The family’s unique interests and values create a nurturing environment that emphasizes creativity, intellect, and individuality. The father has a keen eye for industrial design, and the mother is an avid art collector, reflecting a family that appreciates aesthetics and craftsmanship. Their plans to travel and explore different forms of education offer a glimpse into a family that values exploration, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. The family dynamics, including the collaborative projects and shared interests, foster a sense of unity and mutual respect.
The eldest brother, who is 13 years old and entering 8th grade, is an academically gifted student with a penchant for music and mechanics. He has a profound love for playing the piano and accordion, showcasing self-taught techniques and remarkable playing ability. His fascination with trains, a shared family interest, extends beyond mere hobby; it's a testament to the family's dedication to creativity and intellectual curiosity. Despite his academic prowess, having completed algebra 2 and consistently scoring in the 99th percentile in standardized tests, the burden of homework has been a source of discontent. In the upcoming year, he will be delving into geometry. The student's creative spirit is evident, but the current school structure limits his ability to fully immerse himself in his passions. He is also learning French, and the family wishes to continue this linguistic journey. His multifaceted interests, combined with his academic achievements, paint a picture of a young man with immense potential, seeking an educational experience that aligns with his unique talents and aspirations.
The younger brother, who is 11 years old and transitioning to 6th grade, is a charismatic and emotionally astute individual. He has a way with words, showcasing a love for puns and word games, and is known for his wit. This year at school he has started Latin and is already enjoying it. He is passionate about equestrian activities, specifically saddle-seat, and has won competitions in this field. He is also involved in Makerspace, playing the clarinet, and creating jewelry. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his jewelry-making business, where he finishes and resells pieces at a profit. Despite his enthusiasm for reading and science, he has an aversion to math and has been diagnosed with mild dysgraphia and ADHD, which affects his working memory. The student's involvement in the family’s shared interests, his success in equestrian competitions, and his remarkable abilities in various creative pursuits illustrate a young boy with diverse interests and talents, seeking an educational experience that nurtures his strengths and addresses his challenges.
The family’s shared passions and collaborative projects, such as an extensive model railway, not only highlight their unique interests but also emphasize the strong family bonds and shared values. The way the children interact with each other and their parents, their considered and peaceful communication, and their shared endeavors reflect a family that is not only supportive but also deeply connected. These dynamics offer a rich context for a Tutor to engage with the children in a meaningful and transformative educational journey.
The role of the Tutor in this family will be multifaceted and tailored to the unique needs and interests of both boys. The Tutor will be responsible for homeschooling the children, requiring the ability to design a flexible and engaging schedule that fits into their daily lives. This schedule must not only nurture their academic growth but also align with their extracurricular pursuits, ensuring they remain on par with their peers for a smooth reintegration into regular school upon returning from their trip.
For the eldest, the Tutor will need to provide academic support, particularly in geometry, while also nurturing his profound love for music. The young man's passion for playing the piano and accordion requires a Tutor who can play a musical instrument, preferably a jazzy one, can improvise, and has the confidence to perform or busk. This musical connection will not only enhance the student's musical development but also provide a shared creative outlet that aligns with his interests. The Tutor will also need to recognize the student's creative abilities and find ways to integrate them into his learning experience, allowing him to flourish both academically and artistically. Supporting his French language learning will be another essential aspect of the Tutor’s role. The possibility of preparing the young man for GCSEs or A Levels (in math or music perhaps) adds another dimension to the Tutor’s role. This will involve understanding the British educational system and creating a tailored curriculum that allows the student to present a diverse academic portfolio in the future.
For the younger brother, the Tutor’s responsibilities will be more complex, as the young man is desperate to get out of school and doesn’t really want to go back. He will probably be home-schooled even if his older brother ends up going back to school. The Tutor will need to address his academic challenges, especially in math, while fostering his diverse interests, including his recent interest in learning Latin. The student's passion for equestrian activities, calls for a Tutor with knowledge or experience in this field. This understanding will enable the Tutor to support the young man's equestrian pursuits and potentially enhance his competitive edge. The Tutor will also be responsible for taking the student to and from equestrian events, aligning with his interest in competing more frequently. The Tutor needs to recognize the student's unique challenges, such as mild dysgraphia and ADHD. Crafting a personalized educational plan that caters to his interests, needs, and desire to be home-schooled will be essential in nurturing his well-spoken and witty personality.
In addition to individualized support for both brothers, the Tutor will play a vital role in facilitating the boys’ involvement in family-related activities and shared interests. This includes accompanying the boys to railway shows, model railway shows around the country, and other countries, reflecting their serious interest in railways.
Coordinating activities and travel, especially during the family’s potential stay in the UK and other European destinations, will be another significant aspect of the Tutor's responsibilities. This will require careful planning and collaboration with the family to ensure a seamless educational experience that aligns with the boys’ academic requirements and personal interests.
Overall, the Tutor’s role will be integral to the family’s educational journey, requiring creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the boys' academic and personal interests. The successful candidate will not only be an excellent educator but also a mentor and guide, capable of nurturing the young men's individual strengths, addressing their weaknesses, and fostering a love for learning that encompasses academics, arts, sports, and life skills.
The Tutor will be available for an average of up to 35 hours per week. Preparation time will be in addition to this. Given the nature of this role and the potential for travel, the exact schedule will be worked out between the Client and Tutor as the role evolves and will likely vary with location, time of year, etc. The Tutor will be flexible with respect to any changes in schedule, be they travel-related or otherwise, and will adapt accordingly.
It is essential to approach the working hours with a sense of reasonableness, especially during travel or extended trips. A more balanced approach should be taken, recognizing the unique demands of in loco parentis responsibilities during travel. To compensate for extended working hours during trips or special circumstances, the Client could allow the Tutor a long weekend off from time to time. This approach ensures that the Tutor’s commitment to the family’s needs is acknowledged, while also maintaining a fair and sustainable working relationship.
The exact details of holidays and time off will be negotiated to align with the family’s plans and the Tutor’s well-being, creating a harmonious balance that supports the children’s educational journey and the Tutor’s professional fulfilment.
The family will provide separate accommodation near their home in New Orleans. During travel, the family will provide the Tutor with private accommodation. A car for local use will be provided, or a public transport allowance when more suitable. All expenses will be covered by the Client except for the Tutor’s personal phone bill.
The successful candidate will be able to offer more than the minimum requirements of this position and must have been raised in a socially appropriate background. He or she will not only be an excellent educator, but also a good role model: educated and polished, with excellent manners and personal values.
The Tutor must be a fit, healthy and a non-smoker – active and energetic with a love for the outdoors; the kind of person who always makes the most of their environment to enhance teaching and learning opportunities.