New Tutoring Company to Hire Local Teens, Offer Tutoring Services

This story was written by Local Editor Sunde Farquhar.

It's no secret that teens have the ability to influence each other. 

The co-founders of a new tutoring company called PeerGenius Tutors are using this phenomenon as part of their business model. They think teens can be a tremendous help to other kids when it comes to learning math, English, science, language and social studies.  

PeerGenius Tutors, which is expanding into the area, matches tutors and students according to similar likes.

"Maybe match an athlete with an athlete, or a drama student with a younger drama student. We feel that works really well. Tutors and students connect very well, which makes the learning process more fun and improves the retention of material through the student," said PeerGenius Tutors co-founder Peter Traub.

"We find that the students really enjoy working with their tutors, especially after a student has been in school all day and might not really like the subject they're taking. It's really important that they enjoy working with the tutor."

Truab says his company is also an affordable alternative to traditional in-home tutoring services provided by college graduates or a professional teacher. PeerGenius' tutoring fees start at $35 per one-hour tutoring session. The company plans to start offering tutoring services in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties on September 1, 2013.

The 2-year-old Maryland-based company will not have a physical office in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. All business will be conducted online. Families who would like to use the tutoring services will book sessions online. After each session, tutors will provide a progress report to the parents of students.

PeerGenius Tutors is now in the process of hiring high school students to serve as tutors. Traub says the company is very flexible when it comes to its tutors' work schedules.

"It's a good job for high school students who have very busy schedules," he said.

Traub says that tutors will be paid an amount that is almost double that of minimum wage. Prospective tutors will be interviewed using Skype. Those who are hired will be trained using Skype.