Recommendations for Vetting Tutors

When considering using a third-party tutor, asking questions over a chat, phone call, video call, or email can help you determine if that tutor is right for you.

Questions you might ask:

• Basic Qualifications
  • How long have you been tutoring?
  • What qualifications and credentials do you hold?
  • What informs your knowledge of the content I am studying?
  • Have you worked with people before who are experiencing the same challenges as me?
  • How long have you been tutoring with the company?/ What is your role within the tutoring company?
  • What motivated you to become a tutor?
  • Do you have 2-3 recent references I can speak to?

• Strategies
  • What is your approach to tutoring? What methods do you use?
  • What do you find most helpful to start with when working with someone experience my type of challenge?
  • What are your typical outcomes after providing tutoring?
  • What happens if I do not see progress in my skills?
  • Will you work with my direct course materials or pre-set materials?
  • Do you share resources beyond your prepared lesson and the course materials?
  • Do you facilitate group and one-on-one sessions?

• Collaboration and communication
  • What method of communication do you use, and how often will I hear from you?
  • How will you measure and communicate progress/feedback?
  • What do you need from me in terms of communication?

• Availability, location, and cost
  • What is your availability?
  • Where do you meet for sessions?
  • Do you offer online/virtual tutoring sessions? If so, what platforms do you use?
  • How long is each session?
  • What is the cost per session?
  • Are there other fees associated with the service beyond the session rate?
  • What is your cancellation and make-up policy?

Additional Recommendations

• In a search engine, search their name, company, and location to see if all information shared is reflected online. Consider seeing if there are testimonials or reviews.
• Search the company and tutor’s name on social media platforms. Seek validated reviews and testimonials.
• Confirm qualifications. Tutors typically fall into three categories:
• Educators, post-secondary students, and professionals in the field of study.
• With each of these categories, you can request documentation to validate the qualifications of the tutor, such as a copy of their degree, a link to their professional work, student cards, timetables, etc.
• Schedule an interview in person.
• Pick a public setting, let someone know where you are going and who you are meeting, at what time.
• Notice during the interview how the person’s demeanour and professionalism are. If you feel uncomfortable, they may not be the right fit.
• Request a trial session or a single-session service. Consider first meeting online or in a public setting, like a library. See how the first session goes, and rebook if you are comfortable and happy with the service.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, keep looking for a tutor.  If a tutor makes you feel uncomfortable or behaves inappropriately, contact the Sexual Harassment Office or Campus Enforcement and Patrol.

External Resources

• How do you vet private tutors? 
• Questions to ask when hiring private tutors