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Virtual Learning During the 2020-2021 School Year

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Fall classes are just weeks away, and we are still closely monitoring district updates on classroom guidelines. It’s not clear yet what each district is deciding, but we are here to support them during this time with whatever choice they make. Whether or not schools allow scholars back in the classroom, we are here to provide the best educational support possible through our services.

With our employees’ and students’ best interests in mind, Gibson Educational Services has made the decision to offer mostly online services for the 2020-2021 school year. We will still be able to offer all of our services and provide the same quality instruction, and there is no cause for concern in being able to deliver this. We are taking extensive measures to train our employees in online instruction and technology and being as proactive as we can to prepare for the school year.

This fall we will be offering a variety of virtual services, like Virtual Homework Support/ACT/SAT Prep for 1-12 graders, and a Virtual Book Club. The Virtual Book Club will begin in October 2020 and will focus on 3 series – Harry Potter, Goosebumps, and American Girls. This will run for 6 weeks before we pick another book for Spring. When each scholar completes their 6 week book club, they will receive a $10 Pizza Hut gift card and certificate for their efforts. Additionally, we will be offering Tutoring and Minecraft beginning September 7, 2020. Scholars will be expected to participate in 2 hours each week to complete their school assignments before receiving an incentive code to a top rated Minecraft club which has more than 500 members.

Remote instruction is still worthwhile, although it may look and feel different. With our vast experience, we have decided this is the best way to practice social distancing measures while giving students’ the attention they need in their educational pursuits. We want to assure you that our tutors will not falter in our services and will go above and beyond in your scholars’ remote learning.

If you make the informed decision to have in-person tutoring for your scholar, we can provide these services to you as well. This fall, we will be providing in-person tutoring for Express Cheer. By taking extreme caution in our sanitization, social distancing, and other safe practices, you can rest assured that your scholar is safe with our tutors. Whether you choose remote or in-person tutoring, know that safety is our top priority in your child’s education.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. As supporters of education, we take our jobs seriously and would never jeopardize another scholar’s education out of convenience.

The Importance of Tutors in Times of Crisis

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School is coming around the corner, and the rise of COVID-19 is making students and parents doubt the capabilities of the education system. Every district is handling the new school year differently, whether it’s reopening full-time, implementing hybrid classrooms, or remaining remote. Some schools are also giving families the choice for in-person or online education. During this time, schools are scrambling to set their standards and realign their curriculum as public updates are made by governors. They are doing their best to keep students safe while accommodating their educational needs.

No matter what decision is ultimately reached for your state, it’s important to keep your child’s education top of mind. Each student is different, and some are handling remote learning better than others. One student may find remote learning helps limit distractions, while another feels that it maximizes them. In either case, you should pay close attention to your students and hear their concerns to give them the best education possible despite the circumstances. The education community is already hearing talks of the “learning loss” COVID-19 has had on students. The results aren’t definitive yet, but we shouldn’t wait to account for this loss once it’s proven. We should try to prevent it altogether.

One way you can help prevent this loss and supplement your child’s education is with the help of tutors. Tutoring can help scholars from kindergarten through college, and is especially useful for anyone learning to work in a new environment. Many parents are concerned about the effectiveness of remote learning and the learning loss they are experiencing. Though some states are starting to launch ambitious efforts to provide more tutoring for their students, you should still look into tutoring on your own and find what’s right for your scholar.

A tutor can help provide the accountability and support that students may feel they are lacking being out of the classroom. They can also give more personalized help that is customized to their specific needs. Our goal at Texas Tutors is to provide this individualized support to help struggling students stay on track. We know what the data says about students that fall behind, and we know how to help prevent that for your scholar during these turbulent times. Let us be the ones they can count on when they are feeling lost, frustrated, or even lonely. Contact us to learn about our services today.

Every Student Matters

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Although equal opportunity in education was made the law in 1954 through Brown vs. Board of Education, there are still many educational inequalities continuing to plague our nation today. Seven decades later, there is no doubt that we’ve made significant progress, but we continue to face an abundance of educational inequity in our school systems.

