Latest news with #tutoring
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tutor Wonders If It's Okay to Ask a Family to Pay Her Throughout the Summer Despite Not Providing Lessons
A tutor turned to Mumsnet for advice on how to handle her challenging financial situation over the summer break She is contemplating asking one of the families to pay her over the summer, despite them not requiring any lessons 'In future, price accordingly, assuming that you won't be needed for the holidays. Incorporate your holiday 'pay' into the usual fee and set some money aside,' one reader suggestedA tutor is worrying about staying afloat financially over the summer break — and wondering whether it would be presumptuous to ask one of the families she works for to help. She detailed her dilemma on the community forum Mumsnet, explaining that she works for three families, all of whom have different schedules and payment approaches. One continues to employ her over the summer, and the second does not require her services during the break but still pays her year-round. The third family had the OP (original poster) working year-round the first year, but then the second year she was informed at the last minute that they would be away all summer, throwing her for a loop. "I didn't realize this was the plan and I wasn't paid all summer. I get the majority of my income from them and found it a real struggle for a couple of months," she said. Now that the current school year — her third with this particular family — is drawing to a close, the OP is anxious about her financial situation. The family has already informed her that her last lesson will be in a couple of weeks — "much earlier than I expected," the OP said. "This will leave me without pay for 3 months, which will set me back a lot," she continued, before explaining why adding new clients to her roster to cover the gap isn't feasible. "I'm unable to commit to other families who have asked for tutoring as they would want all the time, not just in the holidays." Her solution? To ask the third family to help her out — but she's not sure it's the right move. "Would it be cheeky to put this to the father and ask if there's any way they can pay me over the holidays and explain the situation?" she wrote. "I enjoy working with this family and would rather stay with them if possible, I know that I'm valued there, as the mom has told me in the past that they're keen to keep me/continue with me," she added. In the comments section, a lot readers shared the opinion that it would be wrong of the OP to make such a request of her employer, pointing out that her situation is the reality of being "self-employed." They argued that she should be budgeting her money better throughout the year to cover this window of time when she has less money coming in. "YABU [you are being unreasonable]. That is the nature of self-employed work. You need to plan for the times when you won't be working, not just ask your customers to pay you for nothing," one person wrote. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I think this is probably something you should have discussed with them prior to starting," another reader pointed out. "If they haven't previously paid over the holidays or paid a retainer, I would imagine they will not be happy to start now." Many people advised the OP that, going forward, she should negotiate full-year contracts with her tutoring clients or raise her rate to compensate for the summer downtime. "In future, price accordingly, assuming that you won't be needed for the holidays. Incorporate your holiday 'pay' into the usual fee and set some money aside," one suggested, while another threw out the idea of asking for "a retainer" from the family to keep their slot for the upcoming school year. Others wondered why someone working as a tutor would even expect that her services would be needed during a time when kids are on an extended break from school. "If the child is finishing exams in a couple of weeks, I'm not sure why you'd think you'd be needed throughout summer. They won't have anything to study for and will be taking a well-earned break," one person pointed out. Several people also suggested some ways the OP could supplement her income over the summer, such as waitressing jobs, proctoring exams or offering "summer catch-up sessions" for clients. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Edinburgh child 'denied free education at hospital' as they attend private school
Sick children are being refused free education at an Edinburgh hospital if they go to private schools. Outraged parents claim they have been left to pay as much as £115 an hour for one-to-one tutoring if their child is receiving treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and attends private school. However, state-school children receive free classes if they are too sick to attend school. The Daily Mail reports how one little boy who spent months at the hospital had to watch as children in neighbouring beds received daily schooling. READ MORE: 'Our Edinburgh scheme has a reputation for being tough - but it's misunderstood' READ MORE: Edinburgh Half Marathon underway in windy conditions as city centre awash with runners The hospital uses tutors provided by Edinburgh Council and at other prominent children's hospital, including Great Ormond Street, education is provided free of charge to all patients. When approached for comment, councillor James Dalgleish claimed the hospital was 'following Scottish Government guidance'. However, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said hospital education fees is a matter for the local authority and NHS board to consider with independent schools. When one parent complained, the council's Head of Education (Inclusion), Dr Lynne Binnie allegedly told them 'unfortunately, as you have chosen to privately educate your son, he cannot be supported by this team – you have effectively opted out of state-funded education and supports'. Parents have since criticised the policy, saying it denies their children 'a basic human right'. The mother of one child in Edinburgh explained how her son became seriously ill in August 2024 and was hospitalised within days. