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Online tutoring business helps match students with teachers

Online Tutoring
Posted at 4:16 PM, Aug 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-20 09:49:32-04

COLORADO SPRINGS — As we continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, one teacher has decided to start an online tutoring business to help families who are struggling with online learning or homeschooling.

Stretchedu.com is an online platform for students in third through eighth grade and will match families with qualified teachers. Elliot Zelinskas is a former fourth-grade teacher and the creator of the business.

Zelinskas decided to create the online tutoring business after families expressed concern over teaching their children at home. As a teacher, he knew families would need additional support, especially with certain classes.

"As a fourth-grade teacher, I realized specifically writing and math need a ton of extra support," said Zelinskas.

With stretchedu, he'll provide one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions. He says having students in small groups will help them socialize and spark discussion.

"They can ask their peer, hey did you get this? I got this, is this what you got," said Zelinskas. "They have that confidence when they get into the larger group to have a math talk."

All teachers will be available throughout the day and will work around the student's schedule. If they don't offer a specific service, Zelinskas says he will work with families.

"What we want is to provide excellent student support, no matter what it looks like. I'm confident I can find the professionals who can provide that," said Zelinskas.

As a tutor, he says it's important for children to have a dedicated learning space.

"Things like a good desk and a good lamp, nice lighting helps. The desk should be clean," said Zelinskas.

He says having that clean learning space will help children focus on the task at hand. He also recommends families utilize technology to make learning more engaging and fun.

"Our phones and IPADS are already writing screens so what you can do is use the screen mirroring feature and use your finger to draw," said Zelinskas.

Families interested in his tutoring services can visit Stretchedu.com.

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