8th November 2010 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Two students in Texas are finding that their student-run tutoring business is succeeding and growing, as students look to them rather than established and/or experienced tutors for help. In a report on the Dallas Morning News’ website, Ian Anderson has told how he and Vic Ramon have developed their tuition service, and why they think that it has advantages over the more traditional agencies – those who use older and more experienced people for private tuition.
Ian is 17, and a senior at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas. He too found some concepts difficult, and thought it was a revelation when his school paired him with another student of his own age to tutor Ian through his difficulties. Ian says that there’s a “stigma to asking for help”, and that students feel far more able to admit that they are struggling to a one-to-one tutor, than in a classroom situation. He added that providing tutoring can supplement the classroom curriculum in an embarrassment-free way.
The parent of a student who was helped by Carroll tutors said "He (her son) was really resistant at first. He didn't think that he needed help." She added that she will continue to use tutors from Ian and Vic because it helps to have a neutral third party from her son’s own school, and it makes her son more comfortable.
Last year Ian and Vic teamed up to form Carroll Tutors, and they already have 200 tutors on their books following the warm reception that their tutors have received. Vic Ramon had also founded his own tuition agency in 2006 where students tutored their peers. Their plan is to now expand the business throughout the Dallas area. The standard rate is $35 for an hour of home tuition.