Your Questions, Answered
As an educator, I know you want the best educational support for your child, and that comes with many important questions. Having worked with families across Oakville, Hamilton, and Burlington for over 6 years, I’ve heard just about every concern, curiosity, and consideration that comes with choosing a tutor.
I’m here to be your trusted resource throughout this process. Below you’ll find answers to the questions I hear most often, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have something specific on your mind. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your child’s education!
Getting Started
Q: How do I know if my child needs tutoring? A: Some common signs include: declining grades, increased homework frustration, loss of confidence in specific subjects, difficulty keeping up with classroom pace, or preparation needs for upcoming tests. Even students doing well can benefit from tutoring to build advanced skills and confidence. I offer a free consultation to help assess whether tutoring would be beneficial for your child.
Q: What ages and grade levels do you work with? A: I tutor students from Grade 1 through university level. My 10+ years of high school teaching experience, combined with extensive tutoring across all grade levels, allows me to adapt my approach to meet students exactly where they are in their learning journey.
Q: Which subjects do you cover? A: I provide support in: • English (IB and AP) • History (AP) • Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, and related fields) • Business • Test Preparation • Student Skills & Organization
If you need help in another area, I’m also happy to connect you with trusted colleagues who specialize in Math and Science courses.
Online Learning
Q: How effective is online tutoring compared to in-person? A: Online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person, and often more convenient for busy families. I use interactive digital tools, screen sharing, and engaging platforms that keep students focused and actively participating. Many students actually prefer online sessions because they feel more comfortable in their own environment.
Q: What technology do we need for online sessions? A: You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet space for learning. I’ll help you test the technology before our first session and provide guidance on the best setup for your child’s success.
Q: How do you keep students engaged during online sessions? A: I use a variety of interactive tools, including digital whiteboards, screen sharing, educational games, and multimedia resources. I also incorporate movement breaks and vary activities to match your child’s attention span and learning style.
Scheduling and Logistics
Q: How flexible is scheduling? A: Very flexible! I offer sessions during evenings and weekends to accommodate busy family schedules. Sessions can typically be rescheduled with 24-hour notice, and I understand that family life sometimes requires last-minute changes.
Q: How long are tutoring sessions? A: Sessions are typically 60 minutes, though I can adjust the length based on your child’s age, attention span, and needs. Younger students may benefit from shorter 45-minute sessions, while older students preparing for major exams might prefer 90-minute sessions.
Q: How often should my child have tutoring sessions? A: This depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some students benefit from weekly sessions for ongoing support, while others might need more intensive help (2-3 times per week) leading up to exams. We’ll discuss the best frequency during our initial consultation.
Teaching Approach
Q: How do you tailor lessons to individual students? A: I begin with an assessment to understand your child’s learning style, strengths, and areas for growth. From there, I create customized lesson plans that incorporate their interests and preferred learning methods. I continuously adapt based on their progress and feedback.
Q: How do you help build confidence, not just improve grades? A: Confidence comes from understanding, not just memorizing. I focus on helping students truly grasp concepts, celebrate small victories, and develop problem-solving strategies they can apply independently. I also teach self-advocacy skills so students feel empowered to seek help when needed.
Q: Do you assign homework? A: I may suggest practice activities or provide resources for continued learning between sessions, but I’m mindful of not overwhelming students who already have school homework. Any additional work is purposeful and designed to reinforce what we’ve covered together.
Communication and Progress
Q: How do you communicate with parents about progress? A: I provide regular updates through brief session summaries, periodic progress reports, and am always available for phone or email conversations about your child’s development. Parent communication is a priority for me.
Q: What if my child and the tutor aren’t a good fit? A: While this is rare, I understand that personality fit matters. I offer a satisfaction guarantee and will work with you to address any concerns. The free initial consultation helps ensure we’re a good match from the start.
Practical Considerations
Q: What are your rates? A: My rates are competitive and reflect my experience and qualifications. I’m happy to discuss pricing during our free consultation.
Q: Do you offer a free trial or consultation? A: Yes! I offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss your child’s needs, goals, and how my approach might help. This gives both you and your child a chance to see if we’re a good fit with no commitment.
Q: Do you work with students who have learning differences? A: Absolutely. My classroom experience has given me extensive training in supporting students with various learning needs. I’m skilled at adapting my teaching methods and can work collaboratively with your child’s school team when appropriate.
Q: Can you help with test preparation? A: Yes! I have extensive experience helping students prepare for standardized tests, entrance exams, and major course assessments. Test prep includes both content review and test-taking strategy development.
Q: Is in-person support an option? A: In-person sessions may be possible and are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me directly to discuss availability and options.
Still Have Questions?
I’m always happy to chat about your specific situation and how I might be able to help your child succeed. Every family’s needs are unique, and I believe in taking the time to understand exactly what you’re looking for.
Ready to take the next step? Contact me to schedule your free consultation, or feel free to reach out with any other questions that come to mind. I’m here to support you and your child’s educational journey!