As tutoring gains traction in schools, district leaders face critical questions: where to find tutors and how to support them. Education experts share best practices for building effective, sustainable tutoring programs. The abridged article below is the first in an ongoing series focused on real-world challenges and solutions for implementing successful tutoring programs on a large scale.
Key Takeaways
Professional Development and Support Are Essential for Tutor Success Effective programs provide structured training, job-embedded coaching, and clear onboarding. Examples like George Washington University’s (GWU) Math Matters and Fulton County Public Schools’ program highlight synchronous and asynchronous training, tutorial management, and professional development that prepare tutors to succeed. Programs that offer frequent opportunities for observation, feedback, and mock sessions help tutors build confidence and refine their instructional practice.
Integration into School Culture Enhances Tutor Retention and Effectiveness Tutors thrive when integrated into school life—attending meetings, collaborating with teachers, and participating in events. Schools that treat tutors as valued team members foster better retention and outcomes. Including tutors in classroom observations, school assemblies, and professional development days reinforces their role as part of the educational team.
Building Safe Spaces for Learning: A Tutor’s Passion for Education
Lauryn Schumann, a junior at GWU, began tutoring through the university’s federal work-study program. Now a lead tutor with Math Matters, she values the relationships she’s built with students. “A few students asked if I’d come to their spelling bee … It’s fun and keeps me coming back,” she said.
Schumann credits her success to weekly training and mock sessions that helped her feel confident from day one. The program provides both course credit and ongoing development, reinforcing the role of training in tutor success. Tutors participate in four-hour monthly trainings led by curriculum instructors and build confidence by practicing with peers.
She tutors both during and after school, supported by a site manager. The program’s structure and meaningful student relationships have made tutoring a consistent and rewarding part of her college experience.
Lessons from Fulton County, GA: What Works and Why
In the 2023-24 school year, 11 schools in Fulton County (GA) conducted high-impact tutoring under the Personalized Learning Initiative (PLI), supported by the University of Chicago Education Lab and MDRC. Saga Education serves as the math technical assistance partner.
Tutors receive about 20 hours of training, including an onboarding process tailored to district needs. They attend school-based professional learning communities (PLCs) and participate in school events, which fosters a sense of belonging. The district requests bilingual tutors where needed and supports them with weekly office hours and classroom observations.
“It’s not the tutor’s background in education that makes tutoring successful,” said Hannah Zey, a continuous improvement analyst. “It’s how you support the tutors with training and structure.”
One powerful retention strategy is showing tutors the impact of their work. A significant increase in Algebra 1 scores in one school led five of six tutors to return the next year. Consistent communication and flexibility also help build strong district-vendor relationships.
Zey noted that including tutors in math PLCs was a key learning from prior years. Supervisors such as instructional coaches or tutoring coordinators are central in guiding tutors and ensuring alignment with school goals.
Frank Johnson, who leads New Generation Academy Tutors, emphasized the importance of competitive wages and aligning tutor schedules with school needs. His firm, which supports Fulton County Public Schools, focuses on hiring math tutors due to pandemic learning losses. Data-driven hiring practices and transparency around tutor expectations have led to strong results.
Research and Best Practices in Tutor Recruitment and Training
Kathy Bendheim of Stanford University’s National Student Support Accelerator emphasized that effective tutors can come from many backgrounds. “The magic is identifying and leveraging your community assets, then filling in the gaps through training and coaching,” she said.
Districts should assess their talent pool, set clear expectations, and ensure schedules align with tutors’ availability. Training should vary based on background—for example, college students may need more instructional support than retired educators. Tutors should possess two key qualities: a desire to build relationships and a baseline knowledge of instructional content.
Leadership and logistics roles are also essential. A program coordinator can ensure communication between tutors, teachers, and district staff. Schools should also provide coaching in person or via recorded sessions and AI feedback tools.
Live-online tutoring removes common barriers like long commutes and scheduling conflicts.
Maryellen Leneghan of Saga Education added that clear job descriptions, consistent hours, and visible impact on student learning are essential for attracting and retaining tutors.
You’re Just Getting Started!
This is the first part of our three-part High-Impact Tutoring Deep Dive: Staffing, Time, and Funding—a practical series exploring what it really takes to implement effective tutoring programs at scale.
Up next: How Schools Can Integrate High-Impact Tutoring. Learn how schools nationwide successfully embed tutoring into the school day—without overloading staff or disrupting instruction. Then, don’t miss Funding High-Impact Tutoring for Student Achievement, where we unpack real-world funding strategies that make these programs sustainable and scalable.
