and learning.

Good luck an, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: 3 Hours of Tutoring?

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about how long is too long for weekly tutoring sessions. I tutor a college student in Chemistry, and he was letting me know about his class schedule this semester. My tutee is carrying a lot of units, and was wondering if we could do a three hour tutoring session once a week instead of our usual three-one hour tutoring sessions. Any thoughts on this tutoring idea?

- Chem Tutor in SC

Answer: Hi Chem Tutor - good question! The short answer to your tutee's question is "no." For weekly tutoring, the three hour session is typically not the best way to go for a variety of reasons: concentration, tutoring burn out, knowledge retention, and test schedule incompatabilities are some of those reasons.

A three hour chemistry class would be bad enough, but having to stay focused and eager to learn during three hours of tutoring is nearly impossible. Plus, having to remember important details and concepts for six days straight could be a problem, particularly during exam time.

My advice would be to sit down with your tutee and try to find three mutually workable days/times for your tutoring meetings. If there is any way that you can fit in three one hour tutoring sessions, or even two 90 minute tutoring sessions, I would definitely do that.

Maybe, to make things easier, you two could meet at the school's library, at a halfway point, on weekends, early mornings, or later at night? Stop back and let us know how things work out for you!

And, as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: 5 Quick Tips for Online Tutors

Tips from Charlie: 5 Quick Tips to Make the Most of E-Tutoring

Online tutoring is growing in popularity, and it is important that tutors know the subtle differences between online tutoring and in-person tutoring. It is not just the technology that sets these tutoring styles apart, but the approaches and communication methods used.

Below are 5 quick tips you can use for polishing up your online tutoring skills. You'll most likely recognize a lot of these tips from in-person tutoring scenarios, but with some very subtle changes to make them more fitted to online tutoring.

Enjoy!

Tip #1: Adapt to the comfort level of your tutee. Don't overload him or her with a bunch of different types of technology and communication methods (i.e live chat, email, message board, etc.) before your tutoring even begins; ask what types of communication preferences your tutee has. If he or she likes live chat tutoring, then go for that approach. If your tutee works best via forum posting, then use that tutoring approach. The point is that you want the tutoring session to be comfortable for your tutee so that he or she can focus entirely on the learning, and not on the technology.

Tip# 2: Be patient with your tutee. If you are live chat tutoring, or tutoring in some other way that allows instant discussions, allow ample time for your tutee to answer your questions. There is nothing more frustrating for a tutee than attempting to work through a problem only to be cut off by the tutor.

If a significant amount of time has passed, you may want to check in with your tutee to make sure that he or she is still working, but make sure that you give the tutee plenty of time so that he or she doesn't feel rushed. A rushed tutoring session is never successful.

Patience on the part of the tutor is even more important in online tutoring situations that involve email or forum postings - make sure your tutee feels heard, but never make him or feel rushed. Not every silence needs to be filled in by the tutor. Sometimes your tutee is contemplating a concept, or the next step of the problem.

Tip #3: Keep your online tutoring time relaxed, friendly, and open. Your tutoring session should put your tutee at ease, and make him or her comfortable enough to try new concepts, answer questions, etc.

The dialogue between you two during tutoring also doesn't have to be perfect in spelling or grammatical structure (with the exception of English, language arts, etc.). Often, typing quickly into live chat can yield a few typos; don't worry about these, just stay focused on the tutoring. If you are tutoring math, for example, you shouldn't spend time correcting the tutee's live chat sentence structure when you could be helping him or her with algebra. Focus on the subject at hand, not just how your tutee phrases questions and answers. This will not only make the tutoring more productive, but it will also keep your tutee from feeling self-conscious about his or her participation during he tutoring session.

Tip #4: Be flexible during tutoring, just like you would be in a traditional tutoring environment. You may expect a set number of problems or things to be done during the tutoring session, but it is important to move at the pace that your tutee is most comfortable with. Let your tutee's knowledge and progress drive the tutoring session. If that means getting a bit less, or a bit more, done than you had planned, then so be it.

Tip #5: Keep your tutoring fresh and interesting. Try contributing new discussions, activities, and thought provoking exercises for your tutee during each tutoring session. Come up with ways of opening up dialogue with your tutee that gets him or her thinking about the subject in a bunch of different ways. Ask questions that make your tutee think. Talk about new, innovative ways of solving problems.

An enthusiastic tutor keeps tutees excited about learning, so never underestimate your attitude - it can make or break a tutoring session!

Good luck out there in tutoring cyberspace!
-Charlie

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!

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!

Ask Micki: Tutoring Website

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about advertising my tutoring via the web. I was thinking of setting up a website for my tutoring services, but am not sure how to get people to it. Any words of wisdom on how to get the word out about my (upcoming) tutoring site? Thanks!

~ Charlie, a tutor from Redlands, CA

Answer: Hi, Charlie - thanks for the great question!A lot of people, both tutors and other professionals, struggle with this. Here are 5 ways that you can make your tutoring website a success!

1. Get the word out the old fashioned way: business cards and word of mouth. Make sure that your tutoring site URL is listed on every piece of paper that leaves your hands (business cards, letterhead, etc). That way, when people need a tutor, they can look down at your card, and easily locate your site. Word of mouth is also a powerful way to get noticed. Tell *everyone* you know about your spiffy new site. Friends, family, and clients are great places to start - after all, you never know who those people may know!

2. Focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and keywords. No, I don't mean using the words "tutor" and "tutoring" every other word. The trick to keywords is using them naturally in the text while still making sure that the words show up often. Also, keep in mind that there may be other variations on your chosen words, and you'll want to include them, too. For example, "tutors" and "tutoring" may also be listed as "learning specialist," or "homework helper." Use as many relevant keywords as you can related to tutors and tutees, and web crawlers will have no trouble finding your site!

3. Submit your tutor services site to places like Google. Submit your URL to a few search engines, and you will get noticed faster. You are trying to get your site noticed, so why not make it easier for people to search for you?

4. Start a tutoring blog. A tutoring or learning blog can be a great way to drive traffic to your tutor site. After all, you will be offering people valuable (and entertaining) information relevant to tutoring, and you will be including a lot of tutor relevant keywords, too! Plus, writing about what you do is great way to learn more about it - keep up the life long learning, and both you and your tutees will benefit!

5. Offer easy ways for others to spread the word. Include "tell a friend" buttons, offer promotional tutoring discounts for referrals, and think of ways to get other people excited about your site. Keeping people coming back, and having loyal customers talk about your site, is a great way to get repeat visits.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Do tutoring/learning contracts work?

Question: Hi, Micki. I am pretty new to the world of math and science tutoring and was wondering whether I should bother with a learning contract. Do they work, or is it a waste of time?

Thanks!
Joe, a math and science tutor from Northern California.

Answer: Hi, Joe - thanks for the great question! I've been hearing quite a bit about learning and tutoring contracts lately, and I happen to think that they can be a great tool for your tutoring sessions.

A tutoring or learning contract is basically an informal document that the tutor and tutee (and/or tutee's parents) sign. It is a written promise that the tutor will provide stellar tutoring, and that the tutee will put in his or her best effort, do all of the tutoring assignments, be at the tutoring sessions on time, participate in the tutoring sessions, etc.

Essentially, it helps keep the tutee accountable for learning the material, taking an active role in the tutoring sesisons, and giving 100% at each tutoring session. It also (from the tutee's point of view) keeps the tutor accountable for providing the best tutoring possible.

Some people also choose to incorporate the business contract (i.e. pay rate, when the tutor will be paid, etc.) into the learning contract, but I choose not to do this.

In my opinion, it is a better idea to keep the business contract separate from the learning contract. The tutoring/learning contract should be all about learning, not clouded by business details.

It is also a great idea to make a copy of the contract so that you, your tutee, and (if needed) your tutee's parents all have the document to reference at a later date.

There are some great learning contracts available in the ITA Resource Bank, so take a look around, and try using one of these great tools out at your next tutoring session!

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!