Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ram.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After I graduated from SMU in 2010 with my undergraduate degree, I looked for opportunities in education where I could work with students on an individual basis. At the same time, I started looking at various tutoring companies and was unhappy with the status quo. I was shocked at the low compensation, and that leadership had no background in education. I knew I loved education, and my passion was truly helping students however I could. I decided to try tutoring on my own, since I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
A short time later, I realized many families were asking me for help in subjects I do not specialize in, or asking me if I knew anyone that did. Since I was heavily invested in those children’s success, I felt I would be the best person to screen and coordinate potential new tutors for these families. I contacted Marissa Tyro, Dallas Manager, whom I knew from my time working in the SMU Chemistry Department; Marissa was almost finished with her MS in Chemistry from SMU at the time. Marissa was a high school chemistry teacher before returning to school for her Master’s. She began tutoring in math and science, and soon she took on a managerial role.
Fast-forward six years, Tutor Revolution now contracts anywhere from 10-15 tutors at any given time, we offer online tutoring, and we have helped many students and families achieve academic success in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Individually, I have returned to school to obtain my Master’s in Education. I am specializing in reading and writing. I am passionate about helping young students learn how to read, and older students how to read to learn.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every year we usually lose about two or three really great tutors to medical school, graduate school, or the starts of their careers. It is bittersweet for me. I am so proud of them, and I try to keep in touch with many of them! Also, the students really miss their tutors.
Another challenge is competing with the big names on spending for marketing/advertising. Since we are a small company, we often find we lack the sufficient time and resources to advertise and market on all mediums. However, we have had tremendous success by word of mouth and we can be found online through various methods.
Please tell us about Tutor Revolution.
While not all of our tutors are educators like Marissa and myself, all have a passion for helping others, enjoy mentoring and are content masters. I am most proud of the income we have been able to provide for these highly qualified tutors who deserve to be justly compensated. Additionally, I am proud that we are able to offer services to lower income families at a discounted rate, since I am very passionate about quality education for all.
My background is in Special Education, so I am always keeping my eye out for any issues that the student/family may not be aware of. The diverse group of tutors enables us to have specialties that broadly cover all subjects from K-12th & college. We are most utilized and known for our expertise in math, science, and ACT/SAT prep.
What sets us apart from other providers is that Tutor Revolution thrives on collaboration, and we constantly communicate with our tutors. Furthermore, we do not look for tutors after we have been contacted; we only place students with tutors we have already recruited and that have undergone at least two practice sessions, in addition to other hiring procedures. We keep the tutors’ pictures and biographies online so parents know more about the person coming to their home. Since tutoring has to be a good fit, we only hire engaging individuals.
While I do have my attention on company growth and providing income for many tutors, the most important measure of success is our students’ achievements. Student success varies greatly. I feel very successful when I hear we have closed a gap of knowledge, a student has shown growth or a spark of interest, or is making better grades. We love motivating our students and modeling how to be a successful learner! Our aim is to show a student that learning, or a content area, can be enjoyable… perhaps even fun!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would be more thorough, careful about choosing vendors and other service providers.
Pricing:
- $50 for (1) 1-hour meeting- middle school or high school
- $60 for (1) 1-hour meeting- college/adult
- We do not require contracts for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getmyAnow.com
- Phone: 817-240-9452
- Email: tutor.revolution@gmail.com
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