Private tutor – Palma de Mallorca

A warm and welcoming family based in Palma, Mallorca, is seeking a native level German-speaking, early years specialist to provide focused, play-based educational support to their two youngest children. The family consists of four children, with the primary focus on the nearly 3-year-old boy and secondary attention on his younger sister, who will be 2 years old early next year. The role requires a tutor who is experienced in early childhood education, with a particular emphasis on encouraging language development in a multilingual environment. The family also travels occasionally within Europe for short business trips, during which the tutor will accompany them to maintain a consistent educational routine.

Students

The bright and energetic boy is the primary focus of the tutoring role. He is currently at a crucial stage of language development, but his verbal communication is not perhaps as advanced as might be expected for his age. He understands all three languages spoken in the household - German, Spanish, and English - and can make himself understood using a few key words from each language. However, his parents are particularly concerned with ensuring that the young man develops a strong foundation in German, the language most critical for his future education and family business involvement.

While his verbal communication currently includes isolated words like "up" in English, he is not yet actively imitating sounds. Despite this, he is a curious and active child who loves engaging with his environment. He has a deep interest in vehicles such as cars, diggers, and tractors, and he enjoys playing both on his own and with his siblings. He is about to start attending a Spanish/English bilingual kindergarten in Palma, and the family sees this as an opportunity to enhance his language exposure and his social skills. However, they are keen to have a dedicated tutor who can focus on reinforcing and developing his German language skills in a structured and consistent manner.

His younger sister, who is nearly 2, is naturally more outgoing and verbal than her brother. She is already showing signs of being a strong communicator, frequently imitating speech and participating in conversations and activities with enthusiasm. Her early language skills are developing rapidly, and while the focus of the tutoring will be her brother, she will likely join in some sessions, particularly those that involve music and play.

Role of the Tutor

The Tutor's main responsibility will be to support the boy’s language development, specifically in German. As the family places significant importance on him acquiring a strong foundation in their native level language, the Tutor must be a native level German speaker with expertise in early childhood education. The Tutor will be expected to engage the student in play-based learning activities that encourage him to vocalize and expand his vocabulary in German. This includes using educational games, music, sport, and projects that are fun and engaging for a young child. The goal is to create an environment where he feels encouraged to speak and interact, gradually building his confidence in using German.

The Tutor must be patient, kind, and skilled in working with young children, with a clear, gentle approach to ensuring progress in the students' language abilities. Experience in teaching early years education, particularly in a multilingual setting, is essential. The Tutor will also need to be active and enjoy the outdoors, as part of the role will involve engaging the students in physical activities at the family’s farm, where there are ample opportunities for outdoor play.

Music will be an important element of the educational approach, as both children enjoy singing and moving to music. The Tutor should ideally have a musical background or be comfortable incorporating music into their teaching methods. The ability to sing, play an instrument, or use music as a tool for language learning will be highly beneficial.

The role will also involve some elements of travel, as the family occasionally travels within Europe for short business trips. The Tutor will be expected to accompany the family on these trips to maintain a consistent educational routine for the students. The ability to adapt to different environments and continue providing high-quality educational support during travel is a key aspect of the role.

The family is very friendly and inclusive, expecting the Tutor to be collaborative and willing to integrate into their daily routines. The Tutor will need to be comfortable around animals, as the family has chickens, dogs, and horses at their farm in Mallorca. The Tutor should also be flexible and adaptable, able to adjust the educational program based on the children’s evolving needs and the family’s schedule.

Overall, the Tutor must combine linguistic expertise, professional experience in early childhood education, and a nurturing attitude to support the young man's language development effectively. This role demands a dedicated and adaptable individual capable of providing high-quality educational support in a dynamic and family-oriented environment.

Hours and Holidays, Accommodation and Travel 

The Tutor will work a 24-hour week. The typical schedule will involve picking the student up from kindergarten at 1pm and working with him until 5pm during the week. From Monday to Thursday, the Tutor will be based at the family’s home in Palma. On Thursday evenings, the family typically moves to their farm, where the Tutor will continue working on Friday afternoon, with a Saturday morning session as well. Flexibility is required, as the Tutor may need to travel with the family for short business trips, primarily within Europe. These trips typically last one or two nights.

The Tutor will have a minimum of 9 weeks off per annum, to be taken at times agreed upon with the family. The Tutor will be flexible with respect to any changes in schedule, be they travel-related or otherwise and will adapt accordingly. The Client will try to give up to two weeks’ notice of any planned alterations.

The Tutor will be provided with a separate studio apartment within the family’s home in Palma. The studio has its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, ensuring privacy while still being close to the family. When at the farm, suitable accommodation will be provided on-site. The family will provide a car for the Tutor’s use, and there are also drivers available if needed. When traveling with the family, suitable accommodation will be arranged. All travel expenses related to accompanying the family on trips will be covered by the Client.

Miscellaneous

The successful candidates will offer more than the minimum requirements of this position and must have been raised in a socially appropriate background. They will be excellent practitioners and good role models: educated and polished, with excellent manners and personal values.

The Tutor must be fit, healthy and a non-smoker – active and energetic with a love for the outdoors; the kind of person who always makes the most of their environment to enhance teaching and learning opportunities. 

The Tutor must be a confident driver with a full, clean driving licence.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: 

tijobs.net/583