tutoring question

I've been tutoring a child (8th gr) for the past year. The family is VERY pleased with me and even though they are moving to the city, they want me to commute in in September so I can continue. That's a whole separate issue though!! LOL

My question is this... for the summer, student has had 4 lengthy books to read (~400 pages each). I have spent a good 20+ hours reading on my own so far and I'm only on the 3rd one! I don't want to nickel and dime anyone or even charge for my reading time, but DH says I need to be compensated in some fashion and speak with the dad about it. I don't know what's reasonable and am wondering if you guys had any insight.

I could be doing other productive things instead of reading these books, and technically speaking, I could probably SparkNotes the books and get the summaries, but I want to be able to make sure I am well equipped to help him with his essays, etc. when school begins.

It's not face time I'm spending with the student, but it is hours of my time I am spending each week. When we see each other, we've been discussing the books, writing about them, and reading some more.
I don't want anyone to feel like I'm nickel and diming them.

What would you do?

Message edited 8/17/2008 11:48:02 PM.

Re: tutoring question

It sounds like you have 2 issues- commuting and the time spent reading.

As for the reading, I think it depends on the book. If you are tutoring a child in English and the books you are reading are typical English books then I don't think you can ask them for compensation. What I mean is if they are books an English teacher should be familiar with then no- I don't think you can ask for more $

If you are spending time preparing lessons or they are rarely used books that is a little different.

You may want to raise your rates in general if you are going to continue tutoring this student. I would say it's because of the commute and planning time. Good luck- that's a tricky one.

Re: tutoring question

definitely not!

that is planning time, and you shouldn't be compensated for it. you should only be paid for the hour that you are working with him.

maybe you should try to get more kids from his grade level so you can reuse your plans with them. i've often spent a lot of time preparing for one student but i would never dream of asking parents to pay for that. they pay for their hour--whatever you have to do for that hour is on your own.

now the commuting to the city...that's a different story.