Student First

The Students First Initiative: Paying Tutors Better and Raising Standards for Students

When we got into the business of tutoring we had an economist sit down and evaluate the current wage incentives for both individual tutors and tutors that worked for companies. The conclusion - most of the good students or recent graduates don't find it worth their time to tutor. PAY THE TUTORS MORE

1. The higher the wage the better the pool of applicants. 75% of the hourly rate charged goes to the tutor - and with wages around $35-45 an hour you might imagine we can be more picky with our applicants - choosing tutors that excel in both academic and extracurricular activities.

2. Incentives, Incentives, Incentives. Because we pay more money to the tutors, we can structure bonuses around, not only sticking with students but also listening to their needs and being observant as to possible ways to improve their habits, and building on the students existing skills.

PLUS: And as an added bonus you get to feel good about the money you spend because the majority of tutors are university students or recent graduates themselves. We are not alone: Right now there are other Tutor agencies in Calgary that have pledged to follow the "STUDENTS FIRST" 75% rule and we are hoping more will follow! Both Math Tutors Calgary and Your Calgary Tutor have joined us in the battle to raise wages and standards.

Entering college as a first year student can be both intimidating and a bit challenging. When I entered Valencia Community and UCF, I made the mistake of not attending the orientation for new students. Little did I know there would be some extremely helpful information to help me get acquainted with the college and University.

Looking back in retrospect, I would have definitely attended welcome week and orientation. Thankfully when I attended the FAMU College of Law orientation day, I became acquainted with the professors, deans, and the spirit of the college. Let's face it making a transition, no matter what life transition it may be, is never easy. Transitioning into college as a new incoming student (whether you are fresh out of high-school, a transfer student from a community college, a graduate student, or seeking further professional career development) can be a bit daunting and overwhelming.

The social element too can be a bit alienating, as not knowing anybody on a college campus can leave you feeling alone. That is precisely why colleges and universities encourage new college students to attend orientation week.

I guess because I lived about an hour drive away from the college and university I attended, I never allowed myself to wholeheartedly integrate, participate, nor embrace the college experience. Although some of the information you receive at orientation may not be exceedingly life-changing, the relationships you will make can be very reassuring and sustaining throughout your time at college (thereby life-changing on the long-term).

If you are academically focused like me and trying to avoid social distractions, consider attending orientation at least to meet the college President, deans, student advisors, and some professors.

The transition from high-school into college was the best thing I ever did, as it pertains to my professional development and personal growth. Amazingly, I went from a 2.8 GPA to becoming an A and B+ student. You also don't want your students to think that you hold a grudge once the confrontation has finished. But you also want your students to know that if it goes down, you're someone to be reckoned with. If the thought of confronting your students makes you uneasy, you'll want to keep in mind these tips for how to do it properly:

If you are consistent with your assertiveness you will build respect in your students and they will in turn follow your instructions in class.

Get students on your side. A student or a class shouldn't feel like you are continually punishing them for something you confronted them on days or weeks ago.

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