Vetting, Training, and Management of Tutors Contracted by Upswing

Upswing strives to have both the most qualified tutors and best subject coverage. To ensure that these goals are both met, there is an intensive vetting, training, and management process that every Upswing tutor must go through.

1. Vetting and Recruitment

Each tutor is vetted through several stages. Candidates fill out an application which details educational background, work experience, relevant tutoring experience, and sends copies of their transcript(s).

Upswing gives preference to applicants with four year degrees, graduate degrees, and teaching experience. Candidates must have an A or B grade in the subject they want to tutor, or a 3.5 GPA. In the rarer instances when we consider undergrad applicants, the candidate must be in their junior or senior year, have outstanding academic commitment, and the same GPA qualifications as post-grad applicants.

Candidates applying for math, science, or writing tutor positions complete subject evaluations during the application process.

Following the initial vetting, applicants are interviewed by the Tutor Coordinator. Subject matter expertise, qualifications/experience, tutoring philosophy, and general expectations are reviewed during the interview process.

For more information about the vetting process of tutors contracted by Upswing, read this article: What is the vetting process like for Upswing Tutors?

2. Training 

Upon hire, tutors review Upswing's policies, procedures, and best practices. Once up to speed, tutors complete a Mock Session to ensure they are prepared for live sessions. The Tutor Coordinator reviews the Mock Session and then verifies the candidate's profile.

Upswing's tutor onboarding process covers:

• Upswing’s platform, policies, protocols, and pedagogical best practices;

• Tutor ethics;

• Communication skills;

• Active listening and paraphrasing;

• Adult learners, learning theory, and learning styles;

• Assertiveness and handling difficult students;

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;

• Learning Differences;

• The Tutoring Cycle;

• The Minimalist Approach;

• The Socratic Method;

• Sexual harassment;

• Plagiarism and academic integrity;

• Title IX compliance;

• FERPA Compliance.

3. Initial Evaluation

During Upswing’s vetting process, all Upswing tutor applicants are formally evaluated through subject-expertise tests, a ‘good fit’ evaluation, trainer evaluations of the tutor’s participation during trainings, and written submissions (e.g. a tutoring philosophy and a tutoring journal while completing training). 

3.1. Ongoing Evaluation and Supervision

The Tutor Coordinator is in regular communication with the tutors to ensure best practices are being followed. Additionally, the Tutor Coordinator monitors sessions every week for quality and follows up with tutors as needed with reminders and remediation.

Additionally, students rate and leave feedback on tutors after each session. All feedback is monitored, aggregated, and communicated to tutors. Upswing also uses a ranking algorithm that weighs student ratings, and the tutor's punctuality and responsiveness to student messages and session requests.

Upswing tutors also enjoy additional professional development through instructor-led trainings and webinars. 

4. Communication

Upswing uses an internal communication platform that allows the Tutor Coordinator to stay in contact with our team of tutors 24/7. Tutors can share best practices, notify Upswing’s tech team of tech-related issues, and request advice, support, or assistance from the supervision team before, during, and after sessions. Upswing’s communication platform also enables the supervision team to quickly communicate policy updates, dates and times for upcoming trainings, and information about new features.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Support using this form -- we're happy to help!