We have all struggled at some point in our academic careers. Even the "academic superstars" who sat at the front of the class needed help at some point. No one is blessed with knowledge so vast that classes are more trivial than beneficial. AP chemistry, calculus, and learning a new language are just some of the difficult classes students may be forced to endure through their school years, and even before that, they may face struggles in various other subjects. Learning is different for everyone, and despite your best efforts as a student, you may not be seeing the results you or your parents want to be seeing. Certain classes may be more difficult than others, or the learning environment in that class may not facilitate learning as effectively as it could. Despite these difficulties, it is your job as as student to absorb as much information as you can, and if it isn't in the classroom then you must catch up outside of it.
Tutoring may seem daunting or embarrassing, but is it not more embarrassing to repeatedly get underwhelming grades on assignments or the class when all your friends are doing well? Tutoring is an underutilized resource with pride being a big factor for that reason. Everyone is too smart for tutoring, yet a majority of students need it. There are too many classes and assignments for everyone to be doing well in, especially considering the academic standing and literacy level of the country as a whole. Putting aside your pride and simply seeking help isn't just a lesson for school; it is an important characteristic for life as well.
Tutoring, in many ways, is better than class. It rids the distractions of a more populated classroom, allowing for individual or small group sessions that focus on your needs as as student. Tutors are also able to highlight trouble areas in the curriculum, offering a different way to approach the material or by simply giving more practice. Many times, a teacher will ask if there are any questions once going through difficult material. Many times, not a single student will ask, not because of shyness, but through a mixture of embarrassment and a strong desire to be done as fast as possible. These issues are resolved in tutoring sessions, since it is significantly harder to hide in a one on one session.
School can be difficult, especially with the addition of extracurriculars. More school before or after classes may be the last thing a student wants, but in the long run the benefits outweigh the extra hour or two spent with the book open. There is so much to learn, and oftentimes tutors give their students ways to not fall behind. Shortcuts to learning, loopholes to formulas, fun mnemonics to assist in history class. The way our teachers teach things may not be the best way for you to learn. Tutoring finds the best way for you to learn so that you can be the best student you can be.
Erie 1 BOCES, New York is seeking bids from qualified businesses to provide tutoring services for specified schools within their district. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes March 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET.