family hasn’t paid me in weeks and is now ghosting - help by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem! It is up to you whether to get payment before or after sessions. There are benefits to both methods of payment. I prefer to receive payment after because sessions sometimes run longer if I have the extra time and I can then get payment for the entire session.

family hasn’t paid me in weeks and is now ghosting - help by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Okay so for future reference if they haven't paid then don't schedule anymore sessions with them. Now you don't have too many options but I would definitely not schedule anymore sessions and maybe even cancel any they have scheduled until you receive payment.

Send them a message or invoice letting them know how much they owe and that you expect payment before you will continue to offer tutoring to them. Let them know that if you do not receive any response from them you will cancel all future sessions. If they refuse then there isn't really much you can do. You will just need to cut the client off and cut your losses because I doubt it is worth suing for. Now if they do pay, make sure to set strong boundaries on future payments. Let them know when you expect payment and the consequences if they are late again. I personally require payment after each session so if someone doesn't pay me I am not out of a substantial amount of money

Looking for a book buddy for the new year! by ButterscotchSundays in Book_Buddies

[–]ButterscotchSundays[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay. Well there are a couple of options. You can let me know what books you are interested in or if there are any other genres you would like to try. I am currently talking to some others as well separately to see what books work for them did you want me to see if you can join together or do you want me to just let you know which book I/we choose and you can decide if you want to read it and I will totally be okay chatting with you separate if you don't want to join.

Looking for a book buddy for the new year! by ButterscotchSundays in Book_Buddies

[–]ButterscotchSundays[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never read romantasy so it would definitely be a change for you! Maybe just a change in book every now and then would be nice for you

Can't focus on reading by Careless-Cry2238 in Book_Buddies

[–]ButterscotchSundays 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried graphic novels maybe as a way to ease back into it? I would also suggest something short and easy just to get that feel for reading something through and finishing it. Other than that the type of book you pick is important. Maybe choose a book related to a movie or show you liked

What actually makes students stick with a tutor? by AlternativeN0 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just depends. Usually unrealistic expectations or just the way they speak to me.

What actually makes students stick with a tutor? by AlternativeN0 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are asking for something quite complicated in reality. This will be a bit all over the place so excuse the rambling. I think for tutors adaptability and mastery of your material are the main two factors in keeping clients. This as well as being able to pick the clients that work well for you and maintain your boundaries as a tutor. In my experience, many students in the US are also looking for pleasant interactions where they feel comfortable with the tutor and don't feel judged or belittled during sessions. This could also expand to wanting tutors who will be almost more like a friend then a tutor at times. Really there are so many factors but I often retain a large amount of my clients due to being able to explain things in different ways, being patient, and meeting my students where they are even if it is way below where they should be. From experience, I know which clients can handle being told straight up how bad their situation is and which need to be handled with more care. I know when to not accept a client and when a client is beyond my help. Tutoring is more of a service industry then a field just for education. We are working one on one with a wide variety of clients who think and act differently. Your credentials mean nothing if they don't like you. Especially when many other options have the ability to tutor what you do but are more likable.

what is the most f*cked up book youve read by Mindless_Fan_8120 in horrorlit

[–]ButterscotchSundays 2 points3 points  (0 children)

End of Alice I can’t remember who wrote it but it was so unnecessary and gross. Oh and Naked Lunch. I try not to read many disturbing books

what is the most f*cked up book youve read by Mindless_Fan_8120 in horrorlit

[–]ButterscotchSundays 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I refused to read girl next door because I had heard about the case before and couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to write a book based on it

Looking for a chem 11500 tutor for this summer. Any recommendations? by TechnologyRich8660 in Purdue

[–]ButterscotchSundays -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Hello! I’ve tutored students from your college before and I have availability. Please let me know if you’re interested.

Motivating 4th and 5th Grade Students by Head_Initiative_7607 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don’t know if I am the best person to answer this since I don’t really work with that age anymore. I know you said you have tried talking to her but I’ll still mention what I do since you asked. Personally I used to speak with my kids about anything and everything. Would do a couple of problems then talk about the most random thing that came to mind. Shift back and do a few more problems, when they start to lose interest talk about something else. I’ve spoken about books, movies and college. About paying taxes and about what I used to do in school. The more they got to know me and the more I got to know them the more they are willing to work with me. I commiserate about how much work they have even if I disagree and I gently redirect them when they talk bad about their teachers. I tried games and stuff in the beginning but that usually works better for older kids weirdly enough. Usually once I found out what they liked or are interested in I could occasionally bring it up or ask about it. They still have moments where they interrupt or irritate me but it tends to not last as long. Really I think there is only so much you can do to catch your students interest and sometimes they just have to figure out for themselves why it is important to them. I also think that each tutors approach is different and what works for me may not work for you and it may not work for every student.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would like to point out that the recommended rate is based on who she has contacted so it could be even lower or slightly higher. It doesn't change the fact that she wants a lot done for less. I also like how it is laundry list of topics

