'Shadow Teacher' (LSA) vs.
Private Tutor
Does your child need support IN class or AFTER class? Mixing these two roles is the #1 reason parents waste money. We explain the difference, the costs, and the visa rules.
Terminology Check
In KHDA policy documents, a "Shadow Teacher" is officially called a Learning Support Assistant (LSA). They work inside the school during school hours. A "Tutor" works outside school hours at your home.
Quick Answer: The Difference
Think of it this way: The LSA is a "Behavior & Inclusion Bridge," while the Tutor is an "Academic Booster."
| Feature | Shadow Teacher (LSA) | Private Tutor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Inclusion. Helping the child socialize, focus, and follow classroom rules. | Academics. Improving grades, preparing for exams, and fixing knowledge gaps. |
| Location | Inside the School Classroom (7:30 AM - 2:30 PM). | At Home (After 3:00 PM). |
| Qualification | Often Psychology/Behavioral background (ABA). Must be KHDA registered. | Subject Specialist (Math, English, Science Teacher). |
The Cost & Hiring Maze
Hiring a shadow teacher is significantly more expensive and complex than hiring a tutor. Here is the breakdown:
| Method | Estimated Cost (Monthly) | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| School Hired | AED 3,000 - 6,000 (Surcharge) | Pro: Easy. The school manages the visa. Con: You might share the LSA with another student. |
| Agency Hired | AED 5,000 - 8,000+ | Pro: Qualified professional. Agency handles visa/replacement. Con: Most expensive option. |
| Parent Sponsored | Salary (Negotiable) + Visa Costs | Pro: Full control. Con: Legal Nightmare. Requires you to sponsor their visa (often AED 7k+ salary requirement) or find a "freelance" visa holder. |
Why You Shouldn't Mix Them
We often get requests: "Can the shadow teacher also come home and tutor?"
We advise against this for two reasons:
- Burnout: Spending 8 hours with the same adult creates dependency. Your child needs to learn to function with different authority figures.
- Skillset Mismatch: A shadow teacher is trained in behavior (keeping the child calm/focused). A tutor is trained in curriculum (teaching fractions/grammar). It is rare to find someone excellent at both.
When to Choose What?
Choose an LSA (Shadow) if...
Your child is disrupting the class, cannot stay seated, struggles with social interactions, or has a specific diagnosis (Autism/ADHD) requiring moment-to-moment support.
Choose a Private Tutor if...
Your child behaves well in class but is falling behind academically. They need 1-on-1 time to revisit concepts they missed during the school day.
Need Academic Support?
If your child needs help boosting their grades after school, our subject-specialist tutors are ready to help. (Note: We do not provide in-school LSAs).
Find a Home TutorGetYourTutors provides home-based academic support only. We do not provide in-school Shadow Teachers or Learning Support Assistants (LSAs). Our staff are qualified subject tutors designed to support learning outside of school hours.