How to Find a Math Tutor for Your Teen

Many teenagers struggle with high-school mathematics courses. For some, spending regularly scheduled time with a good tutor can work wonders. This is especially true if your teen is generally a good student but is having trouble grasping math. Here's how to find a math tutor for your teen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have a discussion with your teen about the possibility of working with a tutor. Some students welcome the idea while others strongly oppose it. If your teen isn't receptive to the notion, hiring a tutor probably won't help much. If the student is involved in the decision-making and selection process from the beginning, chances are greater that the tutoring experience will be successful. As you get ready to begin your search, keep in mind that you want someone who can relate well to your teen, is knowledgeable about mathematics and can communicate that knowledge effectively.

2. Consideration a peer tutor (likely the most economical option). Another student in the same class who is doing well, or a student who had the course a year or two earlier might be interested in doing some tutoring. Ask your teen's teacher for names of capable students who might be interested.

3. See if you can find a certified teacher or retired teacher in the community who does tutoring (this is often the best choice for a tutor). Your high school probably has a rule that prohibits teachers from tutoring their own students for pay, but another teacher in the school system or another district could be an excellent candidate. Some teachers welcome tutoring opportunities to make some extra money. Understandably, you should expect to pay more for a certified professional.

4. Talk with your school's guidance counselor, who may keep a list of potential tutors for different subjects. The list might include capable students as well as people in the community who do tutoring.

5. Contact the chairperson of the mathematics department of a local university or community college. Ask about college students who are capable and want to tutor.

6. Consider running an ad in the local newspaper to find a tutor. Be sure to use extra caution in screening applicants and ask for references.

7. Ask other parents if they know of or are using a tutor. Word-of-mouth can be an excellent source of information, especially when it comes to teenage issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Online tutoring services are available, too. There are many good ones that are available whenever you need them, day or night. Just do a search for online tutors or online tutoring.
• Don't choose a tutor without input from your teen. One student might relate best to a peer tutor while another might be more comfortable with an older, more experienced person. Making sure your teen is involved in the process is vitally important. It will help make sure that you find the very best tutor for your teen's particular situation.

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[conpecci]

on 2/21/2009 Found a great site that allows you to compare math tutors online - www.CompareTutors.com. You can leverage the tips in this article and very quickly narrow your options so you only interview the tutors that will meet your needs. A GREAT timesaver.