10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Tutor in Dubai

You’ve made the important decision to invest in a private tutor to support your child's academic journey. Now comes the crucial next step: finding the right person for the job. In a city like Dubai, with so many options available, how do you ensure you're choosing a truly effective and professional educator?

The key lies in asking the right questions. A thorough vetting process will not only help you assess a tutor’s qualifications but also their teaching style and professionalism, ensuring a positive and productive partnership. This checklist provides ten essential questions to guide your conversation.

This checklist is a fantastic starting point for your interview process. For a broader understanding of the different tutoring models and what makes for a successful student-tutor relationship, we recommend reading our Ultimate Guide to Private Tutoring in Dubai first.

Part 1: Questions About Experience and Qualifications

These questions help verify the tutor’s credentials and expertise.

1. What are your qualifications and teaching experience?

Look for more than just a university degree. Ask about specific teaching certifications, professional development, and years of hands-on experience in the classroom or in one-on-one settings.

2. What is your specific experience with my child's curriculum (e.g., IB, A-Level, IGCSE)?

This is non-negotiable. A tutor must have deep, practical experience with the exact curriculum your child is studying. Ask them to describe their familiarity with its assessment criteria, syllabus, and common challenges.

3. Can you provide references or testimonials?

A reputable tutor or tutoring agency should be happy to provide testimonials from other families in Dubai. This provides social proof and insight into their track record of success.

Part 2: Questions About Teaching Methodology

These questions reveal their approach to teaching and learning.

4. How do you assess a new student's strengths and weaknesses?

A great tutor won’t just jump into the material. They should have a clear process for conducting an initial assessment to understand your child’s learning gaps and preferred learning style.

5. How do you keep students engaged and motivated?

Ask about the specific strategies they use to make learning interesting. Do they use real-world examples, interactive tools, or goal-setting techniques? This helps you gauge if their style will match your child’s personality.

6. How do you measure and report on progress?

You need to know if your investment is paying off. A professional tutor will have a system for tracking progress and providing regular, clear feedback to you as the parent. At GetYourTutors, for instance, we provide updates after every session.

Part 3: Questions About Logistics and Professionalism

These questions clarify the practical aspects of the arrangement.

7. What are your rates, package options, and payment policies?

Ensure you have a clear understanding of all costs upfront to avoid any surprises. Ask if they offer packages for booking multiple sessions, which can often provide better value.

8. What is your policy for rescheduling or cancelling a session?

Life in Dubai can be hectic. A professional tutor will have a clear and fair policy for handling unavoidable changes to the schedule.

9. Do you work independently or with a professional agency?

Asking this helps you understand the level of vetting and support behind the tutor. Tutors from a reputable agency like GetYourTutors have already undergone rigorous background checks and qualification verification, giving you an added layer of security and peace of mind.

Part 4: The Final Question for the 'Right Fit'