There are two children, a boy of 14 and a girl of 10. They are enrolled at a school in Milan, studying the full American curriculum. As with all such schools, this one has a distinctly European flavor, and the boy, currently grade 9, will be switching to the IB system after grade 10.

Both children are diligent and engaged with their studies. Like most students, there are teachers that they like and those that they are less enamored with, but irrespective of the teacher or the subject, both children work hard to produce excellent work at all times and they have been rewarded with outstanding grades.

Although the children’s mother tongue is Italian, they have excellent spoken English. While their spoken English is very good, it is evident that they are being taught English by non-native speakers, and this shows in word selection, particularly in writing. In addition to needing to develop a more mature writing style, the boy will find it useful to become more accurate with his typing. He makes too many mistakes to find them easily on review without going very slowly, and so uses much more time than should be the case. The children’s mother recognizes that her own level of English is one of the causes of this relative deficit. Accordingly, the Tutor will need to focus on English language skills, and ensure that both children have the necessary language tools to continue to excel in the wordy subjects such as humanities, business, and to a lesser extent, biology.

The boy is a keen sportsman, enjoying snow boarding and other winter sports, as well as playing lacrosse for his school team. He enjoys film and attends a specialist course. He talks of wanting to choose a university where there is a good film department alongside whatever else he may wish to major in. He is a sensitive young man who is aware of local and international current affairs, and contemplates how events affect the people they involve. His favorite teachers expect the best from him, and when they do not see it, they make their disappointment known without losing their sense of humor. Like her brother, the girl is also interested in winter sports, but her other sporting passion lies in the world of horses and horse-riding. She works hard in school, and appreciates teachers who are kind, fair, funny, organized and clearly interested in their subject. She is a very keen reader. Like most children her age, she responds well to enthusiasm in her teachers. She defines bad teachers as those who are snide, rude and unfair.

At the moment they are both performing well in school, and the Tutor is expected to keep them at the top of their game as they continue through their schooling.

The Tutor’s role is multifaceted. The main responsibility is to ensure that the children’s homework is fully prepared each evening and that they never leave for school one day without understanding everything that has been covered the previous day. In addition to this, the Tutor also must be aware of what is going to arise next and to prepare the children in advance. This includes preparations for any tests, projects or presentations, as well for any schooldays missed for whatever reason. The Tutor should not expect to be able to consult with the school directly at this level, but will have access to the school’s web site where all homework assignments are recorded.

Previously, the children have had help from an excellent au pair, and from their mother, but the level of studies are now right at the edge of their capabilities, hence the decision to employ an experienced professional. Their mother will continue helping her children with their homework alongside the Tutor, so there will usually be two adults present, which means that the Tutor can concentrate on one child at a time.

The normal school day finishes at 3pm. The children usually come home, have a snack and then start their homework from about 4pm, often working until 11pm or later to ensure it is completed to a high standard, and that they are fully prepped for the following days’ lessons. The Tutor will follow this routine as a standard, working five days a week with two consecutive days off. However, a degree of flexibility is required. If an important test is upcoming, or if a large piece of project work must be finished, the Tutor should expect to give up their days off in order to assist. Time off in lieu will be given at the end of the contract, or at a mutually convenient time for the Client and the Tutor, to compensate for these additional working days if needed.

The Tutor can be either European or American. If the Tutor is American, they must have the right to live and work in Europe, or be able to obtain a visa giving them this right. Understanding of or experience with the IB system would also be helpful. If the Tutor is European with a specialism in the IB system, they must have first hand experience teaching in an American high school, and should be able to demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the US curriculum.

Regardless of nationality, it is essential that the Tutor speaks and writes impeccable English, has a strong level of Spanish, and holds a recognized teaching qualification. The Tutor should be organized, kind, fun, inspiring, efficient and flexible in their work. The role would suit a younger person, someone physically fit, energetic and lively, a broad and interesting person who has a wide range of interests they would love to share with the children.

It should be noted that the while Tutor will be free during school hours, he or she should try to use their time productively. This role would be perfect for someone who wants to write a book, study at the local university, or take the opportunity to learn Italian. The Tutor should be self-sufficient in this regard and able to entertain themselves constructively during their downtime.

The family has a high level of security, and the Tutor must be aware that this might affect plans from time to time. For example, while it is no problem arranging excursions that meet with their mother’s approval, the Tutor should be prepared to be accompanied by one (or more) of the family’s security personnel. Naturally, this means that the Tutor will need to be especially discreet about the role, mindful of their responsibilities in this regard. Having said that, although the security is evident, it is not oppressive.

The Tutor is expected to work with the children from 4pm until the homework is completed, every evening, with occasional work over weekends. The Tutor is entitled to an average of two consecutive days off per week – these are likely to be at the weekends, but a certain amount of flexibility is required.

The tutoring will follow the normal school terms, and the Tutor should expect time off at Christmas, Easter, and during the summer holiday.

A fully furnished apartment with Internet will be provided in Milan a short distance from the family home. The Client will cover rent and Internet charges. The Tutor will be responsible all personal use of the telephone.

In Milan, a car will be made available for the Tutor if required. The Tutor is responsible for keeping this car clean, for all fuel costs for personal use, and for any damage to the car not covered by the insurance. All other costs for the car are the Client’s responsibility as per the Terms.

The Client will be responsible for the Tutor’s full expenses arising from any travel required for the position throughout the contract term. However, it is unlikely that this contract will involve a large amount of travel, so the Tutor should not expect to be away from Milan for more than a few weeks at a time.

The Tutor should be a non-smoker, lead a physically active lifestyle, and be healthy and fit. He or she should be engaging, have a good sense of humor and an affable and warm disposition.