Private Tutor (MVA 0324) - Virginia, USA

Overview

A skilled, empathetic educator is sought for a challenging role with a family located in the countryside of Virginia, with frequent visits to West Virginia and possibly Maine.  The role involves home-schooling a bright 14yo boy to prepare him for GCSEs and A-levels, with a long-term goal of applying to an Ivy League university.  The tutor must provide organizational support, focusing on details, and facilitate a broad, world-classroom educational approach to leverage his past experiences and current interests.

Student

The boy is a complicated and introspective teenager who has demonstrated academic prowess and a strong independent learning ethic. He has a history of thriving in structured and challenging environments.  He is articulate about his educational preferences and has shown a deep interest in a broad range of subjects, suggesting a need for a diverse and stimulating curriculum.

He responds well to high expectations and knowledgeable teachers. His likes to be challenged and engaged by his teachers who possess a strong command of their subjects and a firm yet supportive teaching style. The Tutor must be adept at identifying and nurturing his strengths, while addressing any gaps in his knowledge and skills. The Tutor must be aware of the complex family situation and its potential impact on his learning and emotional well-being.

The boy has a rich academic history and diverse interests. His time as a chorister at a prominent British private school was a period of significant growth, showing he thrives in structured, rigorous academic environments. This background suggests that he excels in a disciplined and challenging educational setting, which needs to be recreated in his current homeschooling scenario.  He is an accomplished musician, particularly with cello and piano.  His main other interests are literature and technology, and he has expressed a desire to improve his penmanship.

The boy has not attended school since last October.  He claims to feel held back by conventional school systems, suggesting a need for a more tailored, advanced, and flexible educational approach. This aspect of his education is essential, as it allows for a more personalized and focused learning experience.  His preference for a rigorous, intellectually challenging educational environment is evident. He thrives under the tutelage of educators who push him and demand his best, reflecting his inherent drive and potential.

The boy’s preference for high-pressure educational settings stands in contrast to the more lenient approach he experiences at home, particularly with his father.  The Tutor must be able to strike a balance between challenging him academically while also providing the support and structure he needs to flourish.

The boy’s family situation has had a significant impact on his emotional and social development.  The complexities of his home life suggest that his educational journey is intertwined with his emotional well-being.  The Tutor must be sensitive to these aspects, providing both academic instruction and emotional support and guidance.  

The boy has an older sister (17) who will have her own tutoring support. 

Role of the Tutor

The Tutor's role in this unique and challenging environment is to provide a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience that extends far beyond the confines of traditional schooling.  Central to this approach is the concept of “the world as the classroom,” which involves leveraging a wide range of environments and experiences.  This concept aligns perfectly with the boy’s need for a broad and engaging education.

The Tutor will be responsible for preparing the boy for his transition to a homeschooling curriculum focused on GCSEs and A-levels, with a goal of applying to an Ivy League university.  The Tutor must be able to deliver a high-quality, varied curriculum that includes subjects such as Japanese and Latin.  They must adapt the teaching methodology to incorporate real-world learning experiences which will provide the boy with valuable life skills and global perspectives.

This position requires a tutor who has achieved a high level of musicianship as the boy would like to take music to GCSE or even A level.

The Tutor needs to be particularly adept at providing stability and positive reinforcement.  They should create an educational environment that is nurturing, encouraging, and tailored to the boy’s learning style and emotional needs.  

The Tutor will plan and enable educational travels, using various locations and cultural experiences as extended classrooms.  These travels should be designed to align with the curriculum, offering hands-on learning opportunities that complement and enrich the academic material.  The Tutor should use these experiences to instill in the boy a love for learning, a sense of curiosity, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.

The role requires a strong focus on personal development, including social activities and peer relationships.  The Tutor should mentor the boy in developing self-confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset towards his future.  This includes guiding him in navigating his complex family situation and providing support in building his self-esteem and self-belief.

The Tutor’s role is to empower the boy to reach his full potential, preparing him for a successful transition to higher education and a fulfilling life. This requires a Tutor who is an educator, a mentor, a guide, and a role model, capable of understanding and responding to the nuanced and evolving needs of a teenager in a complex and challenging environment.

Hours and Holidays

The Tutor will be available for an average of up to 40 hours per week, with preparation time in addition.  Flexibility is essential, as the Tutor may need to adapt to the family’s travel plans and commitments. 

When the Tutor is not traveling it is expected that the Tutor will make themselves available for some of the time needed with the boy’s sister in loco parentis.  Such times are to be agreed between the Tutors.

The Tutor is entitled to two consecutive days off per week, typically at the weekend, and a minimum of 9 weeks off per annum, to be coordinated with the family.

Accommodation and Travel 

The family will provide separate accommodation near their home.  During travel, the family will ensure the Tutor has private accommodation in the form of separate rooms.  A car for local use will be provided, or a public transport allowance when more suitable.  The Tutor must be a good driver.  Rent and utilities for accommodation will be covered by the Client except for the Tutor’s personal phone bill.

Miscellaneous

The successful candidates will be excellent practitioners, and good role models: educated and polished, with superb manners and personal values.

The Tutors must be a fit, healthy and a non-smoker – active and energetic with a love for the outdoors; the kind of person who always makes the most of their environment to enhance teaching and learning opportunities. 

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