Module 3.2
GETTING THE FIRST SESSION RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT
This is your opportunity to prove that you are the tutor for the job. We have done everything we can to build trust and convince the parent that we are the service for them, and now the baton passes to you – it is up to you to show how you can bring value to their child like no-one else can.
Once you accept a student in Dashboard, all of the details will be sent to you in an email (and you’ll also find it in Dashboard under your students).
There are a number of steps you need to take before, during and after the lesson to ensure the first session process is an incredible experience for the family you work with.
BEFORE THE LESSON
Your very first move will be to call the parent and introduce yourself. We have a detailed guide to the welcome call in Tutorhub (there will be a link to it in the email you receive) – but this is really important and should be completed as early as possible.
In this welcome call you can introduce yourself, confirm the details for the first session and discuss the needs of the student to ensure you arrive to the first lesson fully prepared.
DURING THE LESSON
The first session is all about getting to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the student. We do this by delivering a targeted assessment that examines their unique abilities against their peers.
This may sound a little daunting but you are not alone here. We have comprehensive first session worksheets available in Tutorhub for you to work through with your student that explores a range of different skills. You’ll also find a specific first session training program that we suggest you go through ahead of your very first session that covers all of this in much greater detail.
AFTER THE LESSON
After the lesson please confirm the session in Dashboard ASAP. When confirming the lesson you are asked 4 questions about the student that are then sent to the parent directly; what are the main areas of focus for the student, what are your goals for the student over the next 10 weeks, what is your strategy to see those goals become a reality, and what natural strengths does the student have. These questions are also included on the first session worksheets so you can make some notes as you go.
From here, we follow up with the parent to see how it went. If they are happy to continue with regular sessions you’ll get confirmation by email and the next session will be scheduled in Dashboard. If however there was an issue and they do not believe you are the right tutor for them we will get in touch to schedule in a debrief call with one of our team members.
Please ensure you read the tutor agreement to understand how payment works for first sessions. As a reminder, payment for the first session can take up to two weeks as we await payment details from the parent – although it is usually much faster than this.
Getting the first session right is so important and is worth investing the time and effort in to. We want your student to feel better about themselves when you leave than when you walked in; which will in turn confirm for the parent that you are the tutor for the job.
NIC'S HOT TIP: FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT AND LAST IMPRESSIONS LAST
Make sure the moment you enter their home and the moment you leave creates a positive lasting impression. Smile, be confident, look everyone in the eye and use names. You want to be a breath of fresh air that lightens the room as you enter; and they miss when you leave.