Today marks World Tutors’ Day, and I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey tutoring has taken me on.

From the Classroom to Private Tutoring

Over ten years ago, I made a decision that completely changed my professional life. I became a tutor. And without a doubt, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved being in the classroom. The sleepy morning smiles, the excited chatter of children telling me they couldn’t wait to start their day, the guided reading sessions, and the one-to-one support I gave to my SEN students — those were moments I cherished deeply.

But slowly, it became too much for me emotionally. I care deeply about every child I teach, and the weight of not being able to give each one what they genuinely need began to take a toll on me.

That’s when I transitioned to private tutoring. I wanted more time, more connection, and more impact. I wanted to build meaningful relationships with families and to show every child I work with that they are capable, they do belong, and they can achieve.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Real Stories 

The past two weeks have reminded me why I do what I do almost daily.

One of my homeschooling students, H, who has made immense progress since we started working together in March 2024, burst into tears during our last session before summer. She felt devastated knowing we wouldn’t meet for a few weeks.

I was taken aback. This is a girl I’ve been firm with at times, pushing her, stretching her, challenging her, and I didn’t expect such a robust emotional response. 

A bit of her story: H was severely bullied at school and diagnosed with dyslexia. Her anxiety became so intense that her parents withdrew her from school altogether. They couldn’t find a tutor she connected with until we met. From our first conversation, there was an immediate sense of trust and understanding. We’ve now been working together for over a year, and I look forward to seeing what the next academic year holds for her.

Another student of mine who is on the autism spectrum has also made remarkable strides. When we started, this Year 3 boy was still using Reception-style paper, and it was starting to impact his confidence. But with encouragement, patience, and tailored support, he’s now writing beautifully in cursive and on the same paper as his peers.

His family shared words with me that I’ll never forget:
“Aleks, you’ve been the bridge between the school, the OT, and us as parents. S has progressed immensely.”

And then there’s the boy I mentioned in my last blog, the one I’ve been working with through video coaching. The emotional connection he’s built with his parents around something as simple as handwriting is beautiful. That bond, that shared enthusiasm, that belief — it’s the kind of thing that stays with a child for a lifetime.

Gratitude on World Tutors’ Day

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, I’m filled with gratitude.

To every student and every family who has crossed my path: thank you.
Thank you for trusting me, for working alongside me, and for believing in the magic that happens when educators and parents go hand in hand.

Here’s to many more moments of growth, connection, and confidence.