A dyslexia tutor works with children or adults who have dyslexia, a neurological condition characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in reading or writing. Using a supportive and encouraging approach, a dyslexia tutor uses various methods to help students improve their reading and writing skills. One of the most important responsibilities of a dyslexia tutor is taking time to get to know a student and finding out as much as possible about his or her strengths and weaknesses. Dyslexia tutors instruct their students on a one-to-one basis and customize their teaching methods to address the specific needs of the individual student. Some students will likely have other conditions or learning disabilities associated with dyslexia and a good dyslexia tutor needs to be aware of these.
The tutor may work with small children in an elementary school or with adult students attending college. Ideally, a dyslexia tutor will approach each student as an individual with his or her own unique challenges. Before beginning any instruction, a dyslexia tutor may conduct a careful review of any previous records, teacher's notes, records from a therapist, or any materials from an individualized education plan (IEP) or individual learning program (ILP), customized learning programs mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Upon making an initial assessment of the student, a dyslexia tutor will design a specific course, encourage students to take on the responsibility for what they learn, and how fast they learn the skills needed to improve.
Dyslexia tutors are specialists in providing one-on-one assistance to their students. Students who want to overcome the challenges of dyslexia need to know that what they are experiencing is appreciated by the dyslexia tutor. The tutor must assess the particular learning style of the student in order to create a customized learning path that involves the student in the learning process. The process of learning is logical and sensual so tutors may utilize multi-sensory teaching methods to help students interact with the information being taught. Dyslexia tutors address and work on all of a student's learning issues every time they are together by doing things like reading easier texts to help improve their reading skills and to build confidence.
Students with dyslexia may see this condition affect many other areas of their lives. A tutor will be aware that students with dyslexia may already be anxious or tense as a result of the problems they can encounter at work, school, or in social situations. Children with dyslexia may already have problems with bullying, isolation, and pressure from anxious parents who want their child to overcome their dyslexia. Tutors are also trained to be aware of other issues or conditions that may be associated with dyslexia, like attention deficit disorder (ADD), dysgraphia, or any other comprehension problems.