Getting Started
Fees / Rates / Payments
Times / Frequency
Assessment / Progress / Performance
How do I get started?
Click on the How It Works link and then follow the steps: If you are new to our site, you can find a tutor then Create an Account or create an account first, then find a tutor. If you would rather, you can email, post your request or call us if you need some guidance. See Slide Show.
Who are TM tutors? What are their credentials?
Most of Tutoring Match's tutors are full-time teachers; most have state certification and many have earned masters'degrees or higher; some are full-time tutors; some are college graduate students, some are high school students, some are retired teachers or college professors; some are full-time mothers; some are involved in business and some are full-time tutors. Most are multi-talented and are capable of tutoring various subjects. 70% are women. Most of our tutors have their profiles on our web site. All have resumes and recommendations which we send to clients upon request. Some have photos and testimonials.
What are their credentials?
Click on a tutor's name to read through his or her background, degrees, experiences, testimonials, qualifications and expertise.
Are tutor's screened and interviewed?
TM screens prospective tutors to ensure we enlist well-qualified professionals who are passionate about teaching one or more of our subject areas. Before any tutor is approved to be a part of TM's network, we check references, perform background and criminal checks. All in-home tutors have been interviewed and educated to TM's processes and procedures.
How do you ensure quality tutors?
We screen and interview all new tutors who join our network and do background checks on those who do not have certification or are not fully employed as a teacher. Once someone becomes a tutor with us, we monitor his/her performance and provide each with feedback. Many of our tutors are full-time teachers who have state certification or are college-educated students with a gift for teaching. They know their subject matter well and have an easy time relating to others.
Can a specific tutor be requested? How do I request a specific tutor?
Yes, when viewing the profiles, you can click on the box to the left of the tutor's name and request that tutor. Your request will generate an email and the tutor will respond with a bid. You can also call or email us, and we can notify the tutor to contact you. We do not give out a tutor's contact information unless the tutor approves.
What if there are no tutors listed for my search criteria?
If there are no tutors listed for your search criteria, we will list your request on our website so tutors will help us find the tutor you need. You can always call us and we can help you locate the right tutor.
What if the tutor isn't a good match?
If you are dissatisfied with your tutor for any reason, we will provide alternative tutors for you to choose from.
What are TM's hourly rates?
Hourly rates for In-home tutoring are set by the tutors and can be viewed by clicking on Find the Tutor. Tutors offer a range of rates and bid on your request.
How are fees set?
Tutors decide what they want to charge, and their fees are based upon their skill levels, experience and education. Special tutors in the areas of advanced math, science, history, foreign language and test preparation for standardized tests often command the highest fees. In-home tutors set their fees based on the request (the subject matter and preparation as well as the distance and time traveled to the tutorial). TM's fees are a percentage of tutors' rates.
How do TM's tutors offer the same fee they charge privately?
When tutors join Tutoring Match's network, they sign a contract in which they consent to pay the exact same rate that they would charge their non-Tutoring Match priavte tutees. Because Tutoring Match wants to stay competitive and not be undercut, TM offers tutors numerous benefits while its tutors take 80% of the fee they charge. Comment / Blog Article on Fees
How are fees charged?
In-home tutorial services are invoiced, charged and emailed on a monthly basis at the end of each calendar month to the credit card on file or with a personal check. While tutors set their fees, they do not collect any service fees directly. All payments go through Tutoring Match. Any billing questions should be referred to Jeanette Chagaris, bookkeeper and bursar.
Can I pay using any method other than credit card?
Yes, you can pay by check, but we ask that a valid credit card be kept on file before any tutoring can begin.
How will I pay for tutoring?
If paying for tutoring will present an undue hardship or strain on your financial situation, some of our tutors offer extended payment plans or sliding scales. To qualify, you must request assistance and demonstrate, document and/or explain your circumstances so the tutor can assess your situation to determine how best to proceed with payments.
What is a NO-RISK first session? What is your Satisfaction Guarenteed?
To test chemistry between tutor and tutee, most of our tutors offer a No-Risk first session (usually a little less than an hour). What this means is that if you don't receive the assistance you want and need during the first session, for whatever reason, we do not charge a fee. If the student and the tutor have chemistry and they "click", then we charge for that first session and all subsequent sessions.