Research from the U.S. Department of Education and countless organizations prove that the white-black achievement gap is still prevalent. For years, organizations have been collecting data from all races in the public-school system to see which groups are outperforming one another over time. Through this data collection, it is clear that African American students continue to fall behind white students in academic achievement. This is indicative in test scores, reading performance, suspension rates, expulsions, and graduation rates, to name a few measures.

Last year, Stanford University launched the Educational Opportunity Project to further pinpoint these disparities. They set out to find exactly what is causing the white-black achievement gap by compiling a national database of academic performance. After years of researching, their results were conclusive: gaps in average test scores represent gaps in educational opportunity.

They also found that zero large school districts in the United States show African American students performing moderately well and on par with white students. Opportunity gaps are larger in some districts than others, and some have progressively lowered the achievement gap. But for others, the disparities are so large, it’s unbelievable that these numbers haven’t improved over time.

The most shocking part of it all is that through all of this research on achievement gaps, it is apparent that segregation is still pervasive in our modern school systems. Students of color continue to be concentrated in high-poverty schools, and these segregated schools (those that contain less than 10% of white students) are proven to have more inexperienced teachers, less funding and higher achievement gaps. According to Stanford, “Racial segregation, which has limited the opportunities of Black children and families for generations, continues to limit them today.”

Over time, the white-black achievement scores have narrowed, but they have not been eliminated. That is why we founded Texas Tutors, to give opportunities to every student and be a proponent for educational equality. By intervening early on in a child’s academic career, they are more likely to succeed and graduate high school, as well as pursue higher education. No scholar is left behind with our K-12 services, and we will continue to advocate for them and work for educational equality in our schools. Every student matters, and our systems should reflect that.

Change is Coming

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In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the desire for equality and freedom for African Americans inspired the Civil Rights Movement. This brought hope to our nation, but the Civil Rights Movement did not end there. Fundamental and lasting change was made during this period of time and its impact can be seen in a myriad of ways in today’s society. However, civil rights issues such as racial disparities in the criminal justice system still require ongoing work today, as has been proven by the death of George Floyd and countless others. The Civil Rights Movement was only the beginning of the long road ahead on the journey to equal rights.

In America’s past, the segregation in schools, military forces, restaurants, buses, and more perpetuated the false notion of “separate but equal.” As time went on, dozens of laws further enforced racial segregation. Nevertheless, the fight for justice across America continued.

On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man. Just 4 days later, the Montgomery Bus Boycott protested segregated seating. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was unconstitutional. The events that unfolded after were steps that got us closer on our journey as we marched down the road of equal rights. Segregation and employment discrimination were deemed unconstitutional, and laws discriminating against African-Americans ended. On paper, it seemed that the Civil Rights Movement had done its job. But, our journey was not over.

Systemic inequalities deeply ingrained in our way of life still exist. It may not be as blatant as segregation, but it is still present in our society today, as we have seen through the countless injustices that have been taken on the African American community. We have a lot of unfinished business in the fight for equality, and the next part of the Civil Rights Movement is happening right in this very moment.

This moment will go down in history, just as our predecessors like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. did, and we have the ability to be part of this monumental change in our society. Let’s unite together to understand each other, to fight with love and not hate, and to see that there is hope. Change is happening, and we have the potential to campaign against the violence and systemic racism that the African American community is experiencing. We are proud to be living in this moment and to come together as a nation to end this once and for all.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

If you would like to walk in the light with us, here are ways that you can be a part of the movement for racial equality.

The 3 Qualities of a Good Teacher

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“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” – Brad Henry

We all have that one teacher who stood out in the course of our academic journey as a youth. If we’re lucky, we may even have a couple or a few who made an impact large enough to remember through adulthood. They stay imprinted on our minds because they connected with us on a deeper level than a textbook ever could. A good majority of a child’s youth is spent around teachers, and they can truly shape a childhood, spark a passion, or be that supportive adult figure in a scholar’s life. Each day, teachers around the world help the next generation to be inspired and overcome educational barriers to be the best version of themselves. At Texas Tutors, we look for these 3 qualities of a good teacher in each of our hires: enthusiasm, compassion, and adaptability.

