Private Tutor – Georgia, USA

Students

There are two boys ages 9 and 7. They are bright and gregarious, and will be a pleasure for a talented and creative Tutor to work with. They are physically active, and are encouraged to play a wide range of sports. Their father is at the top level of his chosen sport, and his dedication is evident throughout the family home. Their mother is from a similar background, and is very aware of the pressures surrounding high profile competitions and the challenge of keeping focus over long periods.

The boys have mostly been home-schooled.  At home, their timetable is usually 1-1.5 hours of 1:1 instruction with the older boy in the morning, then 2-2.5 hours with both students until lunchtime. After lunch the Tutor works 1:1 with the younger boy, with occasional afternoon sessions. When travelling, there are often interesting activities that can supplement lessons.  Some of these activities may require schedule changes, but these are well managed by the boys’ mother.

The older boy has various dyslexic traits, though no formal diagnosis. Remedial action at this stage will help iron out his issues before they harm his academic progress and self-confidence, and so he has four hour a week working remotely with a specialist.  He is a bright child, full of energy, and curious about a wide range of topics.

The younger boy is perhaps a more introspective child, taking time to decide how he will react to new people and situations before revealing his feelings. Once he decides to embrace the situation, he attacks it with as much gusto and vim as his older brother.

The boys like teachers who are enthusiastic, willing to listen to questions and join in with investigating answers.

Role of the Tutor 

This position requires an energetic and interesting teacher who has experience working with children of these ages. Ideally they will have excellent French or Spanish and at least basic Latin. The Tutor will be able to develop a rich study program that allows for project based learning as well as more traditional class-based lessons. 

The boys have been using the Calvert Education home-schooling curriculum with Tutor-led deviations to include a range of other topics, often following the themes of their travel destinations. The new Tutor should research the areas where the family is traveling and incorporate opportunities for wider learning into his or her planning.

The boys will likely re-join mainstream education in September 2019. The Tutor should ensure excellent foundations for academic success by delivering a broad, age appropriate education without increasing the depth of subject knowledge too far. The Tutor can extend the range of subjects covered to include things like photography and astronomy, as well as household engineering (how to hang shelves etc.) crafts and first aid.

The Tutor must be organized, independent and able to cope with frequent travel. They must be flexible, able to respond quickly to changes in timetable or location, and sensitive to the needs of the family. The family and their staff operate as a team, and the Tutor should be prepared to assist when they see jobs that need doing. The boys’ mother is involved in her sons’ education, but the Tutor should not expect her role to include any part of the daily routine.

It would be helpful if the Tutor can play a portable instrument and can teach the boys to read music. The Tutor must be fit and healthy, a non-smoker and a confident swimmer.  The older boy is creative – his drawings are mature and he has shown an interest in photography. These talents should be fostered. The Tutor should be able to explain concepts simply, and able to inspire with his or her enthusiasm for any given subject. He or she should have a kind and caring disposition, and a firm-but-fair approach to their work.

Hours, Holidays and Accommodation

The Tutor will usually work with the boys for 30-40 hours over 5 days each week, plus preparation. The client envisions 3-4 hours per day of academic activities and about 2-3 hours of more leisurely activities.

The Tutor is entitled to two consecutive days off per week, but should not expect these to occur at weekends or to be regular in their timing. The Tutor is entitled to 9 weeks of paid vacation per annum, with breaks taken at times convenient to the Client. 

While in Georgia, the Tutor will live in the family guesthouse. When travelling, accommodation will be live-in or hotel rooms. Save for the Tutor’s personal telephone use, the Client will cover all bills on their accommodation.

Travel and Miscellaneous

The Client will reimburse the Tutor for all local public transport and any travels costs incurred while away from the family home. During tournaments there is usually a car that the Tutor can share with the nanny and the boys' mother.

The successful candidate will offer more than the minimum requirements of this position. He or she will be a superb educator, and a good role model with excellent manners and personal values.