In short, the answer is yes; you can hire a tutor to homeschool your child. Homeschooling has gained more acceptance as a viable educational option due to its proven effectiveness and the growth of remote learning. As this happens, some families may find they prefer homeschooling with the assistance of a tutor.
There are many reasons why a tutor may work well for homeschool families. A big reason for many families is feeling unqualified to tutor once their student reaches high school age or becomes interested in a more challenging subject. On the other hand, some parents may see the appeal of homeschooling their students but be too busy with work.
No matter the appeal, there are several benefits that a tutor can bring to a child’s homeschool experience.
Six Ways Hiring a Homeschool Tutor Can Help
- Administrative Work – A tutor can create a curriculum and lesson plans, keep track of grades and progress, and organize materials.
- Assistance with Homeschool Curriculum – Homeschool teachers provide support and expertise in specific subject areas. As students progress in school, so does the course difficulty. It is almost impossible for a parent to be an expert in everything. Tutors can help eliminate the pressure to be everything for your student.
- Motivation – A tutor can help keep the child on track and motivated. Sometimes a child may just get stuck. Tutors are experienced at working through these blocks. Additionally, this extra push can provide students with a self-esteem boost if they were previously struggling.
- Provides Peace of Mind – Homeschool parents can rest easy knowing that someone with experience can help their student with more difficult coursework. Bringing in a tutor also frees parents to focus more on their work and other family responsibilities.
- Offers New Perspective: When learning in a homeschool setting, it’s important for the student to have access to different perspectives. A tutor can provide an outside perspective and help the child make connections between school subjects and the real world. Tutors may also be more skilled at offering a variety of lesson plans and addressing different learning styles.
- Strengthens Family Bonds: Having to fill the role of both parent and educator can sometimes strain the parent/child relationship. Hiring a tutor allows you to become a parent again.
If you’re considering hiring a tutor to homeschool your child, weigh these benefits and how they apply to your family. Tutors can be a valuable resource for both the experienced homeschooler and the newbie. Just be sure to do your research and find someone who is a good fit for your child.
The Law and Homeschooling Requirements
Before diving headfirst into hiring a tutor, you should take some time to read up on your state’s homeschooling requirements. Many states allow parents to hire someone other than a parent or legal guardian to oversee their child’s homeschooling education. Still, there may be rules and regulations you need to know about beforehand.
For instance, some states require the tutor to have teaching credentials or work under the supervision of a certified teacher. Your local school system might also have rules about how many hours the tutor can work with your child.
In Alabama, parents are responsible for the instruction and providing an appropriate education. While parents in Alabama do have the option to hire a private tutor, the law does have some specific requirements. First and foremost, the tutor must be certified to teach by the state. Additionally, Alabama requires homeschool teachers to work a minimum of three hours a day for 140 days within a calendar year.
Ultimately, it’s always best to be informed and up-to-date on the laws in your state before making any decisions. You don’t want to run into any surprises down the road.
Occasionally, other laws can come into play regarding childcare, compensation, teacher qualifications, and more.
How to Hire a Tutor to Homeschool Your Child
Now that you know a little bit about the law, it’s time to start thinking about hiring a tutor. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Do your research. Take the time to research and learn about what options are available. The best place to start is with references from friends or family who have used tutors before. You may even consider hiring an education consultant to do the work for you.
- Take the time to get to know your tutor. Be sure to check the tutor’s credentials and learn about their teaching style. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your child’s education, after all.
- Establish some ground rules and expectations. This will look different for each family. However, a good place to start is to work closely with the tutor to incorporate their knowledge and expertise. You can also set up regular meetings with the tutor to create checkpoints throughout the homeschool year.
Hiring a tutor to homeschool your child can be a great way to supplement their education and give them opportunities for growth and enrichment. By considering the benefits, doing your research, and establishing clear expectations, you can ensure that your child gets the best possible homeschooling experience.
So if you’re considering hiring a tutor to homeschool your child, weigh the pros and cons and see if it’s the right decision for your family. Tutors are a valuable resource for both experienced and new homeschoolers. Just be sure to do your research and find someone who is a good fit for your child.
If you’re already on the hunt to hire a homeschool tutor, contact The Learning Team to learn more about our tutoring options. Our academic coaches can help create a learning plan that is right for you.