Do you offer introductory free sessions?
Sometimes a tutor may offer that a free session or two, but it is totally dependent upon the tutor as he or she is an independent contractor. Sometimes in the spring Tutoring Match offers a Friday-Free-For-All with free tutoring with tutor volunteers. Tutoring Match offers the "No–Risk" first session (as mentioned above) for in-home tutoring which is only free if a client does not continue after that first hour. If the client wants to continue after the first hour, he or she has agreed to pay for the first session.
Do I pay for an initial interview or telephone conference with a tutor?
No, we do not charge for that time.
Are there any registration fees or additional costs?
Absolutely not; you pay only the hourly rate for the tutoring services you receive.
If a my child accidentally misses a scheduled session, will I be charged?
Yes. We strongly encourage students to arrive on-time for scheduled sessions. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy.
I have other children who need tutoring; do you offer discounts?
Some tutors will offer a lower rate for a second hour or a second child. Some offer package plans. We encourage tutors to provide discounts when they tutor family members.
What is TM's Student / Parent Terms of Use Policy?
Though our tutors are independent contractors, they have agreed to honor their contract with TM that states they comply with the Tutors' Code of Ethics, and TM's Non-Compete Agreement and Confidentiality Statement. By using TM's tutors, you, as a student or parent, also agree to be bound by TM's Terms of Use in which you agree not to solicit, use or hire any of TM's tutors privately, but to make all arrangements for a tutor's services through Tutoring Match. Also, if you wish to recommend our tutors to friends, you agree to put them in touch with us rather than directly with our tutors.
Am I required to sign up for a minimum number of lessons?
No long-term contracts are required. After the initial session takes place, your tutor will make a recommendation regarding the frequency and length of upcoming tutorials. Some clients prefer to meet their tutors once or twice per week; others work together more often. It all depends on your personal goals!
Can I meet with the tutor before tutoring begins?
Yes, you can speak with a tutor on the phone or meet in person before the first session.
You will have the opportunity to meet and evaluate the tutor during the first trial session. The first tutoring session is partially committed to building rapport with the student; however, we begin one-on-one instruction during the first session. The parent, tutor, and student are frequentlly present for the first part of the first session.
What happens if your child misses an appointment?
If you provide the tutor with at least twenty-four hours advance notice, you may reschedule an appointment without any charge. Cancellations on less notice will be charged fees for the services which would have been provided. Emergencies and unforeseen circumstances do occur and in such circumstances, TM may accommodate you accordingly.
What if my child needs assistance in more than one subject?
Many TM tutors, like the children they tutor, are skilled in more than one subject area. In some instances, a tutor can assist a student in an area simply as a facilitator, rather than a specialist. In other situations, the skills necessary to tutor advance subjects become more specialized, which may require multiple tutors for specific subjects.
Does TM require that an adult be present for all in-home tutoring sessions?
For our mutual protection, it is our policy that a parent/guardian or another designated adult should always be present if tutoring is taking place at the home of the student. If our tutors arrive at a tutoring session and an adult is not present, or the designated adult leaves during the tutoring session, our tutors have been instructed to leave the premises immediately. If tutoring sessions are taking place in a public location, the above statement holds true, unless the parent/guardian indicates otherwise in writing.
Can I hire a tutor directly?
No, though our tutors are independent contractors, they have agreed to honor their contract with TM that states they comply with the Tutors Code of Ethics, TM's Non-Compete Agreement and Confidentiality Statement in which we ask parents to agree not to solicit or hire any of our tutors directly.
Does TM require that an adult be present for all in-home tutoring sessions?
We don't require it, but we encourage parents to have an adult presence in the house during tutorials in the student's home. If the student meets with the tutor in a library or public location, we recommend using common sense about what is appropriate.
When do your in-home tutorials meet?
You tell us what works for you. We schedule all tutorials to match your times and frequency. Every tutorial has its own parameters (time, location, fee, subject matter). We try to make the matches fit your request as well as your time requirements.
What are the best days and the best times for weekly tutorials?
Most of our in-home tutors are available after 2:30 on Mondays through Thursdays. Many are available on the weekends. The full-time tutors are available usually anywhere from 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. The most popular in-home tutoring days are Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
How long should a tutorial session last?
