Why hire a Hebrew tutor?

There are a lot of reasons why a family might seek a private Hebrew tutor - either as a supplement to a more traditional Hebrew school experience or as a full replacement for one. I'm going to cover the situations that brought my students to me, though I'm sure there are other reasons I have not yet encountered.

By far the most common reason a parent contacts me for tutoring is because their child is struggling in class. In a classroom situation, and particularly with beginning Hebrew, everyone moves along at pretty much the same pace. This can be frustrating for students who want to move faster and extra unpleasant for students who need to slow down. Even in a class where the teacher is aware of the need for differentiation, there is only so much that can be done when students are there for just an hour or two per week. Private tutoring offers those students the chance for one-on-one instruction without the external limitations of keeping pace with ten other students.

In our sessions I am able to see and focus on just that one student - learn their strengths, their weaknesses, their favorite activities...and cater to them. Some of my students move very quickly through the material and some need more time to digest, practice, and repeat. Private tutoring allows every student to move at their own pace with my guidance and support.

Some of my students are referred to me as they approach the date of their Mitzvah celebration, either because they need some extra support in learning all of the required prayers or because they've never been to Hebrew school at all but have decided that they would like to learn in time to be called to Torah when they turn 13. These are some of the most fun students to work with because I get to see them go from "what's an alef-bet?" to chanting G'vurot in a surprisingly short time.

I also have students who have no difficulties with learning Hebrew, who started at the typical age of eight or so, but for whom a traditional program just doesn't work for logistical reasons. Maybe the family does not have a home synagogue where they feel comfortable and happy but a Jewish education is important to them. Maybe the child has a sports or theatre schedule that conflicts with Hebrew school classes and private lessons on their schedule is the only reasonable way to get it done.

Some of my students have learning challenges, including dyslexia, which make learning to read Hebrew a little more frustrating. Learning in a one-on-one setting relieves them of the anxiety of performing in front of their peers or of being rushed along by the pacing of the class. When I work with a new student, I'm always watching for the things that give them trouble so that we can work specifically on that roadblock. Communication with the parents or guardians is also critical, as often there is information from the student's secular life that helps me to better understand their needs.

Hiring a Hebrew tutor is the best way to get truly personalized attention for your child (or for yourself). No classroom teacher can give 100% of her attention to each student for even two minutes, never mind a full 45. When your child is working with me, they are the star of the show and my goal is to help every child feel exactly that. When they experience success, they are excited to come back for more. This is what I do.