Tutor Resource

The 7 Tenets of Tutoring: Professionalism

Professionalism in tutoring sessions is demonstrated through the Tutor’s conduct, behavior, and attitude.
Professionalism:
1. means communicating effectively to ensure the message being shared is clear and leaves little room for
misinterpretation.
2. requires maintaining composure and showing patience when frustrated by a situation.
3. necessitates remaining respectful and rising to a higher level even when students are showing a lack respect to
the Tutor or their time.

As a client services business, professionalism is essential in all aspects of the work Tutors do.

During Sessions
When communicating with students in the online classroom, there will be times when frustrations surface. For example:
• A student may grow anxious when they do not understand the concept being discussed or the information being
shared.
• A Tutor may grow frustrated when a student is unfamiliar with background knowledge that the Tutor feels a
student at this level should understand.
• A Tutor may grow irritated when the explanations do not resonate with the student.

It is also important that Tutors avoid discussing information that does not directly impact the learning
experience, including but not limited to:

• the quality of other Tutors • thoughts of the online classroom

• personal opinions of a student’s teachers, school, • internal policies and/or procedures of Tutor.com
textbook, or other materials

Regardless of the situation, demonstrating patience is critical. It is important to remember the Tutor usually will not
know the details of every student’s situation outside of the classroom. Tutors should always give the student the benefit
of the doubt and avoid rushing to judgement that the student does not want to learn.

End-of-Session Surveys
These surveys offer an opportunity for Tutors to provide a summary of what took place during the session. It is
important to remember that these surveys:
• should be used to provide constructive information. Clients and potential clients review these comments
regularly.
• should NOT be used to…
o disparage the perceived lack of willingness of a student to participate and learn or the problem
presented
o criticize the quality of the resources, teachers, or schools based on the nature of the question asked
o share negative perceptions of other Tutors, the classroom technology, or the company

Demonstrating a high degree of professionalism increases customer satisfaction, fosters the image of a high-
quality service, and provides a reason for students to want to return again.

The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.

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