Teaching – Gibson Educational Services

Virtual Learning During the 2020-2021 School Year

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 Two Weeks’ Notice Conundrum

Post types Teaching

People quit their jobs for dozens of reasons, even teachers, and a two weeks’ notice is something organizations will inevitably receive. But, it is up to the organization on how they will respond when an employee submits their notice. Although they can’t control what their employees will ultimately do, they can choose their reaction to it.

What are the most common reasons for quitting?

Leaving a job is a personal choice in the end, and one that companies should respect. Oftentimes, people leave a job because they feel a lack of career growth and want to broaden their skills. For teachers, that can mean pursuing a Master’s degree or even a Ph.D. to better serve their students. Sometimes, employees are looking to start a family and have to move cities to meet the needs of their spouse or to raise children near their relatives. Whatever the reason may be, it is ultimately the employee’s decision.

What is the conundrum organizations are facing?

Organizations are left with two choices when an employee hands in their two weeks’ notice: to let them stay and finish out their time or to terminate them immediately. The latter may be enticing if an employee didn’t work up to standard or if it will help the company financially. However, at Texas Tutors, we understand that allowing an employee to finish out the last two weeks after submitting their notice is the right thing to do – every time. We appreciate transparency and honesty from our employees and want their transition into another job to be as seamless as possible. So, a two weeks’ notice isn’t really a conundrum after all, but an obligation.

Why should organizations let employees finish their two weeks?

Organizations owe it to their employees to finish out their last two weeks of work. It’s courteous and considerate, and it even used to be the norm. But now, organizations are taking advantage of the benefits of cutting salaries earlier. No matter how long the employee had worked for or the quality of their work, employees deserve to finish out their two weeks. Without giving employees this kind of job security, they may just leave without a moment’s notice and put the organization in a difficult position. If your employee has the respect to give you a notice, companies should have a mutual respect for them in letting them have one more paycheck.

At Texas Tutors, we strongly believe in giving employees this respect. If you are interested in starting a career with us, contact us today.

The 3 Qualities of a Good Teacher

Classroom Teaching

“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

Classroom Literacy Teaching

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.

Category: Teaching