Private tutor – Seattle, USA

Student

Currently in the 7th Grade, the girl is the youngest of two children.  She is currently enrolled in public school in Seattle, but this is no longer working for her, for a range of social and academic reasons, and the decision has been made to find an exceptional Tutor who will work with her on a one-to-one basis instead of attending school.  The aim is for her to attend a good small College, such as Harvey Mudd.

Academically, her strengths are math and programming – she plots trigonometric functions on her calculator for fun and would spend her entire day programming if left to her own devices.  However, she finds herself behind in the language arts – as well as all the subjects that depend on reading and writing skills like History.  In her own words, she just doesn’t like writing.  She does however understand that she needs to be able to communicate her solutions and ideas, and recognizes the importance of writing, albeit reluctantly.

The girl has expressed an interest in taking up fencing as well as chess, and home-schooling would allow for these to be incorporated into the weekly timetable.  She is very mature for her age, has a sharp sense of humor.  She respects teachers who have an in-depth knowledge and passion for their subject and does not do well with teachers who do not have a passion for their subject and are not well-prepared.

Role of the Tutor

The girl is highly capable with the potential to flourish under the right direction and influence. The tutor will ideally combine the academic rigor of a classical education with a flexible, open-minded, and adventurous approach.  This will require the tutor to be inventive and innovative in the way they adapt the curriculum to inspire her.  A tutor who can literally ‘play’ with math and its applications, and challenge her, would be ideal, as would someone who can motivate and inspire her to – if not enjoy, then at least appreciate – reading and writing as a valuable skill.  The key will be for the Tutor to offer an entertaining approach that interweaves school subjects from disparate disciplines, while tailoring resources and their delivery to both of her strengths and weaknesses. 

It would be advantageous if other subjects/languages could be offered, perhaps Japanese, or Latin.  The highly structured nature of the latter should play to the girl’s strengths and help bridge the uncomfortable gap between math and language arts.  Since coding and computer science are her passions, it would be advantageous, if not essential, for the Tutor to have a good understanding of these subjects, which would be taught in coordination with the girl’s father.  It should be obvious that the Tutor should come from a strong education background and have previous experience of teaching the girl’s age group.

Above all, the tutor must love to learn as much as they love to teach  possessing the kind of intellectual curiosity that enables them to relish the challenge of mastering new skills, while also having the confidence to cultivate that same attitude in their student.  One possibility being discussed is the joining or setting up of a math club in the local area as a social avenue that would play to the girl's strengths.  This would be particularly helpful in helping her develop skills to manage quite significant shyness.  (It has been noted that this might indicate some ASD, but this has never been formally investigated and does not seem to be an issue when she is taught one on one).

This role will initially involve teaching the full US curriculum through an online program (which one is not yet decided).  The Tutor will need to be comfortable with picking up teaching part way through these courses.  As the US middle school curriculum is often rather formulaic, the family are open to moving to a different program – possibly British or even curriculum-free.  College applications will require conventional applications so regardless of which system is followed, the Tutor will need to design and deliver courses that consolidate and build on the girl’s schooling to date and progress her without being pressuring or overbearing, and which cover all the required subjects to the appropriate standard.  It will be essential for the Tutor to maintain meticulous, up-to-date records of achievement across all the girl’s subjects.

Hours and Holidays

This is a full-time position and as far as possible, will need to follow a carefully planned timetable.  The Tutor should expect to work with the girl for around 30-40 hours per week, with extensive preparation in addition.  The Tutor will be entitled to two consecutive days off per week, which will normally be at the weekend. 

The Tutor will be entitled to a minimum of 9 weeks holiday (45 working days) per year, to be taken at times agreed upon with the family.  The Tutor will be flexible with respect to any changes in schedule, be they travel-related or otherwise and will adapt accordingly.  The Client will strive to give up to two weeks’ notice of any planned alterations. 

Accommodation and Travel 

The Client will provide a private, furnished residence for the Tutor in Seattle.  They will also provide a car, if needed, and ensure that the Tutor stays in private accommodation when travelling.  If the journey from the Tutor’s accommodation to their place of work is an easy commute by public transport, then the Client reserves the right to provide a suitable travel pass instead of a vehicle.

All accommodation expenses will be covered by the Client except for the Tutor’s personal phone bill and fuel. 

The Tutor is responsible for their own meals except if taken with the student when travelling or during tutoring time.  The Tutor is also responsible for ensuring that their own car – if that is what the Tutor uses – has appropriate insurance, and that or she has their own medical, travel and possessions insurances.

Miscellaneous

The Tutor will ideally join the family as soon as possible.

The Tutor must be a fit and healthy 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. 

The family have a small dog, so comfort with pets will be essential.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: 

tijobs.net/533