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "He faced months on a hospital ward in tightly controlled conditions, unable to go home or go to school," she told The Mail on Sunday. "We immediately thought, 'What are we going to do about school?', but we were told there was an amazing tutor on the ward. "When they realised he went to a private school, they told us there was a problem. We challenged it but... it was, 'You have decided to go private so you're not getting any of the benefits now".' The mother, a lawyer, said she and her husband were in no doubt that "very sick children were the victims of a divisive and ideological policy." Unable to afford the charges, the family resorted to teaching their son, now eight, who normally attends George Watson's College, themselves. Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Craig Hoy MSP, vowed to raise the issue at Holyrood and added: "Councils should not be levying these punitive charges on sick children." A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Decisions around fees for Hospital Education Services are a matter for local authorities and NHS Boards to consider with Independent Schools as appropriate." If your child has been affected by this issue you can get in touch by contacting
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I play alongside my kids now that they're older more than I did when they were toddlers
When my kids were young, I often felt tired of playing with toys by the time I was done with work. We connected in other ways and loved dancing together and being silly throughout the day. Now they're older, and I love "big kid" toys, like board games and video games, and we play more. I've been taking care of kids since I was a teenager. It started with babysitting, tutoring, and eventually working as a nanny. When I became a speech-language pathologist in my early 30s, I learned that playing with young children is a huge part of language growth and bonding. For years, I spent my workday on the floor, playing pretend and zooming a car down a track hundreds of times to teach vocabulary and speech sounds. While I was spending all day with other people's kids, I also had three young kids of my own. As a single mother, after work, I was completely "played out." I couldn't stand the idea of spending even more time sitting on the floor, doing the same repetitive task. But I knew that quality time and communication were important for my kids' development. Instead of playing with toys, I focused on embodying playfulness. I prioritized meaningful, joyful engagement during everyday tasks. When we cooked together or did chores, we got silly and danced. When we went on walks, we talked about everything we saw. We rode the ferry, hiked, and tried new cuisines together. Wherever we went, I made sure to keep my phone in my purse unless I really needed it. When I truly needed time to myself, I made sure to tell my kids we'd spend time together after I recharged. But I'd do so in a soft, developmentally appropriate way by saying something like, "Let's bake cookies in 20 minutes," and setting a timer. Because this was a normal part of our routine, my kids didn't seem to mind. They often played independently or with each other. From my training, I knew that the most important part was telling my kids the plan in a way they could understand and sticking to it. This built trust, modeled healthy communication, and set kind boundaries. Now, my kids are 15, 13, and 10. As they've gotten older, we started scheduling designated fun time together to make sure we don't get lost in the rush of dinner, homework, and extracurriculars. Last month, my 10-year-old wanted to wander around the local plant nursery, where he could smell the herbs and buy a vine for his bedroom window. My 15-year-old and I spent time learning to animate our illustrations together on Procreate Dreams. My 13-year-old and I still love baking unique treats, and we use The Great British Baking Show as inspiration. I've also realized I love "big kid" toys more than I expected. A couple of years ago, we invested in board games for our family Christmas present, and last year, we had a blast playing our first video game together. I love finding new ways to goof off together, and we try to play games together twice a month as a family. My favorite part of the year with my kids is Thanksgiving, when we travel to a rural cabin. Half the trunk is filled with new board games, rackets, DIY obstacle courses, and craft materials. The best part is that all three of my kids often teach me how to play, and as I learn their games, I learn more about how they think. My son recently guided me through Roblox, and even though I called on my vintage Nintendo skills when we found Kirby's Return to Dreamland, I still had a lot to learn. As he explained strategies in both games, I could tell he cared about both of us having a good time. He often came to rescue me in Kirby when I couldn't figure out how to get out of a maze or beat a villain. When I truly couldn't understand the point of Roblox after several sessions, my son said, "Figuring it out together is the whole awesome point!" And he was right. My relationship with my kids has grown and changed over the years. For us, joyful connection is all about discovery and finding ways to make ordinary moments extraordinary. Read the original article on Business Insider
Associated Press
16-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Odyssey Math Tuition Enhances Math Education with Online E-Learning - A Unique Apprach To Improving Math Grades in Singapore
Odyssey Math Tuition integrates online e-learning with physical tuition to enhance math education, offering flexible learning and progress tracking. Upgrades in July 2025 will further improve this approach, based on Justin Tan's extensive tutoring experience. Singapore, May 16, 2025 -- Odyssey Math Tuition, a premier math tuition agency in Singapore specialising in Math Tuition Singapore, is revolutionizing mathematics education by blending its cutting-edge online math e-learning system with traditional physical tuition. Spearheaded by founder Justin Tan, a seasoned math tutor with over ten years of experience, this innovative method empowers students from Secondary 1 to Junior College 2 to excel in mathematics through accessible, high-quality resources. A Pioneering Online Math E-Learning System Odyssey Math Tuition's online math e-learning system is a cornerstone of its approach, seamlessly complementing physical tuition classes. This platform provides students with an extensive library of resources, including topical content, mock exam papers, and recordings of all past tuition lessons. Available at no extra cost to enrolled students, it allows learners to revisit material anytime, anywhere—perfect for those balancing busy schedules while striving to master mathematics. The system tackles a widespread issue among students: the struggle to keep pace with school lessons. 'Many students find school teachers move too quickly or don't explain concepts clearly,' says Justin Tan. 'When the class advances to new topics, catching up becomes a challenge. Our online math tuition system lets students revisit weaker areas at their own speed, building a solid foundation in mathematics.' Benefits for Students and Parents To Improve Math Grades The synergy of online e-learning and physical tuition delivers substantial benefits for both students and parents, making Odyssey Math Tuition a standout choice for Singapore math tuition: 'Even late joiners get full access to past recordings,' Justin Tan emphasizes. 'We don't gatekeep resources—our mission is to help every student thrive in mathematics.' Upgrades and Future Innovations Odyssey Math Tuition is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve. Its Online Math Tuition e-learning system is undergoing major enhancements, with a revamped platform launching in July 2025. These upgrades will introduce more interactive and comprehensive resources, elevating the learning experience for students seeking the best math tuition in Singapore. Looking forward, Odyssey Math Tuition aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its e-learning platform. 'Students encounter a range of issues, from basic arithmetic errors to complex conceptual hurdles,' Justin Tan explains. 'A great math tutor anticipates these mistakes and offers tailored feedback. Our vision is an AI-driven system that provides personalized guidance, preventing small errors from snowballing into bigger struggles in mathematics.' Expansion Plans To Become Singapore's Leading Math Tuition Agency + Learning Platform Odyssey Math Tuition is poised for significant growth. Recently incorporated as Odyssey Math Tuition Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 202514827H), the agency is solidifying its presence in Singapore's education sector. This milestone underscores its commitment to scaling its impact and delivering top-tier secondary 1 to junior college 2 math tuition. In September 2025, Odyssey Math Tuition will unveil a new, state-of-the-art facility at Hexacube, strategically located near Eunos MRT station. This modern center will feature advanced learning spaces designed to inspire and support students, meeting the rising demand for its services as a leading math tuition agency. Further broadening its reach, Odyssey Math Tuition will offer its upgraded e-learning courses as a standalone option starting July 2025. This move allows students unable to attend physical classes to access its world-class online math tuition, making high-quality mathematics education more inclusive across Singapore. Plans are also underway to expand course offerings, potentially introducing specialized modules for advanced learners and additional resources tailored to national exam preparation, ensuring Odyssey Math Tuition remains a go-to for families seeking the best math tuition. Justin Tan's Vision For Odyssey Math Tuition Justin Tan's vision for Odyssey Math Tuition is to redefine math education in Singapore by merging time-tested teaching methods with modern technology. 'We aim to create an environment where every student, regardless of their starting point, can excel in mathematics,' he says. 'By combining online math tuition with physical classes, we offer unmatched flexibility and support. Our upcoming upgrades, AI integration, and expanded facilities at Hexacube will bring this vision to life, empowering more students to unlock their potential.' Justin Tan sees Odyssey Math Tuition as more than just a tuition center—it's a movement to make mathematics approachable and engaging. 'Math can be intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes a strength,' he adds. 'As we grow, we're committed to supporting Singapore's students and parents with innovative, effective solutions that set us apart as a top math tuition agency.' About Odyssey Math Tuition Odyssey Math Tuition Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 202514827H) is a leading math tuition agency in Singapore, specializing in secondary 1 to junior college 2 math tuition. Founded by Justin Tan, an expert math tutor, it blends traditional teaching with online e-learning to deliver exceptional mathematics education. With a new Hexacube facility opening in September 2025 and enhanced e-learning courses launching in July 2025, Odyssey Math Tuition is redefining Singapore math tuition. Visit Odyssey Math Tuition for more details. About the company: About Us: Odyssey Math Tuition Pte. Ltd. (ACRA UEN: 202514827H) is a premier math tuition agency in Singapore, established in 2013 by founder and lead math tutor Mr. Justin Tan. Committed to delivering exceptional math education, the agency provides both physical tuition classes and online e-learning courses tailored to students' needs. Odyssey Math Tuition is poised for growth with a new center opening in September 2025 and innovative e-learning courses launching in July 2025. Renowned for its passionate educators and cutting-edge teaching methods, the agency is set to enhance its offerings with AI-driven personalized learning solutions. Contact Info: Name: Odyssey Math Tuition Email: Send Email Organization: Odyssey Math Tuition Pte. Ltd. Address: Icon @ Changi B1-03, Singapore, 419741 Phone: +6585748255 Website: Video URL: Release ID: 89159532 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
Washington Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Trump policy moves worry Afghan refugees in US military town and Christian groups that assist them
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Kat Renfroe was at Mass when she saw a volunteer opportunity in the bulletin. Her Catholic parish was looking for tutors for Afghan youth, newly arrived in the United States. There was a personal connection for Renfroe. Her husband, now retired from the Marine Corps, had deployed to Afghanistan four times. 'He just never talked about any other region the way he did about the people there,' she said. She signed up to volunteer. 'It changed my life,' she said. That was seven years ago. She and her husband are still close to the young man she tutored, along with his family. And Renfroe has made a career of working with refugees. She now supervises the Fredericksburg migration and refugee services office, part of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. That faith-based work is now in peril. As part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown , his administration banned most incoming refugees in January and froze federal funds for the programs. Across the country, local resettlement agencies like hers have been forced to lay off staff or close their doors. Refugees and other legal migrants have been left in limbo, including Afghans who supported the U.S. in their native country. The upheaval is particularly poignant in this part of Virginia, which boasts both strong ties to the military and to resettled Afghans, along with faith communities that support both groups. Situated south of Washington, D.C., and wedged among military bases, Fredericksburg and its surrounding counties are home to tens of thousands of veterans and active-duty personnel. Virginia has resettled more Afghan refugees per capita than any other state. The Fredericksburg area now has halal markets, Afghan restaurants and school outreach programs for families who speak Dari and Pashto. Many of these U.S.-based Afghans are still waiting for family members to join them — hopes that appear on indefinite hold. Families fear a new travel ban will emerge with Afghanistan on the list. A subset of Afghans already in the U.S. may soon face deportation as the Trump administration ends their temporary protected status. 'I think it's tough for military families, especially those who have served, to look back on 20 years and not feel as though there's some confusion and maybe even some anger about the situation,' Renfroe said. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced in April that it was ending its decades-old partnership with the federal government to resettle refugees. The move came after the Trump administration halted the program's federal funding, which the bishops' conference channels to local Catholic Charities. The Fredericksburg Catholic Charities office has continued aiding current clients and operating without layoffs thanks to its diocese's support and state funds. But it's unclear what the local agency's future will be without federal funding or arriving refugees. 'I'll just keep praying,' Renfroe said. 'It's all I can do from my end.' Religious groups have long been at the heart of U.S. refugee resettlement work. Until the recent policy changes, seven out of the 10 national organizations that partnered with the U.S. government to resettle refugees were faith-based. They were aided by hundreds of local affiliates and religious congregations. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington has been working with refugees for 50 years, starting with Vietnamese people after the fall of Saigon . For the last 10 years, most of its clients have been Afghans, with an influx arriving in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power . Area faith groups like Renfroe's large church — St. Mary's in Fredericksburg — have been key to helping Afghan newcomers get on their feet. Volunteers from local congregations furnish homes, provide meals and drive families to appointments. 