Enthusiasm

One of the most important qualities of a good teacher is their enthusiasm. Have you ever sat through a class that had you glancing at the clock every ten seconds? It’s probably because the teacher was unengaged, bored, and droning on about a subject they don’t really care for – and letting it show. An unenthusiastic teacher does not foster a quality learning environment. On the other hand, the teacher who is excited about the material, the class, and teaching will make time fly. These are the teachers that grab your attention to keep you engaged and who inspire you to soak up all the knowledge you can before the bell rings.

Compassion

But, it takes more than just enthusiasm to possess the qualities of a good teacher; one must also demonstrate compassion. Teachers who act with kindness and support gain the trust and respect of their students necessary for a conducive learning environment. This, in turn, leads to a more open and communicative classroom where a deeper bond can be formed. Students in these types of environments can ask questions and deepen their understanding without fear of judgment. With the compassion of a teacher present, students will blossom under their supportive and attentive guidance. Compassion also ties into another one of the key qualities of a good teacher: listening. Those who are compassionate toward their students are willing to listen to the scholars who are struggling.

 Adaptability

 Lastly, teachers need to be able to adapt to the needs of each student. Every scholar presents different challenges, varying learning styles, and a wide range of needs. By taking the time to understand each student’s traits, teachers can play to their strengths and build a more effective learning environment. This is a crucial element in the qualities of a good teacher because our services are largely used to help the scholars who are slipping through the cracks. Our hires need to be able to adapt to the needs of every child to provide a learning environment that best suits each of them. They are the safety net, and if they can’t change their teaching method to complement each student’s challenges, students falling behind will not be caught.

Texas Tutors 

Texas Tutors is a premier tutoring service that offers educational support for grades K-12. We pride ourselves on our academic excellence, small group intervention, and quality communication that services every scholar in need. We thoroughly screen each of our hires to ensure they not only meet but exceed what we know to be the qualities of a good teacher. The proper credentials coupled with enthusiasm, compassion, and adaptability meets the needs of each child to provide them with the best education possible. Our tutors will keep all of your students on the path to success, contact us today to see how.

How to Teach Kids at Home Effectively

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The shelter-in-place mandate put up its challenges for the education sector, but we are proud of all the teachers, parents, and students rising to the occasion. We want to help lighten your load by giving the best tips on how to teach kids at home effectively. Though it may take time to put new rules in place, it is worth the effort to help supplement your child’s education and keep them prepared for the next school year.

1. Limit distraction

The first step in how to teach kids at home successfully is to limit distraction to keep your child’s attention focused on their schoolwork. You should limit their use of their devices, other than what is needed to complete their work, until their schoolwork is done.

2. Make space for learning

Many adults have a specific area of the home in which they do work, and it’s important that you create a similar space for your child that is strictly devoted to learning. This space should be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television. This is an integral part of how to teach kids at home rather than in a classroom.

3. Maintain breaks such as snack time and recess

Routines and schedules are extremely important to teaching kids at home. Children will function best if they maintain a routine that is as close to normal as possible. We recommend you do this by setting alarms similar to those they would expect for school, as this can be helpful for keeping them on a schedule. Around lunch time, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.

4. Allow them to interact with friends via video chats

Your children are used to lots of social contact at school, so they will definitely feel the effects of being distanced from them. It’s important to allow them to interact with friends online, beyond social media or text messaging. Video chats are the closest thing to seeing someone in person and are a great way to get in some social time. This is a great opportunity for a break when thinking about how to teach kids at home.

5. Mix screen time with old school learning mediums

Overuse of screen time can have adverse impacts on young brains, so it’s important to mix it up during a time like this. It’s likely that your children will want to continue to use a screen of some sort during their breaks from doing work, so it’s important to limit screen time by mixing in old school mediums as well. Parents should encourage print and book reading as much as you are able and, if possible, request textbooks from your child’s school. Schools understand how to teach kids at home and what is needed to do it effectively.

6. Keep in touch with other parents

Social distancing is important during this time, but staying in touch with others via virtual communication is very important. Each parent that has a child home is going to be going through a new experience. Check in with other parents to see what they’ve found effective, and ask if they need help as well. Use as many resources you can in learning how to teach kids at home.

7. Don’t underestimate the power of a schedule

If you and your children are all doing work from your home, it’s likely that this is the first time that has ever happened. A schedule for your work and your child’s work is extremely important. To start, experts recommend keeping them on the same or similar sleeping schedule that they have when they are going into school. If a schedule was not provided by their teachers, help them write one for not only each day, but each week, as well. Giving your child a clear vision of what is expected will help them see that just because they are home, it does not mean they don’t have work to do. It will also help you think about how to teach kids at home and plan for the week head.

8. This is not a vacation!

This time at home might feel like a vacation for your child, but it’s important to remind them that their education still comes first. Obligations like class assignments, grades, tests, state exams, SATs, and ACTs aren’t going away just because classes have moved online. You’re learning how to teach kids at home to help them further their education, not to fall behind.

9. Remember to schedule time for fun

While this is most certainly not a vacation, it’s important to have some fun with your children while they are at home. It’s rare that you have this much time with your children, so use it as an opportunity to bond. Experts at Children and Screens recommend playing family card games, charades, or chess, organizing a tournament, or getting outside for a hike or walk together.

While we have been adjusting to this new normal, it’s important to recognize you and your scholar’s achievements along the way. Even though you may not have known how to teach kids at home before, look at where you are now! Every little accomplishment is a step in the right direction. Though every day may not be easy, remember to provide support your scholar during these turbulent times.

We thank the parents, guardians, teachers, and tutors who are providing that support. Tutoring is important now more than ever to ensure your child’s educational needs are met. Without the help of a tutor, it is possible that your child could fall behind and be affected for the next school year. Younger children are especially vulnerable as they are in the middle of critical learning stages that set them up for success for years to come. Remember that Texas Tutors is here for you and your child for every subject K-12. Learn more about our services or contact us today for any of your scholar’s educational needs.

Rewarding Part Time Jobs for Teachers

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Teachers are leaving their district jobs for a variety of reasons, but often have a difficult time finding something rewarding to do part time. At Texas Tutors, we offer a great alternative for part time jobs for teachers that allow(s) them to keep working with students. With fewer challenges than working full time with benefits, there are a number of reasons why retired teachers and others are coming to work for us.

Why are teachers leaving their full-time jobs?

Districts are having a shortage of teachers and the number of teachers leaving their jobs each year continues to grow. The meetings and paperwork that come with a full-time job may not be for everyone. Additionally, some teachers also want more flexibility with their time to further their education, start a family, write a book, or simply have a better life work balance. Texas Tutors eliminates many of the obstacle’s teachers face working for districts. We provide the freedom and autonomy some teachers crave in their full-time jobs, but aren’t able to have. Whatever the reason may be, there is a large list of part time jobs for teachers to consider.

Which part time jobs for teachers are the best?

Teachers can find part-time work in the hospitality industry, freelance writing, babysitting, and more. These jobs may be viable for the kind of flexibility teachers are looking for, but they may not feel as rewarding. Teachers went through years of hard work to pursue a degree, oftentimes multiple degrees, to focus on what they cared about most: education. Being a teacher takes tenacity and passion, and taking this energy and applying it to most part time jobs is largely unfulfilling. That is why tutoring positions offer a perfect alternative as the best part time jobs for teachers.

Tutors still have a widely impactful job in supplementing a child’s education. Those who have a passion for teaching but a need for freedom and flexibility are a great fit for tutoring. There will always be a demand for tutors, so this part time job offers great security advantages. You’ll also still have the opportunity to make a difference without the long hours, meetings, and paperwork of a full-time district job. Don’t throw away your expertise in teaching and goals to educate, see why you should come work for Texas Tutors. We offer the most rewarding part time jobs for teachers in Texas.

