Tutor Code of Conduct

Purpose

This code outlines the expected conduct and behavior of tutors volunteering for Tootor. It states the standards of professional conduct, ethical behavior, and inclusivity that tutors are expected to maintain while providing their services. The code of conduct ensures that all tutors are held to the same standards, and helps establish a culture of mutual respect and professionalism at Tootor. It is important for all tutors to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the code of conduct to ensure a safe space and a positive learning experience for our students.

1. Starting Up

Your role as a tutor requires that you help students build their confidence, improve their subject knowledge, and teach them how to problem-solve. Some basic principles to follow are:

Communication: It involves verbal and non-verbal communication; being aware of your posture and body language, appropriate eye contact, and active listening techniques. Maintaining a positive attitude is also an important aspect of communicating with students.
Sincerity: Students always appreciate a tutor’s sincerity and honesty. Try to be open, confident, relaxed, and comfortable with them. Consider small chit chats initially or during the lessons to create a comfortable environment so that you understand the most effective way of teaching them.
Empathy through shared experiences: There are experiences where everyone has problems with some subject or topic. Sharing those anecdotes will help in better student-tutor relationships, as they will know that problems are a part of the learning process.
Clarity and Transparency: Setting expectations, clear goals and boundaries, and creating a plan are imperative for a successful tutoring session. This requires consistent open communication.

2. Tutor-Student Relationship

Your role as a tutor requires you to make the student independent enough to solve the problems. Students have to be taught how to take ownership of their learning. Some aspects to consider are:

Empowering: Students should learn how to find an answer themselves. Never give them an answer. Instead, guide them towards the answer.
Prioritizing work: Students should have a choice on what they want to do during a session; but ask them questions such as, What work should be done first? Why? What needs to be done now? How do you want to go about it?
Asking questions: Proceed from simple to complex questions and make sure they answer the questions even if they are incorrect.
Providing constructive feedback: Encourage and support students in their learning journey. Help students identify strengths and areas for improvement, and ultimately reach their full potential.
Acknowledging: Try to be consistent in acknowledging a student’s work or effort during and at the end of the session. Reiterating it towards the end of the session will create more confidence in students.

3. Tutor Structure and Routine

As a tutor, you will have to make sure that your students follow a proper routine. For that matter, you have to establish your own routine effectively to be a role-model for them. Some areas to consider for each session are:

Setting goals and specific objectives.
Setting expectations before starting.
Implement a time-based plan.
Show consistency through patience, motivation and flexibility.

4. Tutoring Process

When working with a student, it is important to keep an eye on the long term progress that you are working together to achieve.

Assess the student's proficiency and pinpoint areas for development.
Create a tailored lesson plan based on the student's specific needs.
All tutors are encouraged to make the lessons as interactive as possible.
Maintain logs for students and yourselves so that you can monitor progress.

5. Tutor Obligations

As a tutor, it is your responsibility to adhere to the obligations outlined in this section during your time as a volunteer tutor. Tutor obligations include:

Being punctual and maintaining professional conduct at all times.
Being available for scheduled tutoring sessions.
Being able to adapt teaching style to individual student needs.
Being able to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Being aware of and abiding by the Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions, and other policies regarding tutoring at all times.
Being aware of the FAQ for Tutors and resources available to tutors.
Being prepared for tutoring sessions, such as by reading background materials so that full support can be provided to your students.
Being in charge of your own online profile on Tootor’s website and its representation of you.
Accommodating students with special learning needs.
Communicating effectively with both students and parents, addressing any questions appropriately and professionally.
Responding promptly to communications from Tootor, including its managers or supervisors.
Actively checking your email for new bookings, important updates, and questions or requests from students/parents.
Keeping your knowledge up to date in the subjects you are teaching and being committed to ongoing professional development.
Reporting any technical issues or any incidents of harassment, discrimination, and bullying to a manager or supervisor.
Providing students sufficient notice if you are not able to participate in tutoring sessions, so that alternative arrangements can be made and avoid disruption to the student’s studies.
Providing Tootor with a notice of at least 1 week should they wish to terminate their agreement and no longer provide online tutoring.

6. Boundaries

In addition to the above, tutors volunteering at Tootor must abide by the following basic rules:

You must not distribute, copy or sell any of the materials used or provided by Ontario School Boards without permission.
You must not approach, offer or encourage any student/parent to arrange additional tuition outside of Tootor. Any additional educational services to students must be arranged via Tootor.
You must not demand or accept any form of payment from a student/parent. If they want to give payment, it can be in the form of donation on the website.
You must not overstay the allotted time for any session without prior approval from the student/parent.

7. Ethical Conduct

As a tutor, you are expected to conduct yourself ethically and in accordance with the laws and regulations that govern the tutoring profession. This includes:

Not engaging in any form of academic dishonesty, such as providing answers or completing assignments for students.
Maintaining confidentiality of student information and records.
Avoiding conflicts of interest and favoring one student over another.
Being inclusive and treating all students and parents with respect, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding any form of harassment or discrimination.

Tutors who fail to comply with this Code of Conduct may be subject to verbal or written warning, refusal of services, or loss of volunteering privilege.