Toronto (TOR-0117)
This position is not currently available.

An able and experienced History graduate or supervisor is required to fill an intensive tutoring role starting as soon as possible for the remainder academic year 2017, and likely for some of the 2017/18 academic year at least. The student, an undergraduate at University of Toronto, has had a disappointing start to his university career, and is looking for help to get him back on track and on target for successful completion of his studies. While there are no formally diagnosed learning differences it may be useful if the Tutor has experience with some of executive functioning aspects of dyslexia and ADHD.

Student

The young man is Russian student who has had mixed success in his previous school life. He is fluent in English, having attended an Anglophone school in Russia before moving to continue his education in the UK, where he remained until year 10 (age 14/15). At this point, he transferred to a Canadian school, where he studied the IB curriculum until graduation. Along with the mandatory Theory of Knowledge, he opted to study IB higher courses in history, economics and English, with standard level studies in French, mathematical studies and science (focussing on environmental systems.)

The student’s IB experience did not deliver the results that had been hoped for, and he did not complete the IB Diploma. However, having concurrently followed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, his final grade of 86% was enough to secure entry to University of Toronto, where he opted to major in Humanities, specifically History, starting in September 2016. His module selections for the first semester were Classical Civilization, Twentieth Century European History, Anthropology, and History of Imperial Russia. Although he attended all his classes and completed all in-class assignments, he did not do any of the work set for completion between classes. With the exception of Classical Civilization, where he passed the course with 46%, he failed all other classes.

The student remains enrolled at Toronto University, reading a course in Roman History. To earn the grades required to remain in the Canadian university system, he has enrolled in an online program at Athabasca University, studying modules in Ancient People, Imperial Russian History, Twentieth Century European History, and the History of Canada. He must score an average of 65% across these courses.

Although already on a course in Toronto, it is possible that at the end of this academic year, the student will transfer to Guelph University in order to study Food Agriculture and Resource Economics. He has been told orally that if he achieves the >65% average stated above he will be able to transfer to this course (at the time of drafting this Specification, he does not have written confirmation that this will suffice). If needed, he may complete some further courses, aligned with those on the Agriculture course at Guelph, this summer.

The student is a charming young man who has the ability to excel, but currently lacks the skills and motivation to improve his academic situation in a meaningful way. He seems to lack self-esteem, and although very well-meaning and quite earnest, is currently directionless and perhaps a little overwhelmed by the expectations of university life. He will undoubtedly benefit from holistic support in both his academic and social life. Training in basic tasks such as cooking healthy meals and keeping an eye on fitness and diet will help him become more disciplined, and this should have a positive impact on his studies. It is important that the student experiences University life in all respects, making time from his studies for extracurricular and social activities, but he needs help learning how to fit everything in without detrimentally affecting his studies.

Role of the Tutor

This role calls for a Tutor to work closely with the student as he completes his second semester at University of Toronto, and probably until the end of the first semester of his 2nd year. The Tutor will act as mentor, coach, tutor and guide, a sort of proactive ‘safety-net’, steering the student towards a successful life as an undergraduate student. The Tutor will need to work with him on his time management and organizational skills as well as helping him to prepare for exams and assignments. The Tutor will need to teach the student how to properly conduct his research, structure his papers and help him develop his analytical skills, as well as ensuring he follows the class timetable, attends his lectures, takes notes effectively and integrates well with other students on his course and at social or sports clubs.

The role is a full-time, residential position. The Tutor will live and work with the student, guiding him through all aspects of university life and providing him with the on-going support that will enable him to flourish. The position is initially based in Toronto, but if the student decides to transfer to Guelph, the Tutor should expect to move with him. In previous similar assignments, Tutors International has found that the student has benefitted from support throughout the duration of their degree, and it may well become evident that this is the same in this case, although as his maturity develops the role should evolve to one that is more arm’s length. Although plans are fluid at this stage, the ideal Tutor should be open to the possibility that this role may continue for the full length of the student’s undergraduate studies.

For the initial role, until the student has confirmed whether he will move to Guelph or stay at Toronto, the Tutor must have majored in History, preferably with experience in at least some of the modules the student has chosen. Applicants with a background in the environmental sciences will find themselves at an advantage if Guelph requires additional courses during the summer or for the ongoing role if the student does transfer from Toronto. The Tutor should have experience teaching (whether formally or informally), and those with experience working with learning differences will again be at an advantage. Although the student has no formal diagnosis, it may be that the learning and organisational techniques associated with the management of dyslexia and/or ADD (or other recognised differences) are key to helping him to develop a full understanding of the subject matter.

The Tutor must have the right to live and work in Canada, since Tutors International are unable to sponsor a visa for this particular role.

Hours and Holidays

The Tutor will typically work with the student for an average 40 hours a week, with preparation time in addition. Since the student will be attending formal classes during this period, it is likely that, in the short term at the very least, the contact time will leech into the Tutor’s designated weekend days. However, it should be remembered that this is a position where success is measured not by contact hours but by the student completing his courses with a strong GPA, and by solid academic foundations being set for future studies. The compensation package is commensurate with the expectation that the successful candidate will put in the required effort even if it means that the typical working hours vary from the figures stated here.

The Tutor is entitled to an average of two consecutive days off per week, but should not always expect these to occur at weekends or to be regular in their timing. As far as possible, a consistent pattern for academic learning should be established, but the Tutor must be aware that they also have responsibilities concerning the student’s social life and as such, the timetable here is flexible.

Accommodation, Travel, and Miscellaneous

The Tutor will live in the same apartment as the student, with his or her own bedroom and bathroom. Save for the Tutor’s personal telephone use, the Client will cover all bills on this apartment. Meals taken with the student will be covered by the Client. All other meals will be at the Tutor’s personal expense.

If the successful candidate is currently located in Canada, then he or she is expected to have their own car. If they do not, and if it is found that a car is necessary, the Client will provide a vehicle for reasonable local use.

The successful candidate will be able to offer more than the minimum requirements of this position. She or he will not only be an excellent educator, but also a good role model: enthusiastic about their subject, professional but also personable, with excellent manners and personal values.

The Tutor must be fit and healthy, a non-smoker.

Contractual details

  • Start: As soon as possible
  • Duration: The remainder of the academic year with possible renewal
  • Hours: At least 40 per week
  • Salary: £144,000 GBP per annum
  • Accommodation: Provided
  • Car: Provided if necessary
  • Vacation: Minimum 45 days per annum, prorated
This position is not currently available.

Current vacancies

Beijing

After-school and weekends

Early Years specialist

Flawless English (and Japanese ideally)

Frequent travel

Lake Garda

One boy (10) and one girl (7)

Experience with IB and English primary curriculum

Patient, supportive and sporty educator

Italian speaker preferred

Based near Lake Garda, Italy


Florida & Pennsylvania

To start September 2025

One boy, 13

Full-time homeschooling

French language

Travelling

Three students: two girls, aged 12 and 10, and one boy, aged 7

US curriculum humanities specialist

Full-time travelling role

Adaptable, professional and dynamic educator

One of two tutors working as a team

Travelling

Three students: two girls aged 12 and 10, and one boy aged 7

US curriculum math and science specialist

Full-time travelling role

Adaptable, professional and dynamic educator

One of two tutors working as a team

Miami, Florence & London

Four siblings: girl (10), boy (7), boy (5), girl (3)

British curriculum and 11+ experience

French and/or Italian speaking

Experienced, highly organised and engaging all-round educator

Based between Miami, Florence and London


You’re using the new Tutor site. If you run into any issues or prefer the old version, click here to switch.