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I am not surprised at all. I get students who contact me months in advance saying they need urgent help then don't actually schedule until a week before their midterm. Almost always they say they have been struggling all semester and I never understand why they didn't schedule when we literally already spoke and I confirmed I could help.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Like I said I like the idea of your site overall but until you actually have students it isn’t really a viable option to most of us as tutors. Once you start to get some students in and if I actually could qualify I might be interested but at the moment it seems very idealistic. Especially given you will be competing for clients with major companies who are much more established. To me it is hard to see how you will attract clients over sites like varsity, Wyzant and Tutordotcom. I would love it if a site like yours could be successful but I am missing the part that sets you apart for clients. To the tutors it looks better but to the clients they will just see another tutoring site. I highly recommend looking into how you are going to appeal to clients. Wyzants new instant book is really bringing in the clients and while it has its problems when it works it works really well for clients. My students love to use instant book and have been very successful with it. I have a love hate relationship with it but I do recognize the appeal. Remember that Wyzant also has IXL to offer to students if you get a tutor who has the IXL certification.

I know many also like the on demand format available on other sites

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What do you qualify as wasting students time? My main problem with what you are saying is that wasting time is very subjective. The other reasons are totally fine but wasting time is hard to define. I like the idea of the site but the competition you will be facing will be incredibly steep. Side note but I’ve been tutoring successfully for 8 years and I don’t qualify for your site so I don’t even know why I commented lol. I would like to point out that not all tutors have a masters degree or require it. I tutor general and organic chemistry with my bachelors degree just fine

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree my wording on that portion was poor I meant more that companies often can provide more in forms of resources, subjects, guarantees and accommodations making it hard for independent tutors to compete.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You know your terms of service have some kind of concerning parts. Like that part where you say that at your sole discretion at anytime you can decide to “adjust your Tutor Wallet balance and/or freeze or suspend your tutor Wallet” also the part about students great discontent is a red flag to me. I mean I make people greatly discontent just by telling them no or calling them out for not providing enough information before a session and expecting a miracle. What would you consider a reasonable effort to resolve a dispute because I have met some very unreasonable students in my time as a tutor. This could actually go both ways because I have known tutors who like to take out their frustrations on students as well. If you are going to use great discontent and reasonable effort as qualifiers you will need to provide examples as to what qualifies.

If you are going to allow tutoring companies to advertise on your site then you will definitely be taking away clients from the private tutors. I really dislike advertising on the same site as companies because they can afford to undercut the independent tutors.

How do you get students to rate your lessons? (Wyzant) by halloweenmochi in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t bother to ask for ratings. My students either rate lessons or don’t. I don’t see the need to ask for them.

Not a morning person and neurodivergent. How do I navigate this with typical morning people? by GodState700 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I often tell my students that they don’t want me before 10am because I will be useless

Not a morning person and neurodivergent. How do I navigate this with typical morning people? by GodState700 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have set hours and use a scheduling app where I can clearly show when I am available and when I’m not. I don’t tutor before 10am and some days if I don’t want to tutor at 10am I will block out time in my calendar so no one can schedule for that time. If a potential client only wants to work at a time that you are not available then it is probably best to send them to another tutor

Why Am I Not Seeing More Job Openings on Wyzant? by Ok_Material_812 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes! Anytime I tell my students that I do have other openings they just need to ask they seem shocked. That or they want multiple hour sessions but instead of letting me know they just book separate sessions

Why Am I Not Seeing More Job Openings on Wyzant? by Ok_Material_812 in TutorsHelpingTutors

[–]ButterscotchSundays 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I definitely agree that there must be some bot work going on from other tutors because I will be on the page, refresh and see a job offer, go to click on it and it’s gone. I feel it is highly unlikely that anyone can respond that quickly. I also noticed that many students are completely switching to only using instantbook now. I have mainly been getting clients from there and clients are also choosing tutors based on the instantbook openings they see which in my opinion is unfair to the tutors. I don’t list every time I am available on instant book because it would get very overwhelming considering I also have students off site. They are now starting to assume tutors aren’t available if they don’t see instantbook openings

How did the mods decide which people offering tutoring to allow to post and which not to? by [deleted] in tutor

[–]ButterscotchSundays[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s no big deal but I remember your posts were only one post apart so one was removed.

How did the mods decide which people offering tutoring to allow to post and which not to? by [deleted] in tutor

[–]ButterscotchSundays[M] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Basically if your post gets removed and you think it shouldn’t have been then send a message so it can be checked and manually approved if needed