'As a church, we care deeply. As Christians, we care deeply,' said Joi Rogers, who led the Afghan ministry at her Southern Baptist church. 'As military, we also just have an obligation to them as people that committed to helping the U.S. in our mission over there.' Rogers' husband Jake, a former Marine, is one of the pastors at Pillar, a network of 16 Southern Baptist churches that minister to military members. Their flagship location is near Quantico, the Marine base in northern Virginia, where nearly 5,000 Afghans were evacuated to after the fall of Kabul . With Southern Baptist relief funds, Pillar Church hired Joi Rogers to work part time as a volunteer coordinator in the base's makeshift refugee camp in 2021. She helped organize programming, including children's activities. Her position was under the auspices of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which the government contracted to help run the camp. For Pillar's founding pastor, Colby Garman, the effort was an easy decision. 'It was affecting so many of the lives of our families here who had served in Afghanistan.' 'We've been told to love God and love our neighbor,' Garman said. 'I said to our people, this is an opportunity, a unique opportunity, for us to demonstrate love for our neighbor.' Within five months, as the Afghans left the base for locations around the country, the support at the camp transitioned to the broader community. Pillar started hosting an English class. Church members visited locally resettled families and tried to keep track of their needs. For one Pillar Church couple in nearby Stafford, Virginia, that meant opening their home to a teenager who had arrived alone in the U.S. after being separated from her family at the Kabul airport — a situation they heard about through the church. Katlyn Williams and her husband Phil Williams, then an active-duty Marine, served as foster parents for Mahsa Zarabi, now 20, during her junior and senior years of high school. They introduced her to many American firsts: the beach, homecoming, learning to drive. 'The community was great,' Zarabi said. 'They welcomed me very well.' She attends college nearby; the Williamses visit her monthly. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this spring, they broke fast with her and her family, now safely in Virginia. 'She has and will always be part of our family,' Katlyn Williams said. Her friend Joi Rogers, while careful not to speak for Pillar, said watching the recent dismantling of the federal refugee program has 'been very hard for me personally.' Veterans and members of the military tend to vote Republican. Most Southern Baptists are among Trump's staunch white evangelical supporters. For those reasons, Pillar pastor Garman knows it may be surprising to some that his church network has been steadfast in supporting refugees. 'I totally understand that is the case, but I think that is a bias of just not knowing who we are and what we do,' Garman said after a recent Sunday service. Later, sitting in the church office with his wife, Jake Rogers said, 'We recognize that there are really faithful Christians that could lie on either side of the issue of refugee policy.' 'Regardless of your view on what our national stance should be on this,' he said, 'we as Christ followers should have a heart for these people that reflects God's heart for these people.' Later that week, nearly two dozen Afghan women gathered around a table at the Fredericksburg refugee office, while children played with toys in the corner. The class topic was self-care, led by an Afghan staff member. Along the back wall waited dishes of rice and chicken, part of a celebratory potluck to mark the end of Ramadan. Sitting at the front was Suraya Qaderi, the last client to arrive at the resettlement agency before the U.S. government suspended new arrivals. She was in Qatar waiting to be cleared for a flight to the United States when the Trump administration started canceling approved travel plans for refugees. 'I was one of the lucky last few,' said Qaderi, who was allowed to proceed. She arrived in Virginia on Jan. 24, the day the administration sent stop-work orders to resettlement agencies. Qaderi worked for the election commission in Afghanistan, and she received a special immigrant visa for her close ties to the U.S. government. She was a child when her father disappeared under the previous Taliban regime. The return of the Taliban government was like 'the end of the world,' she said. As a woman, she lost many of her rights, including her ability to work and leave home unaccompanied. She studied Islamic law during her university years. She believes the Taliban's interpretation of Islam is wrong on the rights of women. 'Islam is not only for them,' she said. The resettlement office includes not only Catholic staffers, but many Muslim employees and clients. 'We find so much commonality between our faiths,' Renfroe said. Her Catholic faith guides her work, and it's sustaining her through the uncertainty of what the funding and policy changes will mean for her organization, which remains committed to helping refugees. 'I'm happy to go back to being a volunteer again if that's what it takes,' Renfroe said. Regardless of government contracts, she wants local refugee families to know that 'that we're still here, that we care about them and that we want to make sure that they have what they need.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
