Frequently asked questions

Who are your tutors?

All of our tutors are graduates and undergraduates based in Sri Lanka and India. The majority of our tutors are studying for or have studied math, STEM or math-related degrees. Each tutor has passed a rigorous selection process and completed a full-time three-week training program. All tutors receive ongoing professional development and regular training.

What training do the tutors receive?

Tutors receive 20-30 hours of initial training which they must pass before teaching their first session. This training has been developed by our team of former math teachers and is focused on ensuring our math specialist tutors can deliver effective and engaging one-on-one lessons. Training includes teaching demonstrations, webinars and coaching. Tutors are assessed throughout on their subject knowledge, ability to deliver student centred teaching and familiarity with online tutoring guidelines, US state standards and safeguarding policies. Modules include using formative assessment, identifying and addressing misconceptions and dealing with disengaged pupils. Throughout their careers, tutors receive ongoing CPD, frequent lesson evaluations and personalised feedback.

Where are the tutors based?

Our tutors are based in Sri Lanka and India. Third Space Global, our tutor centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, acts as a central place to oversee all tutor recruitment, training and day-to-day academic operations. All tutors are contracted by Third Space Global but some work remotely.

Why do you employ tutors in India and Sri Lanka?

We employ tutors from overseas to help solve three key challenges often faced when implementing one-on-one math teaching in school; scalability, accessibility and affordability. This kind of support is not often accessible for schools due to limited numbers of available math tutors, high numbers of students who require support, high costs, and high workloads for teachers who simply aren’t able to take on additional tutoring responsibilities. In India and Sri Lanka, there is a huge number of passionate, well-educated, English-speaking graduates and undergraduates who love math, meaning we’re able to provide support from math specialists at scale that fits with US school budgets and workloads – without compromising on quality – whilst providing tutors with an income well above the local graduate salary.

What qualifications do the tutors have?

All tutors must be studying for or have received a math, STEM or math-related degree. All tutors have passed the Global Tutoring Program, our bespoke training program built by Third Space Learning’s team of former maths teachers in partnership with researchers at the Institute of Education.

Are the tutors background-checked?

Yes, as part of our application process all tutors must pass a full Police Clearance Check in their local country.

I’m a US teacher – can I apply to be a tutor?

Tutors must be based in India or Sri Lanka to apply. We recruit from these areas to ensure schools have as many options as possible to help close the math achievement gap. With millions of students needing support, we want to increase the supply of high-quality, passionate tutors available to support these pupils, in addition to the great tutors and teachers already in the US. Employing tutors from overseas opens up access to maths specialist tutors, helping to counteract the STEM skill shortage in the UK. We also recognise that teachers in the US are already facing high workloads. Rather than adding to this pressure by taking on additional one-on-one tutoring responsibilities, we believe that teachers should be able to do what they best – teach – and have a range of solutions to choose from for providing additional targeted support for those pupils who need it most. The option of using math specialist tutors from overseas gives teachers one such choice that is often much more scalable, affordable and accessible than the alternatives.

How is tutor performance monitored?

We’ve developed a Tutor Performance Framework to ensure each tutor is delivering high quality, effective and engaging lessons. This includes regular lesson observations and strict criteria. Where a tutor is identified as requiring improvement, a Tutor Performance Plan is put in place to provide additional training and support.

How much are the tutors paid?

We’re committed to providing our tutors with competitive pay, ongoing development, and a great place to work. Tutors are either paid per session or through a full-time salary, depending on their contract. Rates vary depending on location but it is roughly 2.5 times the local average graduate salary. Tutors receive a guaranteed minimum payment per session, paid even if a session is cancelled. This provides financial security for our tutors at a rate that is still above the local graduate salary.

How old are the tutors?

The average tutor age is 24-years-old. Tutors must be 18-years-old or older to deliver sessions. Tutors are all undergraduates or graduates.