Hiring a tutor? Look for their certification.

Sometimes supplemental education services can mean the difference between mediocre grades and excellence. Because of this, the Cascade Patch has been a long-time community of families who hire tutors in various subjects. Any parent who has hired a tutor knows that teaching skills are just as important as subject matter expertise. Experienced parents recognize when tutors are familiar with pedagogy, the art and method of teaching--which is a skill that must be appreciated separate from subject expertise. Parents may find that a lack of pedagogical understanding can limit a student's ability to gain a stronger fundamental understanding of concepts. 

Parents who are new to hiring a tutor may benefit from knowing the basics in terms of assessing quality prospectives. It is important to interview prospective tutors with the student, check for their references, implement demo sessions, and survey the student about their comfort level with the tutor and sense of understanding of materials.

It may also be helpful to check whether or not a tutor has been certified, which these days can be a rare occurrence on a tutor's resume. Tutor certification ensures that a tutor receives the basic training and instruction in the art of teaching. These trainings cover the best practices in working with students, includes techniques in teaching, stresses the importance of sound business practices, in addition to protocol in tutoring. In essence, certification ensures a higher level of professionalism among tutors, and improves the profession as a whole. The National Tutoring Association is an Arizona-based nonprofit which administers such courses, subsequent certification, and inducts certified tutors as members into the organization.

On March 23, the National Tutoring Association will be partnering with Math-Amazing Neighborhoods to bring a free training and certification class for math tutors in the Cascade Patch and surrounding areas. The training and certification will take place at Spelman College from 8am to 4pm. Lunch will be provided. There is a limited number of seats, so if you or any tutor you know may be interested, register today at http://www.math-amazingneighborhoods.com/Be-a-Volunteer-.html. 

All participants will be asked to serve Southwest and South Atlanta neighborhoods as volunteer math tutors during a 6-week period over the Spring or Summer 2013

This opportunity is perfect for college and high school students, professionals in the area, and current tutors who wish to receive certification and give back to the community.

If you are a parent and are looking to hire a tutor for your child, please keep in mind that while you may be able to find a quality tutor without certification, certification by the National Tutoring Association ensures that your tutor will be proficient in their subject matter, will effectively explain concepts to your child in a way that fits their learning style, and will know how to conduct business.