Starting in Fall 2021, I began offering three tutoring options: remote tutoring, in-person tutoring at the Wilmette Public Library, and in-person tutoring at the student’s home.
For more about each option, see the explanations below. Or contact me for help deciding which option best fits the student’s learning needs and health concerns.
Option 1: Remote Writing Tutoring
Remote tutoring is the safest option and has proven to be effective for many students. For new students, I’m happy to schedule a socially distanced outdoor visit to introduce myself before starting remote sessions.
What’s Involved?
Health Risk: No virus risk for students or tutor.
Location: From our own homes.
Session Length: Generally 1 hour weekly is a minimum to make progress. Young students and students with special needs may do better with two 30-minute sessions per week.
- Writing location with a desk or other workspace free of noise or distractions.
- Computer laptop (with functioning monitor, microphone, speakers, and camera).
- High-speed internet connection with capacity for streaming video.
- Student email account for Zoom calls and for sharing writing online.
- Google Docs for sharing writing and feedback for students who can type. Or a notebook and pen/pencil for students who do not type.
- All students should have paper and pen/pencil available for exercises, brainstorming, and note taking.
Find out more about Remote Tech Options.
Option 2: In-Person Tutoring at Wilmette Public Library
For Fall 2021, I restarted in-person tutoring at the Wilmette Public Library. Currently, masks are recommended but not required.
What’s Involved?
Health Risk: Low virus risk for students and tutor.
Location:Wilmette Public Library. Currently, the library has limited seating at tables located in common areas and reopened private study rooms. This can be a good environment for students who find it easier to focus on their work in a relatively quiet area that is shared with the public.
Session Length: Generally 1 hour weekly is a minimum to make progress.
- The student and tutor will use face masks and maintain social distancing, as required by the library rules. Currently, masks are recommended but not required.
- Students and tutors will inform each other about COVID-19 exposure and will stay home if sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Classes will be canceled due to: local or state stay-at-home orders; bad weather; library closure or closure of workspace; or COVID-19 symptoms, positive test, or exposure.
- Notebook and pen or pencil for writing.
- Another option is a laptop computer and Google Docs or Word.
Option 3: In-Person Tutoring at a Student’s Home
I am fully vaccinated against COVIO-19 to protect the health of both me and my students. But, unfortunately, new variants may introduce new challenges, which could be met by new guidelines from health departments and school districts. Currently, masks are not required, but masks can be used, based on the health needs of students and families.
What’s Involved?
Health Risk: Low virus risk for students and tutor.
Location: At the student’s home; during warm weather, meeting areas may include: backyard picnic table, 3-seasons porch, or well ventilated room.
Session Length: Generally 1 hour weekly is a minimum to make progress.
- The tutor will use a face mask if needed based on the student’s and family’s health needs.
- Students and tutors will inform each other about COVID-19 exposure and will cancel if sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Classes will be canceled due to: local or state stay-at-home orders; bad weather; loss of workspace; or COVID-19 symptoms, positive test, or exposure.
- Notebook and pen or pencil for writing.
- Another option is a laptop computer and Google Docs or Word.