When I ended my tenure as President of The Tutors’ Association and passed the baton to my successor, I felt I had exhausted all I had to say about tutoring. I myself was exhausted, feeling I had given my all. However, after reflecting on my professional tutoring work recently, and with such experience and knowledge to share, I thought it worth compiling these writings and other thoughts on tutoring for a wider audience.
So a few months ago, I set about writing a handbook for tutors, How to Tutor and Influence People: A Winning Approach to the World of Tutoring. It will be especially useful for those starting their professional tutoring journeys. It is written in a straightforward style, answering many potential questions a tutor starting may have – why tutor, what to tutor, where to tutor, how much to tutor and charge, how to acquire students etc. There are also some case studies and leadership advice, to give tutors a level of confidence and motivation to do well, to win. Tutors are Leaders. Leaders are Influencers. I wish I had had such a book when I started tutoring.
The book also covers ancillary topics as well as recommended reading. This makes it not only essential reading for professional tutors but also for tuition providers to understand the concerns of their tutors they deploy to their clients and students. Better tutors make better students, make better results.
Self-care and self-awareness for tutors
In terms of the ethics of tutoring a lot is made, quite rightly, on the paramount importance of safeguarding your students and yourself. Tutors have to be self-aware and aware of the world around them. In my handbook I highlight and explain the ethics I have found key to what I do as a tutor: the importance of having integrity, punctuality, presentation and preparation, communication and rapport with people.
It is important for you yourself as a professional tutor and the organisations with whom you operate to have such honour codes to work within. It nurtures not just accountability but collegiality to have shared values and to always strive for better.
Towards the end of the handbook I draw attention to the importance of self-care. Tutoring can at times be pressurised, from curricula workload, conversations with clients etc. It is important to stay energised and maintain a healthy balance. Eat well. Sleep well. Be well.
You are not Mary Poppins, you are not superhuman. You are human, like everyone else, there’s only so much one person can do. And that’s OK. That’s why it’s good to stay connected to other tutors and those working in the sector. Being a member of TTA, seeking out professional development opportunities and networking can help a lot and keep you winning and your tutoring strong.
By Adam Muckle FTA