Private Tutor - Boston, USA

Student

The student is a 21-year-old who has been admitted to Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education. This is an online course designed to be student-paced and is offered asynchronously. The first semester starts January 27, 2025, with a unit titled ‘Introduction to Computer Science with Python’ that must be completed by May 10. In an ideal world, the Tutor who supports this module will have the skills, knowledge, and experience to support him all the way through each of the 8 semesters between now and Fall 2027.

The young man attended a private high school before working towards a career in professional basketball. His time as a basketball player has shaped his disciplined, health-conscious approach to life, and he remains committed to his athletic training even as he moves into academic pursuits.

The student plans to balance the demanding expectations of Harvard coursework with his ongoing commitment to basketball. While technologically adept and comfortable navigating online platforms, his academic foundation requires strengthening to meet Harvard’s high standards. To stay in the program, he must achieve a minimum of grade B in all his courses, though his family is encouraging him to aim for higher results. The family sees this as an opportunity for him to lay a solid foundation for his future while broadening his skill set and developing new interests.

The student has a range of personal interests that contribute to his dynamic personality. He is particularly drawn to driving and vehicles, finding enjoyment in exploring different cars and developing his mechanical knowledge. He also has an interest in cooking, often experimenting with recipes that align with his focus on fitness and nutrition.

The student is naturally reserved and prefers structured, purposeful interactions. He responds well to people who hold him accountable and expect excellence, appreciating firm but supportive guidance. While he may not always express himself openly, he values relationships with those who understand his personality and push him to achieve his best. 

Role of the Tutor

The Tutor will play a pivotal role in supporting the student as he undertakes his online computer science program at Harvard University. The Tutor’s primary responsibility is to ensure that he achieves academic success, helping him meet or exceed the minimum grade requirement of a B. The Tutor must work closely with the student to review course materials, explain challenging concepts, and ensure assignments are completed to a high standard. It is crucial that a balance is found between providing support and fostering his academic independence. The Tutor will not do the work for the student but will ensure that he does not submit anything below the required standard. If he produces work that is not up to par, it will be the Tutor’s responsibility to review the work with him, guide him through necessary revisions, and help him refine it until it meets the right  quality. This approach ensures that the student feels confident in his achievements, knowing that his success has been earned through his own efforts without shortcuts.

The ideal candidate will have recently completed a degree in computer science and be proficient in a variety of programming languages, enabling them to provide high-level support throughout the student's program. The Tutor must be proactive and adaptable, ready to engage with new material and tailor their teaching to the student's specific learning needs. The Tutor may need to independently review course content to ensure they are equipped to guide the student effectively.

The Tutor’s will provide mentorship and support for the young man as he transitions to life in Boston. While he is a mature and independent 21-year-old, he should feel he can rely on the Tutor as a steady point of contact for day-to-day guidance and assistance. The family sees the Tutor as being approachable, reliable, and ready to help with practical matters, such as troubleshooting minor issues or providing reassurance in moments of uncertainty. The student's mother lives in Las Vegas and will not be his first point of contact for immediate concerns, making the Tutor’s presence in his day-to-day life especially important.

The student is balancing a rigorous academic schedule with his professional basketball training, requiring exceptional time management and organizational skills. The Tutor will help him navigate these commitments, ensuring his academic responsibilities do not effect his athletic performance or vice versa. The student is deeply health-conscious, and the Tutor’s own lifestyle should align with these values. The Tutor should be physically fit, health-conscious, and able to model a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A non-smoker is essential, and the Tutor should drink only minimally, avoid drugs, and have no interest in a partying lifestyle.

The Tutor must also help the student adjust to his new environment in Boston, guiding him in exploring the area and navigating life in a new city. Familiarity with US culture and academic systems will be advantageous, and the family prefers an American Tutor who can relate to the student's experiences and help him integrate seamlessly into his academic and personal life.

While the family would like the same Tutor to remain with the student throughout his program, they are open to transitioning Tutors if necessary. The immediate focus is on successfully completing the first course, which runs until May 10, 2025. The Tutor must be capable of quickly building rapport with the student, ensuring a seamless transition in the event of personnel changes.

Hours and Holidays

The Tutor will engage in a standard 40-hour workweek, though the exact distribution of these hours will need to accommodate the student’s training and personal schedule. The Tutor will be entitled to two consecutive days off per week, but it is essential that they understand the need to be flexible regarding the family’s travel plans and other commitments.

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

Accommodation, Travel and Miscellaneous

The student and Tutor to stay in a serviced apartment near Harvard Square during the early stages of the role. The student's mother is looking for a property to buy in the Boston area, and when secured, the Tutor will relocate with the student to the new home. The family will cover transportation costs for local travel. The Tutor must be able to drive and may have occasional access to the student's vehicle.

The successful candidates will be able to offer more than the minimum requirements of this position and must have been raised in a socially appropriate background. He or she will be an excellent practitioner and role model: educated and polished, with superb manners and personal values.

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

tijobs.net/592