Pros
(1) It really is a privilege to work with these students. As a tutor you quickly find that the young men and women who society deems a problem are sweet, intelligent, and eager to learn. Many tutors have stayed in touch with their students after moving schools or leaving the program (2) Your coworkers are often young adults and recent graduates who are both passionate and knowledgeable about the education system in the US. In addition, the SAGA classroom is a fun, high energy environment where you collaborate with your fellow tutors on math games and activities (3) Your Site Director is usually an experienced ex-teacher who is immensely supportive of their tutors and enthusiastic about providing career guidance to tutors aiming to work in the field of education.
(4) Additionally, working as a SAGA tutor builds skills that are highly useful in future career endeavors, such as communication skills. As a tutor you will present to your students everyday and tailor your language to their understanding. You will also learn to listen effectively to their questions and concerns, and you will find yourself advocating for your students. As a tutor you will master the critical balance between assertive yet warm, and you will learn to maintain poise and professionalism in the face of behavior problems. Finally, SAGA requires that their tutors learn how to reflect and adjust. Tutors are always improving because Site Directors observe their tutorials often and provide helpful feedback.
(5) SAGA requires that tutors get to know their students' parents/guardians by calling home every week. Tutors are encouraged to try to always have at least one positive thing to say about the student. I appreciate this policy because studies show that when families are informed about a student’s academic life, that student is more likely to succeed.
(6) In my experience, tutors have a lot of freedom when it comes to what they teach on a daily basis. You have the option to follow SAGA’s pre-made curriculum, backfill with basic skills such as fractions, or speak to the teachers about their instruction plan and align your lesson to that. Math Lab's curriculum definitely does not have a rigid structure and my students often had a say in what they felt they needed to review. Finally, because you only have two students per period, you won’t have students you have to leave behind or hold back. Plans can be HIGHLY individualized.
Cons
(1) It is hard to watch tutors join the team, find a better (read: higher paying) job, and then leave after a few months. Students take it personally and every other tutor then has to adjust their caseload. Do not take this job if you are not willing to be challenged or if you do not plan to stay for the entire year.
(2) The pay is low, however not unmanageable in Chicago.
