Tutor, Learning Specialist and Educational Therapist: What's the Difference?

What is a Tutor: 

A learning specialist is an educator who is skilled and experienced in providing learning strategies to students who struggle with learning differences. These educators work one-on-one or in small groups to give students intensive support that meets individual needs. Often an expert in a number of subject areas, learning specialists should offer study strategies, memory techniques, metacognitive and focusing methods, and compensatory learning strategies. They should also be versed in assistive technology, creating an intervention plan, defining reasonable accommodations, and assisting students to develop self-advocacy skills. Many learning specialists also offer reading, writing, and/or math remediation as well as cognitive remedial training, homework help, and direct communication with teachers and other professionals. Learning Specialists should be well educated in learning and cognition, as well as alternative learning and multisensory teaching strategies. They should hold a degree in education as well as a master’s degree or doctorate in a field such as educational psychology, special education, neuropsychology, or school psychology.

An educational therapist offers many of the same learning strategies and individualized educational interventions as a learning specialist, but they are also professionals who combine therapeutic approaches for evaluation, remediation, case management, and communication/advocacy on behalf of children, adolescents, and adults with learning disabilities or learning difficulties. These professionals should be versed in helping students with any social and emotional challenges surrounding their learning difficulties. An educational therapist should have extensive training and degrees in learning and cognition, as well as psychology, school psychology, and/or educational psychology. Many educational therapists hold a Master’s degree and a doctorate.

If you are looking for a specialist to work with your child after school, or you are a teacher who is curious about the opportunities outside of a school setting, being aware of the roles of a tutor, learning specialist, and educational therapist can help you to make an informed decision. If you are seeking a professional for your child or a student, be sure to ask potential tutors, learning specialists, or educational therapists about their training, certification, and experience.

If you are a learning specialist, educational therapist, or tutor and you would like to learn more about my certification courses that are currently available, CLICK HERE.

If you are interested in purchasing learning specialist / educational therapist materials, go to: www.goodsensorylearning.com 

I hope you found this blog helpful. 

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren