Tutoring Options

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 needs.

Option 1: Remote Writing Tutoring

Remote tutoring has proven to be effective for many students, especially for high school and college students who are able to type and manage technology easily themselves. This option seems to appeal most to students with busy schedules who are comfortable sharing screens and documents to focus on the writing itself.

What’s Involved?

Online Student-Tutor Interaction

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.
Materials That Students Need at Home

  • Writing location with a desk or other workspace free of noise or distractions.
  • Computer laptop with a 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.
  • Optional paper and pen/pencil for brainstorming and note taking.

NOTE: An iPad does not provide adequate support for the tutoring experience.

Option 2: In-Person Tutoring at Wilmette Public Library

This option works well for students who prefer in-person instruction and can easily meet at the Wilmette Public Library. In-person instruction is especially beneficial for grade school or middle school students, as well as students who are working on handwriting and students who do not type.

The library includes plenty of quiet spaces for writing, as well as private study rooms for students who focus better with fewer distractions. At times, masks may be recommended due to Covid-19 levels, but currently there is no mask requirement.

What’s Involved?

Face-to-Face Student-Tutor Interaction

Health Risk: Low virus risk for students and tutor.
Location: Wilmette Public Library at tables located in common areas or in a private study room.
Session Length: Generally 1 hour weekly is a minimum to make progress.
Health Measures

  • The student and tutor may need to use face masks and maintain social distancing if required by the library rules, but currently masks are not required.
  • 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.

Student Equipment & Materials

Options include:

  • Notebook and pen or pencil for writing.
  • Or a laptop computer and Google Docs or Word.

Option 3: In-Person Tutoring at a Student’s Home

Some students need in-person tutoring but find traveling to the public library difficult. In-home tutoring is available at times when my schedule can accommodate the travel time. My service area is centered on Wilmette, with availablity in Kenilworth, Winnetka, Northfield, Skokie, and Evanston.

I am fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to protect the health of both me and my students. Currently, masks are not required, but masks can be used, based on the health needs of students and families.

What’s Involved?

Face-to-Face Student-Tutor Interaction

Health Risk: Low virus risk for students and tutor.
Location: At the student’s home.
Session Length: Generally 1 hour weekly is a minimum to make progress.
Health Measures

  • The tutor will use a face mask if needed based on the student’s and family’s health needs or requirements issued by departments of public health.
  • 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.

Student Equipment & Materials

Options include:

  • Notebook and pen or pencil for writing.
  • Or a laptop computer and Google Docs or Word.