What to Look for in a Math Tutor

Math--the subject you either love or hate--can be a challenge for any student level. No matter your child's grade level, math tutoring helps them get a leg up on learning for the next learning phase. From one elementary grade to another, elementary school to middle school, or high school to college, a tutor provides the skills needed to succeed in mathematics.

Because math is a subject learned step-by-step, each lesson builds on the last. Understanding this, it's essential that your child does not fall behind and that you know when to call in a tutor. 

Not all math tutors are alike. It's critical to find a tutor who not only understands the level your child is at but how your child learns best. Here are a few things to know while researching the right math tutor for your child.

​Expertise and Knowledge

This may seem obvious, but not all tutors have the specialized knowledge of math concepts needed to help your child progress in their studies. Make sure the tutor you hire has the appropriate certifications for the math subject to be tutored. 

At a minimum, a high school diploma is required to tutor in elementary and middle school math. The tutor should have an undergraduate degree in math, engineering, or science for high school and college.

Passion for Math and Teaching

Just because the tutor has a degree in a mathematical field, it doesn't mean they have a passion for it or teaching. A great tutor understands that each student learns in their own way and can assess the best way to create a lesson plan to increase their strengths and build confidence in understanding and overcoming weaknesses. 

Enthusiasm and passion for teaching math give your child the feeling that the tutor is there for them and supports their learning. When a tutor expresses their enjoyment of the subject, it increases a student's confidence. 

​Reputation

Degrees and certifications only go so far. Research the tutor's reputation in the educational community. If they have a website, take a look around at their reviews and references. They may also have a Facebook page or other social media account. These can be a great way to get to know your tutor before you even have a conversation.

If the tutor is part of a tutoring service, check out the company's website, social media, and ask for referrals. Hearing others' experiences will comfort you in knowing you are choosing the right tutor for your child.

Professionalism and Reliability

Along with a good reputation, any tutor should be professional and reliable. A few questions to ask when considering a tutor are:
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• Will they be transparent with the results generated for previous and current students?
• Are there parent references and testimonials on their website, or can they be provided on request? 
• Do they appear authentic and genuinely interested in working with your student?
• Are they readily available to take time for a call with you regarding any issues or concerns you have?

Patience

A math tutor who is patient is also confident in their abilities. Students get overwhelmed with strict deadlines for homework, quizzes, and tests at school. Having a patient tutor helps your child relax and have confidence that they can handle any upcoming task.

Make sure the tutor can break complicated concepts into small, easy to understand parts. An effective tutor doesn't get frustrated when it takes a few times for a student to understand a new or difficult concept. They keep working until the student gains a full understanding and has confidence. An effective tutor can understand when a student is frustrated and encourage them to complete a task. As a parent, you need to know that the tutor won't give up on your child no matter what.

Knowledge of Technology

Your tutor should provide all the information for software, voice call systems, and lesson systems your child needs for tutoring. Nothing is more frustrating than sitting down to work with a tutor and find out that there's a bad connection or a learning system that's hard to navigate. Work with your tutor to do a practice run and ensure all systems work correctly before the first tutoring session.

Invested in Success

Last but not least, choose a tutor who wants to see your child succeed just as much as you do. This quality is a combination of all the qualities in this article. When a tutor is genuinely invested in your child's success, you will see it in their interactions, feedback, and your child's confidence will soar. 

Finding a Tutor

Mighty B Learning believes that every student can learn, and we pride ourselves on figuring out how each student learns. Mighty B believes there is no such thing as failure, but only lessons to learn. With big classes, it is easy for students to get lost. We provide the extra support your student needs to boost their confidence in any subject. 

Want to get started with Mighty B Learning? Contact us today, and let's chat about your child's needs.