Tutor Availability

Question

Hello,

I’ve reached out to several tutors over the past few days. Many have stated that they are out of the mileage radius to work with our family despite their profile stating the opposite. One person stated they only tutor online now despite their profile stating both online and in-person options. The last tutor simply declined the request when my message inquired about ANY availability over the summer and beyond.

If tutors are unavailable why are they keeping their profiles active on Wyzant? The last tutor seemed to have a lot of availability on their profile. If tutors have changed their terms (mileage radius or online only), why aren’t they updating their profiles?

This has been a significant investment of time already, and unfortunately I’m not finding many other options in my area that have background checks on file.

If there is something I’m misunderstanding about this platform please let me know so I can have more successful and productive searches.

Thank you,

Rebecca D.

Answer 1

Hi, this question is from a couple years ago, but I think it deserves another answer. As far as I can tell from my own profile (and I admit being new to this), there is no way to deselect the 'in-person' option. This is, therefore, an issue that Wyzant should consider for the profile section. Issues like this can be minimized if tutors have the ability to specify if they are *only looking to work online.

Like I said, I'm still pretty new, so its possible that with a certain level of experience this is possible; although I never saw anything about that in the orientation or guidelines, nor does anything on my profile page reflect this idea. I totally see how this is an issue, and I suspect it's an issue for many people. If Wyzant must approve this answer before putting it up, perhaps the company can consider changing the 'Rates and Policies' section, or the 'Location' setting to make it possible for tutors to only show up for online work, thereby not confusing those looking for in-person lessons.

Answer 2

Hi Rebecca, I'm sorry you've had so much difficulty. It seems pretty obvious that many of us aren't good about keeping up with our profiles and availability time. You say that you have reached out to tutors. Have you tried posting your need for a tutor in the appropriate place so that tutors can see it and contact you? I get most of my students through that rather than through people contacting me directly. Also, you might want to consider looking at people who haven't done the background check. I have never done the background check personally, not because I'm hiding anything, but because I didn't see the need. If a tutor has a lot of hours tutoring and good recommendations, they are likely good, trustworthy people. If they have a teaching certification as I do, you can be assured that they had to do background checks to be employed as teachers.

If there are tutors, but they feel you are too far away, have you thought of meeting them at a closer point like a library? You might also consider some extra compensation for travel time and expenses. Another idea is to call a local school and ask for tutor recommendations from them.

Hope these suggestions are helpful and that you find the right person.

Julie

Answer 3

Hi Rebecca,

I have noticed a pattern and may be incorrect in this assumption, but I believe if the tutor has selected the online option they appear in searches for everyone. For example, I am in the New England area, but I receive requests for students nationwide.

Also, when it comes to in-person tutoring, there is a lot to consider. Unfortunately, it is often more efficient for a tutor to choose a virtual client, as they do not have to commute and block off more of their calendar. Some of the requests I have received that were "close" to me still would have cost me an hour's drive each way even though they are in the mileage range.

Nonetheless, do not get discouraged! Your ideal tutor is out there, and it will be worth the search when you find them. If you have not yet considered virtual options, I would give it a shot. You would be amazed at how great virtual tutors are at engaging students online in a 1:1 session. You can always try a session (your first hour is backed by the Wyzant good fit guarantee so you will be refunded if it did not work out) and see how it goes.

I wish you the best of luck in your search!

-Erin