Together
Hello Reader,
Do you ever feel like you're running a taxi service for your kids? From school and sports to after-school activities and tutoring sessions, the endless driving can leave you exhausted. But what if you could get all the academic support your child needs without ever leaving the house?
Online tutoring isn't for everyone, but for me and my clients, the benefits of online tutoring have been a game-changer. My full-time teaching job wasn't flexible enough to accommodate the demands of being in the "sandwich generation," a role many of us find ourselves in today. I was constantly balancing the needs of my older kids and my aging parents, needing an hour here and there for a doctor's appointment or a school performance. I didn't need to take a full day off, but that was often my only option. Online tutoring has been the perfect solution for me, and I've found it's a solution that works for busy families, too.
So, what are the benefits of online tutoring for everyone involved? I've seen them firsthand, and they're more than just convenience.
For Busy Families: Less Stress, More Flexibility
- No More Commuting: Instead of driving your child to my house and waiting in the car for an hour, you can simply have them log in from the dining room. You can continue prepping dinner, and they get the support they need without the added travel time.
- Location Independence: A family trip doesn't have to mean missed sessions. Your child can easily join a Zoom call from a hotel room. Homeschooling families can maintain their routine while one child works with me, and international families can choose a time slot that works across different time zones.
- A "Home Field" Advantage: Online tutoring keeps the learning experience in a place your child is comfortable and safe: their own home. It’s a great option for students with physical challenges or those who live in rural areas with limited local resources.
- No More Forgotten Books or Supplies: Everything is in one place. No more rushing back home because a textbook was left on the kitchen table! Plus, snacks and water are always on hand for both of us.
- Parental Oversight: Online sessions allow you to be as involved as you want to be. You can discreetly monitor the sessions, ensuring your child is engaged and getting the help they need.
For Tutors: Flexibility and an Expanded Reach
The benefits of online tutoring aren't just for clients; they're for tutors, too. Working online has made my job completely portable. I can work from home, a coffee shop, or even the hospital, which was a lifeline for me during a difficult time.
- Ultimate Flexibility: When a client has to cancel, I can use that 55-minute session for other tasks, like administrative work, a quick walk, or even a personal chore like laundry. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance.
- Global Access and Less Overhead: The virtual world removes geographical barriers. I can connect with students across the globe, which not only expands my reach but also reduces overhead costs. My "office" is wherever I am.
- Rich, Interactive Resources: Shared screens, virtual whiteboards, and collaborative Google Docs allow for a dynamic session. We can review grades, research topics together, edit emails to teachers, and even play games to review vocabulary. Parents can text me a photo of a worksheet, and we can work through it in real-time.
The Human Connection: Still Central to Online Tutoring
Some parents and tutors worry that online tutoring lacks the personal connection of in-person sessions. I couldn't disagree more. I’ve found that I can connect with students in a variety of ways online. At the start of each session, a "question of the day" or a brain puzzle gives us a quick, casual interchange. Being on camera allows me to read body language and emotional cues. We can laugh together, be serious, and problem-solve, just as we would in person.
When I first transitioned to exclusively online tutoring, I brought every successful in-person strategy with me, from games to grade reviews and project planning. The shift was seamless. The reality is, the world of tutoring has room for all of us. As a recent study from Consumer Affairs found, less than one in six American students receives any form of tutoring, and less than 1 in 50 receives high-quality tutoring. Tutors are a crucial part of a child's educational team. Don't wait until your child fails a test to seek one out; a tutor is a valuable school supply, and the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
In the end, while online tutoring might not be a fit for every single family or tutor, the benefits of online tutoring often come as a surprise. Beyond the obvious convenience, it provides a level of flexibility, accessibility, and dynamic engagement that can truly transform the learning experience. What once seemed like a temporary solution is now a powerful, lasting tool that empowers students and gives families a new kind of freedom.
Want to hire an online tutor? Message me about my openings or read more here.
Want to know more about being an online tutor? Check out my FREE workshop.
Table Talk: Which is more beneficial to your child or your family - in person or online help? What is a surprising benefit of working at home?
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Read more here. https://www.tailorjoy.com/together/​
Reader, I want you to smile more and sigh less. Choose to see the joy in life this week! Visit my website for more tips and tools to help you be ready for whatever the day may bring. www.tailorjoy.com
Got questions or comments? Hit "reply" and email me. I would love to hear from you.
Jennifer
P.S. Whenever you are ready, Tailor Joy LLC can help you in 3 ways:
- ​Private online tutoring services: Jennifer specializes in grades 3-10 reading, writing, and study skills. She helps students build confidence and independence in their education. She also tutors adult ESL students in conversational English.
- ​Business Basics: How to start your own tutoring or coaching business. Affordably priced at $399 for educators who need some extra income, or anyone who wants to start their own tutoring, lessons, or coaching business full-time or part-time. Private coaching is also available.
- ​Educational resources: From study skills reference sheets to travel games to bookclub kit to a reading log. Nothing over $10. Click the link to shop.
Monthly Product Spotlight: Private Tutoring
Is your child ready for a boost in reading, writing, or study skills?
​Need help with time management, organization, or critical thinking?
​Looking for support that meets your student exactly where they are—academically and emotionally?
I’m Jennifer Donaldson, a certified teacher with years of classroom and private tutoring experience, offering one-on-one online tutoring that’s personalized, practical, and full of purpose. I work with students in grades 3 through college on reading, writing, study skills, executive function, and more.
I love my job! (Read my interview with Voyage Raleigh Magazine here.)
Whether your child needs remediation, enrichment, or just a confidence boost, I’m here to help them succeed—and maybe even enjoy the process.
Tutoring available:
- School Year Tutoring: September – May
- Summer Tutoring + Year Round Tutoring: June – August
- Session Length: 55 minutes
- Rate: $60/session
- Format: Online via Zoom
- Business Hours: M-Th 8:30 am – 8:30 pm Eastern Time (UTC -5). My schedule works for many families across the globe and time zones.
What I offer:
- Reading & Writing (grades 3–12)
- Study Skills, executive function, project planning (grades 6–college)
- Math support (grades 3–5)
- Homework help, organization, test prep, creative/critical thinking
- Homeschool tutoring (individual or small group) and test administration
- Conversational English ESL tutoring (teens & adults)
- Tutoring for students with special needs
Support for expat, online, and international school students
Click the "learn more" button to read client reviews, FAQs, and enrollment information.
Ready to hire a tutor? Reply to this email with your child's name, grade, and school name.
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More Resources
Read: https://tailorjoy.com/5-reasons-to-hire-a-private-tutor/​
​https://tailorjoy.com/questions-about-starting-a-tutoring-business/​
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Teacher. Tutor. Traveler. Tailor of joy.
Meet Jennifer Donaldson. ​
"I’m a wife, mom, grandma, and certified teacher offering private tutoring, business coaching, educational resources, useful printables, online courses, practical advice, and joy!"
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#tailorjoy = intentionally seeing the joy in everyday life
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