Is it Time to Hire a Tutor?
10 Signs a Little Extra Help May Help
A TEXT Michele Ranard
few years back, my first-grader stepped
of wounds, and extra practice and encouragement from
off the school bus in tears. The words he
tutoring are healing too. If your child feels discouraged by
squeaked out in between sobs cut me to the
a developmental delay, remind him of a skill he once could
soul. He said, “My teacher hates my reading
not master yet now does with ease (like tying shoes or riding
‘cause I’m stupid.”
It was the start of the school year, and he had been placed
in a tutoring group of five students to receive specialized
instruction with a reading specialist. Testing revealed that
for reading, he ranked 19th in his class of 21 (these rankings
were obviously not shared with students).

By the end of that school year, tutoring royally paid off,
and his rank soared to the second highest in the class. This
journey with our son, who through the primary grades
wrestled with low self-esteem and achievement, led me into
a career of professional tutoring, where I have helped dozens
of students thrive.

I share the following advice not just as a seasoned educator,
but as a parent of a struggling student. I understand well
how it feels when teachers appear hopeless about your
child’s progress. I understand feeling consumed with worry
and doubt your child will ever catch up. I understand
willingness to do anything to spare your child the agony of
repeated failure.

It may be time to hire a tutor If…
1. Your child’s teacher suggests it.

If your child is underachieving and his or her teacher thinks
extra help will be beneficial, it may be time to seek help
outside of the classroom. As a professional tutor, I love
collaborating with teachers and mapping out a customized
plan to optimally increase learning and achievement.

2. You suspect or have been told your child is lagging
developmentally. It can be frustrating when they are simply a little behind
their peers, but don’t lose hope. Time really does heal a lot
10 November 2015 washingtonFAMILY.com
a two-wheeler). He’ll get there eventually!