How to Write a Tutoring Contract
As educators, we know how important it is to set clear expectations for students about classroom behavior. As a tutoring company, you can avoid potential misunderstandings and issues related to running your tutoring business by outlining and communicating clear expectations/policies to your families. Below are several topics to consider as you develop your tutoring contract.
Fees/Payment Policies
Here you can discuss the what, when, and how for payment. In addition to identifying your rate(s) for tutoring, you will want to be as specific as possible to avoid any issues.
Is payment made online? When is payment expected? How frequently? What happens if payment isn’t received?
Student/Parent Expectations
This is SO important for keeping everyone accountable and for running a proactive versus reactive business.
Attendance/Cancellation policies: What happens if the student cannot make a session? (i.e. You must reschedule 24 hours in advance to avoid charges)
Student preparedness expectations: How do students prepare for lessons? Materials needed? Will there be homework? How will they submit assignments?
Parent expectations: What do parents need to do to support their students? Do they need to be present during the tutoring session?
Technology requirements: What devices/equipment/browsers etc. are required for online learning?
Evaluation- How and when will the student be evaluated?
Tutor Expectations
Here is a good opportunity to outline your goals and expectations as the tutor/tutoring organization (i.e. inspire kids to enjoy reading, improve standardized test scores, boost students’ confidence, increase grades, etc)
Discuss your values, mission, objectives, confidentiality policies etc.
Point out that you rely on word of mouth referrals
Communication
How do we communicate? Email, text, phone calls? Who is the point of contact and what is their contact information?
How often will you communicate with parents? What feedback will students/parents receive and when?
How fast do you respond to communications? Are there certain times that you are unavailable to respond to communications?