Professional Tutor vs. “Side Job” Tutor

I was sitting here working on this website yesterday, and two of the things that are recommended by the premium theme I am using (Yes, it is true. I cheated and DID NOT roll all my own HTML to create this site. I’m crazy, and a former software engineer, but I’m not that crazy. It isn’t worth the $35 for me to roll my own code). But, I digress. So, two of the things that the Studio Press Hello Pro premium theme by BrandIn recommend are a Privacy Policy and a Terms of Service. Now, I’ve been tutoring a LONG time – over 15 years, but this is the first time I have ever thought of having a Privacy Policy and a Terms of Service. It got me to thinking about what to look for when you hire a private tutor for your son or daughter.

Teaching Credentials aren’t everything

Sure, everybody wants somebody well qualified to teach the subject. That goes without saying. Most people, and institutions, put a very great deal of emphasis on degrees, hours taught, schools attended, etc. I am not disagreeing with all this, but I am saying that another credential is communication skills, relatability, humor, and enthusiasm for the subject being tutored. And, on top of that, how the person tutoring your son or daughter handles your private information as well as his or her private information is a big deal. In this day and age of identity theft, I am fairly certain you don’t want to have to worry that the tutor is going to strip the transit routing number and bank account number off the check you hand him or her at the end of the evening, or keep your credit card number on file, just in case the tutor feels the need for a weekend getaway at your expense. And all that goes into the privacy policy, and what I call the ancillary credentials of a professional tutor.