York Students In Schools > Members' Information > Hints and Tips for Tutors

Hints and Tips for Tutors

Once you have confirmed your placement, tutoring takes precedence over everything for the 10 weeks of your placement. Having said that there may be unavoidable occasions when it is necessary for you to be elsewhere. So let the school know in advance and apologise: they will understand. The children feel let down (and the staff do too) if you just don't turn up one afternoon and, as coordinator, I have guaranteed your commitment to their school. By accepting a placement with YSIS, so have you!

Illness

If you are ill and unable to go to your school please make sure you let them know and telephone the school before you are supposed to be there, i.e. first thing in the morning. This can be difficult, so ask a friend to phone if necessary. This is very important for the success of the programme and keeping good relations with the schools.

When you arrive

Dress smartly on first day, then find out from your school's Link Teacher as each school's dress code differs. Never jeans or trainers. Be punctual and preferably arrive 5-10 minutes early to find out what you will be doing. Talk to your teacher before you leave about what has been happening and what you should do next time.

Find out about school security arrangements - signing in and out. Remember your badge; it is greatly appreciated by the schools.

Problems

Come and see me as soon as possible and we can sort things out straight away. I am in constant touch with the schools and pop in and out frequently but with 300 of you out at a time I just cannot see every tutor in school, so cannot appreciate problems if you don't let me know about them. (There are not usually more than a couple, so don't worry!)

Advice from previous tutors

"At first I was too eager to make friends with them - you have to find a balance."
"See the programme as an enjoyable social experience."
"Keep at it and don't be discouraged - you're more help than you sometimes think!"
"Be confident and have a positive attitude in participating with the class …"
"Be confident, positive and enthusiastic. Smile a lot and have a sense of humour…"
"Learn as many of the children's names as quickly as you can."-
"Find out what you are supposed to do and do it."
"Persevere and encourage the children. Be happy …"
"Don't stand back, get stuck in and enjoy yourself - it is immense fun!"
"Roll your sleeves up and muck in."
"I'm very glad I got involved in the scheme - I am now hooked!"

Good Luck and enjoy yourselves!

Lyn Whiting, YSIS Coordinator

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