TUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Behind the Screens with Rebecca Palo

Tutor Insights into Student Success

At Tutor.com, our greatest assets are our rigorously vetted and highly qualified tutors. We are thrilled to spotlight our talented tutors and share their insights into student success and online learning.

Tell us about yourself. Why did you join the Tutor.com team?

My name is Rebecca Palo, and I have been working with Tutor.com as a Tutor for over ten years and as a Quality Specialist for two years. I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media and have worked previously in the staffing industry. I tutor in career services, English, English Language Arts, and essay writing for primary through college grade levels.

I was initially drawn to Tutor.com after starting my family and appreciating the opportunity the company provides for a flexible, at-home work schedule.

I love helping students of all ages hone their writing skills, and I see the ability to communicate through written language as highly valuable no matter where life takes a student. When I have the opportunity to enhance students’ understanding of how they can express themselves through writing, I feel like I have contributed not only to their ability to earn good grades, but also to their ability to succeed in life!

How do you define student success in your role as an academic tutor?

I define success in my role as an academic tutor based on the growth of a student’s understanding of a concept from the beginning to the end of a session. When students come to a session unsure of how to proceed with an assignment and conclude the session feeling confident enough to conduct some work on their own, I know I have done my job!

How do you support and guide students in setting and reaching their academic goals?

I support students in setting their academic goals by helping them identify the baby steps it takes to accomplish them. When students approach their academic career one assignment at a time, it is much less overwhelming. If students understand the baby steps toward their goals, then they can feel a sense of accomplishment after each tutoring session, knowing they’ve gained understanding of a concept that will contribute to their academic success.

From your perspective, how does the online learning environment affect the relationship between a tutor and students?

I see online learning as a wonderfully unique advantage for students of this day and age. Having immediate access to knowledgeable, caring, helpful tutors at any time of day or night bridges the gap for students who may have less opportunities for academic support at home or even at school.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with students as an academic tutor?

The most rewarding aspect of working with students as an academic tutor is being part of their aha! moments. It is wonderful to offer educational guidance, explanations, and support and then see students effectively implement the information they’ve received while in session.

How do you work to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students?

The online learning environment is designed for inclusivity. Tutors come to each session ready to focus on how they can best assist their students without any pre-determined bias, thanks to the anonymity online learning offers.