Parent Resources & Getting Started Guide

Everything you need to maximize your tutoring experience with Magellan

As featured on WUSA9 News

Powered by Teachworks

Quick Start Guide
1 Your Parent Resource Page: Your Hub for Success
Bookmark: Parent Resource Page
What’s Inside:
  • FAQs, policies, and terms of service
  • Sample invoices (View a Sample)
  • Step-by-step guides for Teachworks, SAT Platform, and IXL
  • Tips for maximizing tutoring sessions
  • Downloadable PDFs for easy reference
Why Use It:
This page answers most questions, provides downloadable guides, and is always updated with the latest information.
2 Navigating Your Teachworks Profile
Access:
You’ll receive a welcome email with your Teachworks login link and instructions.
Log in to manage all aspects of your student’s tutoring.
Key Features:
DashboardView upcoming sessions and session history
SchedulingSee your calendar, request changes, or reschedule
InvoicesView, print, and pay invoices online
Lesson NotesRead tutor summaries and feedback after each session
ProfileUpdate contact info and add additional guardians
3 Communication: Stay Connected
SMS Group: Logistics, payments, and urgent support (Parent, Vanessa, Mike, Hazel)
Session Coordination: Scheduling and lesson details (Parent, Tutor, Vanessa or Hazel)
Email: For detailed questions or documentation
Teachworks Messages: Communicate directly with your tutor
Tip: If you’re ever unsure, message your SMS group or refer to the Parent Resource Page.
4 Preparing Your Family for Tutoring Success
Before Your First Session:
  • Review the Parent Resource Page for scheduling, policies, and platform guides.
  • Make sure your contact information is up to date in Teachworks.
  • Discuss goals and any special needs with your assigned tutor.
Ongoing:
  • Use Teachworks to check your schedule, review past sessions, and monitor progress.
  • Communicate regularly with your tutor and the Magellan team.
5 Scheduling & Tracking Sessions
View and manage all upcoming and past sessions in Teachworks.
Automated reminders are sent for every scheduled session.
Missed or cancelled a session?
Notify your tutor or the team as soon as possible.
Review cancellation policies on the Parent Resource Page.
6 Need Help?
Parent Resource Page: First stop for answers and guides.
SMS/Email: Reach out for support or urgent needs.
Teachworks: For direct tutor communication and account management.
By following this guide and using the Parent Resource Page and Teachworks profile, you’ll have everything you need for a smooth, successful tutoring experience with Magellan Tutoring.
Teachworks Platform Guide

Teachworks is our all-in-one tutoring management platform. Here’s how to use it:

  • Scheduling: View, request, or reschedule sessions.
  • Billing: Access invoices and payment history.
  • Progress Tracking: Review session notes and progress reports.
  • Resources: Access shared documents and learning materials.
  • Communication: Message your tutor directly.
Teachworks Features For Parents
  • Personal online accounts to view schedules, lesson history, invoices, and more from any device.
  • Automated lesson reminders via email/SMS.
  • Regular lesson notes and progress updates from tutors.
  • Ability to add multiple parent/guardian contacts for notifications.
  • Profile attachments for important documents (e.g., agreements, policies).
  • Parent portal access to all relevant information, including tutor bios and photos (if enabled).
  • Online payment and invoicing—view, print, and pay invoices directly from the account.
Contact & Updates

For streamlined communication, we have established specific channels for different needs. Please refer to the options below to get the fastest response.

SMS Channel 1
Participants: Parent, Vanessa, Mike, Hazel
Purpose: Logistics, payment, and general questions.
SMS Channel 2
Participants: Vanessa or Hazel, Tutor, Parent
Purpose: Session scheduling, lesson coordination, and direct tutor–parent communication.
Email Channel
Participants: Parent, Vanessa, Mike, Hazel
Purpose: Logistics, payment, and general questions.

Key Team Contacts
IXL Assessment Guide

For families getting assessment tracking in general math and general language arts.

We use IXL to assess your student’s current knowledge and track progress throughout our tutoring program:

  • Initial Diagnostic: Complete before first tutoring session.
  • Skill Practice: Assigned by your tutor based on diagnostic results.
  • Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments to track improvement.
  • Mastery Verification: Final assessments to confirm concept mastery.
Important: Please ensure your student completes the initial diagnostic at least 48 hours before their first session so you can prepare appropriately.
Important Policies & Information

We want your family’s experience with Magellan Tutoring to be smooth and transparent. Here’s a summary of our key policies:

Payment Methods
Credit Card: 4% processing fee.
Zelle & ACH: No fee (ACH only for subscriptions).
Zelle Us at info@magellantutoring.com
ACH setup requires bank validation.
Session Cancellation
12-hour notice required for cancellations.
For urgent scheduling updates, use your SMS group channel.
Tutoring sessions are 1-hour minimum.
Package Policies
  • Hours expire 6 months after your most recent package purchase.
  • If hours run out and tutoring continues, a new package will be charged automatically at your previous plan.
Membership Policies
  • Monthly recurring billing.
  • Early cancellation requires 1-week notice; a $200 fee may apply.
Switching Plans
Packages and memberships are both available.
Rescheduling Sessions
If you need to change an upcoming session, please submit your request in Teachworks or let your tutor know directly. We recommend giving at least 12 hours’ notice so we can offer the most flexibility. If your tutor is unavailable, we’ll make every reasonable effort to arrange a substitute tutor.
Getting the Most from Your Tutoring

Stay Consistent

Attend all scheduled sessions: Consistency—not sporadic attendance—leads to the best results.
Stick to your plan: Whether you’re on a subscription or package, regular sessions help build skills and confidence.

