What to Look For in a Great Math Tutor

I have talked to many parents who say finding a great math tutor is not easy. It would be easy if all you had to do was find someone who majored in math--in the Bay Area, there are plenty of people with upper level math degrees. But it is not that simple. You also need a math tutor who knows how to teach, and who knows how to relate to and generate rapport with young people. Click Here to learn what to look for in a great math tutor.

Math tutors must know how to teach math

A math tutor must know how to explain math concepts in ways that students can understand. They need to know how to explain things in different ways, have the patience to revisit and practice topics, and know how to test students' understanding along the way. These are all ciritical factors that answer the question: "Sure she knows math, but can she teach?"

Math tutors must relate to young people

Another key factor, and perhaps most important of all factors, is the ability to generate rapport and relate to young people. If the math tutor is very skilled in math and teaching, but students don't like him, then the tutoring will be far less effective. The math tutor needs to be personable, needs to approach the issues in a positive way, provide positive feedback, and create an environment where it is safe to make mistakes. The math tutor needs to mentor the student. This is the quality that is probably most important AND hardest to find. This is why once parents find a good math tutor, they hang on for dear life.

Math tutors are hard to replace

One of the things about tutoring that can be frustrating for parents is that they tend to do it for a while and then move on to something else--grad school, a new job in another area, etc. So parents are constantly on the lookout for a new math tutor. This is why using a tutoring service can be a valuable time saver. Once you are comfortable with the types of tutors that a company hires, you can "order" a new tutor from that service when that math tutor leaves. In fact, transitions can be simple and seamless. Just make sure you feel the company is responsive to your needs, and you can sail through your kids' school years with great tutors at your fingertips at all times.