Private Tutor - Zurich

Students

The boy (9) and his sister (8) were successfully home-schooled by one of our Tutors for the summer term last year in preparation for their move to the international/bilingual system. The family would like a Tutor to continue to work with the children in an after-school role supporting them in their new school. Both children made a largely positive transition to their international school; the environment seems to suit them better than the Swiss system, yet there are several challenging differences. For one, the schedule alternates between English and German on a weekly basis, so discipline is needed to avoid a multilingual soup. Additionally, there is an increased emphasis on homework, which has been a shock to both children, but the boy in particular. Finally, the school has a more disparate community, and the children often miss their local friends or the option of being able to spend time with their new school friends conveniently.

The boy is polite, bright and friendly but sometimes has difficulty retaining information and vocabulary, likely due to his many languages. He has had a trial by fire this semester, dealing not only with his new environment, but also with moving up to Fourth Grade. He struggles with the volume of homework after school, mostly because he is tired when he comes home and cannot yet operate on less than a full charge. He is, however, determined; he understands the wider purpose of his education, and finds reason to persevere from this basis. That said, he especially needs emotional support on difficult days, as he is still some way off from attaining the speed and focus required in this Grade. 

He enjoys football, tennis, basketball, swimming, surfing and especially skiing. When engaged with a topic, he is full of interesting questions and curious to learn more. He is fascinated with the natural world and being so well-travelled, he already has a wealth of experiences to draw on. He is learning to play piano and enjoys music. Whilst he is on a tough upward trajectory with his academic work, he is finding life more difficult socially at his new school. He often gets into small disagreements with classmates and can feel excluded during playtime. It takes regular reinforcement to help keep his anxiety about his social life from affecting his academic self-confidence. Mentoring him to cultivate patience and wisdom at school may be the most important thing for the Tutor to focus on.

His sister has stayed in Second Grade, which has allowed her to make the adjustment much more smoothly. Feedback from the school states that she is the natural leader of the classroom, often displaying wide knowledge beyond the curriculum, and always willing to help her classmates with assignments. She does, however, have a habit of “pattern-spotting”, without necessarily understanding the fundamental principles behind what she is doing (especially in maths and grammar). This can be a delicate topic to approach with her, as she often insists that there is no need for changes to her process. 

The girl is very self-possessed for her age and can at times be unnervingly perceptive. Polite, diplomatic, yet irrepressibly joyous, she has proved more than capable of managing the transition socially at her new school and has made friends readily. The Tutor will need to cultivate her willingness to change her approach where necessary, without her taking this to heart. This is best done at one remove from her schoolwork, when she is more willing to listen to, understand, and accept constructive criticism. She is starting to see herself as a young scientist; the attitude of experimentation and play in pursuit of new knowledge is immensely helpful for her growth. She enjoys ballet, tennis and like her brother is also an excellent skier, but her real passion is for arts and crafts, in particular crocheting. She is also learning to play the piano.

Role of the Tutor

The Tutor’s main role will be ensuring that both children are supported so they can thrive at their new school.  Helping to manage their homework and improving reading and written English and German as well as mathematics, will be required.

The Tutor will be responsible for picking the children up and driving them to and from school, extracurricular activities and home when necessary and, and as such, they must be a safe and confident driver with a full clean driving licence.

The parents are looking for a nurturing, compassionate and positive Tutor who can motivate and fuel their love of learning, whilst building their confidence and belief in their own abilities. The Tutor will need to be personable and enthusiastic. An excellent track record with primary children is essential. They must be fluent and able to teach in both English and German. A good sense of humour and ability to make lessons amusing and memorable is also desirable. At the family home in Zurich, a designated schoolroom has been made available as the teaching space, complete with an interactive whiteboard. 

The appointed candidate will be highly educated, intelligent, well-travelled, responsible and practical, with a strong sense of fun and a wide range of personal interests. The Tutor will promote sensible habits in relation to electronic device usage. The family expect technology to be a tool for the children to master, but they also need to be able to manage themselves without it.

The Tutor must be organised and tidy. The parents expect the Tutor to model and encourage impeccable manners and respectful behaviour towards others and their environment, including ensuring the children help keep the schoolroom clean and tidy, and clearing up after themselves in the kitchen after snack/lunchtimes. The parents are keen for the children to grow up as well-mannered and respectful young people.

Hours, Holiday, Accommodation and Travel

In Zurich, the Tutor will work with the children for up to 12 hours per week for the remaining 23 weeks of the academic year, with preparation in addition. The role will run from 7th January until 11th July 2025, with a 2 week break from 10th to 23rd February (ski week) and another 2 week break over Easter (18th April to 2nd May).

The Tutor will be flexible with respect to any changes in schedule, travel-related or otherwise, and will adapt accordingly. The Client will strive to give up to two weeks’ notice of any planned alterations. Due to the short-term nature of this contract, there will be no additional holiday allowance other than the times noted above.

No accommodation will be provided for this role.

The Client will provide the Tutor with a car for the duration of the contract.

Miscellaneous

The Tutor must be a fit and healthy non-smoker – active and energetic with a love for the outdoors. 

The ideal applicant will have lots of experience, enthusiasm and energy. They must be capable of adapting their teaching to fit the variable circumstances of working with two young children at home. The family are close and are keen for a friendly and fun learning environment for their children.

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

tijobs.net/591