Part 3 of 3: How to Hire (and Manage) a Tutor
Hiring the right tutor is only half the job. Here's how to manage the relationship so you actually see results.
Step 5: Set Goals — and Check Back In
Before session one, decide what success looks like in a month, in a semester.
Check in on those goals regularly — don't let sessions run on autopilot.
A good tutor sends a quick summary after each session (written or verbal). If you're not getting one, ask for it.
Step 6: Look for "Productive Struggle"
Find a tutor who lets your child work through hard problems — not one who just rushes to finish the worksheet.
It's tempting to want fast answers at the end of a long day. But a tutor who just hands over answers isn't building any real skill — they're just filling the hour.
Step 7: Ask for a Trial Run
Before committing, ask to sit in on a session. A good tutor (or tutoring company) should offer one. Twenty minutes of watching tells you more than any resume:
How do they explain concepts?
How do they handle frustration?
Does your child actually respond to their style?