For many mathematics teachers, Parent/Teacher Conferences involve a discussion of the need for a private math tutor. It is not unusual for math students to need some extra help somewhere along the way to graduation. Sometimes teachers see learning gaps in a student, sometimes a student illness means he/she is missing needed information, and sometimes students know they are struggling and ask their parents for a tutor. Usually parents have no idea about how to find a good tutor, so they look to you, the teacher.
As the teacher, your first responsibility is to try to provide your student some help at lunch, after school, etc. However, you can only do this for a short time. You have many students who need your time. If it becomes apparent that this student needs more time than you can give, then suggest some other alternatives. If the school counseling department offers a student-tutor program, suggest that the child give this a try. Sometimes this student-student relationship can be very beneficial if their class schedules work out.
Another possibility is to check the district math substitute list as sometimes subs like to tutor. However, you, the regular teacher should make the initial contact to determine the sub's interest in tutoring, and you need to feel pretty confident in the sub's tutoring skills before giving the name to the parent. You and/or the parent should also check with the mathematics department chairperson or the counseling department to see if they are collecting tutor information.
While it is absolutely inappropriate for any teacher in a school to accept money for tutoring his/her own students, some math departments offer a free tutor service for all the math students. If your department offers such a program, mention it to both the parent and the student. Do mention to them that since the teacher-tutoring is open to all math students, the one-on-one time may be minimal.
When the school options have run out, it is time to suggest to the parent outside options. Parents can contact local colleges. Eager college students often make excellent tutors. Parents can talk with friends, look for ads in the paper, and look online. I personally am not in favor of an online tutor because the lack of one-on-one, side-by-side tutoring omits some necessary qualities for successful tutoring. However, sometimes that is the only option.
As the teacher, you should also inform the parent as to certain qualities and techniques that are critical for a successful tutoring experience for student, parent, and tutor. It is important that both parent and child personally meet and interview potential tutors. (The tutor should be willing to interview at no charge.) During the interview, parent and child should ask lots of questions, be aware of body language, and be looking for the 10 qualities mentioned in the article: "Your Child Needs a Private Tutor? Interview With These 10 Qualities In Mind." This article will be in the Home-and-Family/Parenting section. Remind the parent to check tutor references. It is not necessary for the tutor to be a licensed teacher. Teenage neighbors or college students often make excellent tutors, but do get references if this person is unknown.
Note to the child's teacher: Once the parent has found a good tutor, you have the responsibility of being helpful to the tutor. If the tutor calls, be as helpful as possible. As you discover new problem areas, let the tutor know either directly or through the parent. Also encourage the student. Let him/her know that you care about the progress being made.
Note to parents: Finding the right tutor for your child is extremely important and is worth the time, effort, and money. The effects of both success and failure last a lifetime. Your child needs you to choose success. If you find the right tutor through the help of your child's teacher, be sure to thank him/her for the guidance and give the tutor name to both the math department chairperson and to the counseling department, and share the name with your friends. Parents are always searching for good math tutors. Good math tutors are few and far between.
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