What are the benefits of working for Texas Tutors?

Say goodbye to district meetings and hello to having more time on your hands. Those piles of paperwork won’t follow you to your part time job with us. Our goal is to create a relaxed and conducive environment for learning that focuses on the children and not district politics. We also provide the curriculum so that you can focus on the teaching. Giving our tutors this freedom is essential to honing in on each scholar’s needs and giving every student an equal opportunity to succeed. That’s why we aim for a 6:1 ratio of tutors to scholars we serve to be able to help our tutors teach in the most effective manner possible.

If you’re interested in working with us and learning more about the benefits we offer, contact us today. Learn more about our services we provide and our emphasis on data to create a personalized learning experience.

The Best Online Tutors Texas Has to Offer

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Recent events are shaking up every economic sector forcing industries to adapt and overcome many challenges. With the new stay-at-home mandate, each sector’s ability to function and bounce back once the dust settles is further prolonged. Every profession is feeling these shockwaves rupture careers and businesses have to find a way to put the pieces back together. The education sector, in particular, is suffering and oftentimes teachers always get the last thought in tumultuous situations. That is why schools need the best online tutors Texas has to offer.

How is COVID-19 affecting education? 

It’s no secret that school closures are in effect, and the TEA even announced the cancellation of STAAR testing for the school year. This puts a burden on parents who rely on resources schools offer like extracurricular activities or provided lunches in addition to educational services. For working parents, it’s even more difficult to step in for their children’s educational needs and give them the support they need to complete assignments. Teachers are also spread thin trying to teach as many as 150 students in their case load, and there is no way to give each student the individualized attention they need. Utilizing all of the online tutors Texas students need could help alleviate each teacher’s load.

Just as we need an abundance of nurses to take care of those falling prey to illness, we need an abundance of teachers to help educate those out of classrooms. Students who are already struggling in class will suffer more and could fall further behind, significantly impacting their ability to succeed next school year. Taking the students who are already struggling in the classroom and putting them in new learning environments could be setting them up for failure. But, with the help of the best online tutors Texas has to keep them on the right track, they will be less pressured to succeed on their own.

For a long time now, the pressure of ensuring a student’s educational success was primarily on the shoulders of just teachers and administrators, rather than teachers, administrators, students, and parents. Now, students and parents are dealing with a lot of added responsibility, causing struggles when it comes to holding students accountable and ensuring their academic success. To assume that parents and students can adjust to distance learning overnight or even over the course of a few months is unrealistic. This is why if we put more tutors in place, we can better assist students and parents during this time.

What can we do to fix this?

By working with retired educators, we can balance the teacher to student ratio to better ensure student success during this time. Because it will be a prolonged period of time that scholars will be out of the classroom, it is crucial to start bolstering faculty numbers to provide educational services at home. For scholars that are falling behind, it is especially necessary that we don’t let them miss any more school. But, the only way to get them back to grade-level and keep them there is by bringing in more people to teach. This is where we come as the best online tutors Texas students are needing to stay on track.

How can Texas Tutors help?

Schools already reach out to us for our tutoring services to support students who are needing additional support in reading, math, and other subjects during the academic school year. We are their go-to online tutors Texas desperately is in need of now. If these scholars were struggling to complete their assignments in the classroom, then expecting them to be able to complete lessons online with little to no assistance is unrealistic. The burden that was previously on teachers to have students complete assignments is now put on parents and the students themselves. We need to eliminate this burden in order for all students to succeed, and the only way to do so is by hiring extra support.

At Texas Tutors, we offer year-round intervention services to school districts across Texas to give extra support to students falling behind in current grade level curriculum. Now, we have adapted our services to be just as effective online as they were in-person. We are the most reliable online tutors Texas superintendents and principals trust to teach scholars both in and outside the classroom. Learn more or contact us about how we can provide the extra support your students need today. Now is the time more than ever to set your students up for success!

© Gibson Educational Services 2020