Tutoring should be purposeful and directed towards a natural conclusion that occurs when a student has received the help he or she has needed. Once your child has received the knowledge, tools, methods, and confidence from our sessions, we will suggest that the student begin to work more independently. A tutorial depends mostly upon the student's receptivity and goals, but we have found that the best arrangement for a tutor and tutee is at least an hour session. Some sessions are arranged for 90 minutes or for 2-hours. Older students (high school and adult) sometimes work together for up to 2 hours at once when working on projects, or preparing for big tests.
How long does my child require tutoring?
There is no required length of a tutorial. Duration of tutoring services is largely dependent upon the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each student. Some students are farther behind than others and this will affect the amount of tutoring needed. Our goal is to have the student work effectively and independently as soon as possible. We depend upon referrals from satisfied clients to grow our business and do not perpetuate tutoring with a single student.
How frequently should a tutorial meet?
It depends upon the student's receptivity, goals and schedule. Most students arrange a weekly session, but many have multiple sessions during a week. Almost no tutorials work well unless there is continuity and consistency; so we encourage at least a weekly meeting.
How many hours per week do you recommend for tutoring?
Because every student has a different learning style, we assess each student's attention and motivation before we recommend a definite number of sessions per week. We normally recommend a minimum of two hours a week for each student being tutored. Anything less than two hours has proven to be ineffective as consistency and student focus is difficult to establish. If a student is a full grade level behind we recommend 3 to 5 hours of tutoring a week.
What happens if a student needs to cancel a scheduled session?
The student or parent should contact the tutor as soon as possible to reschedule the session. Emergencies do happen and circumstances sometimes make it necessary to change a tutorial, but every effort should be made to communicate prior to 24 hours so the tutor has a chance to reschedule another tutorial. If a tutor has not shared his or her contact information, the student or parent should contact Tutoring Match so the tutor can be notified.
What are best days and the best times for weekly tutorials?
The most popular tutoring days are Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Most of our tutors are available after 2:30 Mondays through Thursdays. Many are available on the weekends. The full-time tutors are available usually anywhere from 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
When are tutors available?
Each TM tutor sets his or her own hours of availability. Many in-home tutors are available for scheduled sessions from 2 p.m. until midnight eastern standard time 7 days per week.
When do your tutorials meet?
You tell us what works for you. We try to make the matches compatible to your talents as well as your time requirements.
Where do the tutorials take place?
We ask clients or parents to tell us where they would like the tutorial to occur. If someone is undecided about the best location, we always suggest a place that is most conducive to learning as well as a location that is most convenient. When we recommend a tutor to a client, that tutor is willing to travel to wherever the client wants the tutorial sessions to take place. Most tutorials occur at:
Do students ever get tutored at your office?
Yes, students who usually live close by, in the Fairfield (town) area, can arrange an appointment at our office....if home or library isn't preferable.
How do you know if my child is progressing and making academic improvement?
School performance is one obvious indicator, but we continually monitor the progress of students and, if parents request it, we provide them with periodic progress reports - free of charge!
How can the tutoring be most successful?
Certainly a student's receptivity and attitude are key components in how successful a student will be. It is important that trust is established at the very first session, so your parental knowledge is critical to the success of the tutoring relationship. We will ensure that parent/guardian/teacher input is incorporated into the in-home tutoring sessions and we will work to build trust with your child at every step of the tutoring relationship. Many tutorials work better when a team environment is created. Sometimes tutors might benefit by communicating with a student's teacher(s).
Does TM offer any other services other than on-on-one tutorials? What other academic support services does TM offer?
Yes, we offer academic counseling (see Partnerships ), SAT group sessions (see Programs), test preparation (ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, SAT, SAT II), homework help, online essay and study skills assistance.
What If My Child Needs More Specialized Educational Assistance?
Like many of our students, some tutors are specialists in more than one subject. Iin most instances, however, for high school level or above, a tutor is required for each specialty area. We provide tutoring services for all levels of education through high school, college test preparation and even the bar exam. If your child requires special education services, you can consult with a licensed child psychologist to be sure that the services your special child needs are consistent with the skills and experience of the tutor. We provide you with Parent Resources with various specialists who can also assist you.