Urgent Hiring: Passionate Part‑Time Tutor – Reading, Math, ACT/SAT, Robotics & Coding – Grand Rapids, MI (Remote Options)
About Sylvan Learning Center – Empowering Learners Across Michigan
Founded over a century ago, Sylvan Learning Center has grown into the nation’s premier provider of personalized educational services. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills, Sylvan serves thousands of students from kindergarten through high school across diverse communities. Our Grand Rapids and Rockford centers are vibrant hubs where dedicated educators collaborate to deliver customized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, homework support, study skills, and college‑prep test preparation (ACT/SAT). By joining our team, you become part of a legacy that transforms academic challenges into triumphs, helping families achieve their educational aspirations.
Why This Role Matters – The Impact of a Sylvan Tutor
As a Sylvan Tutor, you will be at the heart of each student’s journey toward academic excellence. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and compassionate approach will spark curiosity, reinforce foundational concepts, and build the critical thinking skills essential for future success. Whether you’re guiding a kindergarten student through phonics or coaching a high‑school senior on SAT strategies, your contributions directly influence confidence, grades, and long‑term educational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
- Design and Deliver Personalized Lessons: Prepare engaging, standards‑aligned instructional sessions using Sylvan’s proven curriculum materials for reading, math, robotics, coding, and test preparation.
- Student Engagement & Rapport: Warmly greet each student, establish a supportive learning environment, and tailor your teaching style to match individual needs, learning preferences, and personality.
- Progress Monitoring & Feedback: Evaluate student performance on assignments, record detailed progress notes, and communicate achievements and areas for improvement to students, parents, and center staff.
- Motivation Through Token System: Implement Sylvan’s token‑based reinforcement system, celebrating milestones and encouraging consistent effort while tracking earned tokens accurately.
- Classroom Management: Efficiently manage time, materials, and student behavior to ensure each session is balanced, focused, and productive.
- Safety & Well‑Being: Follow all safety protocols, maintain a secure learning environment, and respond promptly to any student concerns or emergencies.
- Collaboration & Communication: Attend regular staff meetings, participate in ongoing professional development, and share insights with fellow tutors to continuously improve instructional quality.
- Certification & Training Completion: Successfully complete Sylvan’s certification programs for each subject area you teach, staying current with best practices and curriculum updates.
Essential Qualifications – What We Require
- Education: A four‑year degree from an accredited institution (any field for reading/writing or math; a degree emphasizing mathematics for math tutors; related fields preferred for robotics and coding).
- Teaching Experience: Minimum of one to two years of experience teaching or tutoring students from kindergarten through high school. Experience in a classroom, tutoring center, or private instruction is highly valued.
- Subject Expertise: Demonstrated mastery of phonics, reading comprehension, or mathematics concepts appropriate to the grade levels you will serve. For test‑prep roles, proven success in preparing students for the ACT or SAT is essential.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to explain complex ideas in clear, relatable terms.
- Interpersonal Qualities: Warm, caring, and enthusiastic demeanor; a genuine passion for helping students succeed; and the ability to build trust quickly with learners and families.
- Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using digital learning platforms, virtual whiteboards, and basic instructional software; remote tutoring candidates must have a reliable high‑speed internet connection and a quiet, distraction‑free workspace.
Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart
- State or provincial teaching credential (current or recently expired).
- Specialized certifications in reading intervention (e.g., Orton‑Gillingham), math enrichment (e.g., MathCounts), or test‑prep (e.g., College Board‑approved instructor).
- Experience with robotics kits (LEGO® Education, VEX, etc.) or coding languages (Scratch, Python, JavaScript).
- Prior experience in a franchise or multi‑site tutoring organization, demonstrating adaptability and consistency across locations.
- Demonstrated success in boosting student scores, attendance, or confidence based on measurable outcomes.
Core Skills & Competencies – The Blueprint for Success
- Instructional Design: Ability to customize lesson plans, integrate multimedia resources, and differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning styles.
- Analytical Thinking: Skilled at diagnosing academic gaps, interpreting assessment data, and developing targeted remediation strategies.
- Motivational Techniques: Proficient in using positive reinforcement, goal‑setting, and growth‑mindset language to inspire perseverance.
- Time Management: Efficiently balances multiple student schedules while maintaining high‑quality instructional delivery.
- Collaboration: Works seamlessly with center directors, fellow tutors, and administrative staff to align on student goals and center objectives.
- Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality, punctuality, and a polished appearance (even in remote settings) to represent Sylvan’s brand positively.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities – Your Path Forward
At Sylvan, we view every tutoring position as a launching pad for long‑term professional development. As you excel, you’ll have access to:
- Advanced Training: Ongoing workshops in curriculum innovation, technology integration, and leadership skills.
- Certification Pathways: Opportunities to become a Certified Sylvan Trainer, enabling you to mentor new tutors and shape instructional quality across centers.
- Leadership Roles: Potential progression to Center Director, Academic Coordinator, or Regional Training Manager based on performance, experience, and initiative.
- Educational Partnerships: Collaboration with universities and professional organizations for continued learning and networking.
Work Environment & Company Culture – What It’s Like to Be a Sylvan Tutor
Our centers in Grand Rapids and Rockford are designed to be welcoming, student‑centric spaces equipped with modern learning tools, flexible seating, and a vibrant atmosphere that encourages curiosity. Remote tutors enjoy a similarly supportive environment, with digital resources, scheduled check‑ins, and a community of peers who share best practices via virtual forums. Sylvan’s culture is built on:
- Inclusivity: Celebrating diverse backgrounds and learning styles, ensuring every student feels seen and valued.
- Collaboration: A team‑first mindset where mentors, directors, and tutors exchange ideas openly.
- Innovation: Commitment to integrating cutting‑edge educational technology and evidence‑based teaching methods.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, part‑time options, and the ability to select in‑person or remote assignments that fit personal commitments.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What We Offer
- Competitive Salary: Pay rates commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the specific subjects taught.
- Performance Bonuses: Incentives tied to student progress, retention rates, and achievement of center goals.
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose shifts that align with your personal life, including evenings and weekends.
- Paid Training: Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing professional development at no cost to you.
- Lesson Materials Provided: Fully prepared lesson plans, workbooks, and digital resources supplied for each session.
- Limited Student Load: No more than three students per teacher in regular programs, allowing for individualized attention.
- Employee Discounts: Reduced rates for personal tutoring, workshops, and Sylvan’s educational products.
- Health & Wellness: Access to group health plans, wellness programs, and mental‑health resources for eligible employees.
Application Process – How to Join Our Team
Ready to make a difference in the lives of Michigan learners? Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare a current résumé highlighting your education, tutoring or teaching experience, and any relevant certifications.
- Write a brief cover letter that showcases your passion for education, your preferred subject areas, and why Sylvan’s mission resonates with you.
- Submit your application through the link below. Our hiring team will review your credentials and reach out within 5‑7 business days to schedule a virtual interview.
Join Sylvan Learning Center – Your Future Starts Here
At Sylvan, we believe that every student deserves a champion who believes in their potential. If you are eager, compassionate, and ready to inspire academic excellence, we invite you to become part of our dedicated family of educators. Together, we will empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
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