Profile

Tutoring students of all ages in various academic subjects and skills and managing all aspects of running a small business.

In my case, the business management component involves fielding new client calls, organizing the tutoring schedule, addressing questions from  and supporting parents, managing other tutors, tracking and budgeting finances (expenses, taxes, payroll, bookkeeping, etc.), marketing my business’ services to the public and schools (creating and distributing brochures, developing relationships with schools and parent organizations, maintaining a website), keeping the tutoring center organized and stocked with supplies, and generating new services in line with the company mission.

The tutoring component involves teaching students various concepts and skills related to a subject area. Students receive assistance in a wide range of tasks: learning concepts to complete a homework assignment, developing an outline for a paper, studying for a quiz, preparing for a standardized test (i.e., SAT), etc.

One room tutoring center (approx. 500 sq. ft) with big windows, 3 tutoring desks, bookshelves, easy chairs, artwork and a management “station” with computer and printer.  

My tutors typically have some sort of other full time occupation, but tutor part time for extra income. When hiring tutors, I look for candidates who are smart, curious, teachable, and kind.

I arrive at the office between 1-2pm and complete administrative tasks such as returning email and phone calls or work on other projects. From 3:30-7:30 or 8:00pm, I tutor students.  

For the business ownership and management portion, being open to new ideas is essential. Early on, many people approached me with, “Would you consider doing [x] for me?” Instead of setting these opportunities aside because they did not fall under traditional one-to-one tutoring, I have allowed the market to define the landscape of my business. As such, the market has rewarded my responsiveness. I now offer small group home school and specialty classes (e.g., college essay writing, study and organizational skills), learning style assessments, customized study/organizational skills coaching, consultations with parents regarding educational decisions, and professional development workshops for teachers.

For the tutoring component, an aptitude to learn many subjects and assimilate information quickly is essential. Not assuming knowledge on the student’s part is paramount, since most students attend tutoring because foundational concepts and skills are missing. Being able to explain concepts in numerous ways to address all sorts of learners and ability levels is the hallmark of excellent tutoring. Tutoring each day also requires patience and compassion. 

Typically, my schedule is from 1pm-8pm each day.

My tutoring center is one block from where I live, so I “travel” about 500 yards. All tutoring sessions are conducted at my tutoring center.

My students. Tutoring each of them brings me more joy than any other life experience to date.

I do not like developing curriculum and lesson plans for small group classes. In the end, however, I am glad that I put in the work because well-organized, thoughtful class activities make the teaching and learning experience wonderfully effective.

The desire to help others see and experience their unique greatness.

The owners of the first tutoring company I worked for, Potomac Tutors, Tiffany Smith and Ben Driggs. They showed me that my gift was not only the ability to provide effective instruction, but more importantly, the ability to feed my students’ souls.

"Do whatever works,” from Ben Driggs, when on my first day of tutoring, I asked him if he had any advice about how I should tutor my students. His answer showed me that the process need not have parameters—and that creativity and openness would make me successful. He was right.  

“Tutor students in their homes because you’ll make more money.” I seriously considered following this advice because the advice is true—the company would make more money. However, tutoring students in their homes is antithetical to my tutoring philosophy that students learn best in a space that is solely dedicated to the purpose learning.  When business owners make a decision that goes against a core philosophy for the purpose of making more money, the business and the clients suffer.

If you follow your passion, you will not only experience deep joy, but your contribution will make the world joyous.

Do yoga, read, watch Bravo TV reality shows, cook, write in my journal and spend time with friends.

Helping others live fully with clarity, purpose and peace. Working to achieve equality for women in all parts of society.

In short, I tutored for many years, acquired a formal degree in education to validate my work experience and enhance my knowledge and skills, then followed my dream of opening a tutoring company.

The joy and fulfillment I felt as a new tutor 14 years ago. I knew that I had found one of my primary callings in life. Everything from then on –including my stints in “corporate America” and a non-profit organization – gave me skills and information that benefit my work today.

Fear of success. Once you are successful, you prove your excuses for not pursuing a dream or passion wrong.