Prepare for Each Session

Bring assignments and questions: Have homework, class notes, or specific topics ready to discuss.
Set goals: Let your tutor know what you’d like to focus on each week.

Use Your Parent Portal

Check the calendar: Stay up to date on upcoming sessions and avoid last-minute conflicts.
Monitor progress: Review session notes, remaining hours, and progress reports in your Teachworks account.

Communicate Openly

Share feedback: Let your tutor know about challenges, successes, or changes in your child’s needs.
Update your profile: Ensure your contact info and student details are current for the best support.

Make the Most of Resources

Access shared materials: Use the links and resources provided in your Teachworks profile.
Ask about additional support: Explore online resources, enrichment activities, or group sessions if needed.

Understand Key Policies

Cancellation: Please provide at least 12 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a session.
Expiration: Package hours expire 6 months from purchase; membership hours must be used within each billing month.

Reach Out for Help

Questions? Visit our Parent Resources page or contact us anytime for support.
Your partnership is essential to your child’s success. Thank you for being an active part of the Magellan Tutoring community!

Parent Involvement

While we encourage independence, parent involvement is crucial for younger students. We recommend:
  • Regular check-ins with the tutor to discuss progress.
  • Review session notes in Teachworks to understand what was covered.
  • Ensure homework is completed on time and reviewed with the tutor.
  • Communicate any academic concerns, learning struggles, or changes in the student’s routine.

Key Items to Keep for Reference

  • Follow-up Email After Initial Phone Call
  • Pricing Details Page
  • Parent Resource Page
  • Activation Email
  • Communication Channels
  • Teachworks Login Information
  • Invoices
A Guide to Academic Success

As a parent, you are a crucial partner in your child's educational journey. This guide is designed to empower you with practical strategies to create a supportive learning environment, build strong study habits, and foster a love for learning that extends beyond our tutoring sessions.


Optimal Study Environment
Help your child find a quiet, well-lit space free from digital and household distractions. An organized desk leads to an organized mind.
Active Learning Techniques
Encourage methods like active recall A process of actively retrieving memories. Quizzing oneself is a great example. and the Feynman Technique. A method of learning by explaining a concept in simple terms as if teaching it to someone else.
Use a Planner or App
Whether it's a physical planner or a digital calendar, help your child track assignments, test dates, and extracurriculars to stay organized.
The Pomodoro Technique
This method uses a timer to break down work into focused 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. It’s a great way to prevent burnout.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
When your child succeeds, praise their hard work and strategy. For example, say "I can see how hard you worked on that report," instead of "You're so smart."
Frame Challenges as Opportunities
When they struggle with a concept or receive a poor grade, help them analyze what went wrong and what they can do differently next time.
Partnering with Teachers
At conferences, ask: "What's the most important thing we can work on at home?" This creates a powerful home-school connection.
Prioritizing Well-being
Adequate sleep and good nutrition are the foundations of academic success. A well-rested, well-fed brain is a brain that's ready to learn.

Recognizing When Extra Support is Needed

As a parent, your intuition is your best tool. Pay attention to the following indicators that may suggest your child needs additional academic support:

  • Academic Indicators
    A consistent decline in grades, taking an unusually long time to complete homework, or expressing that class lectures are confusing.
  • Emotional & Behavioral Indicators
    Increased anxiety or frustration about school, avoiding homework, or making comments like "I'm just bad at this."

If you notice any of these signs, we encourage you to open a dialogue with our team. We can work together to create a personalized tutoring plan to address these challenges and get your child back on the path to success.

Rewards & Referral Program

How To Earn Rewards

  • Earn 5 points for every hour of tutoring you purchase.
  • Every 100 points earns you a $35 credit toward future tutoring.
  • Your points never expire — save up for bigger discounts!

Watch Your Rewards Grow

  • After 20 hours: 100 points = $35 credit
  • After 100 hours: 500 points = $175 in credits
No action needed — your next purchase will automatically activate the rewards program.
Referral Rewards
  • 1 FREE tutoring hour for each new family you refer who purchases a package.
  • Your referred family also gets 1 FREE hour with their first package.
Use your credits anytime, for any tutoring service (excluding SAT Prep Tutoring).

Rewards points and free hours are tracked for your family automatically. When you have enough points, just mention you’d like to redeem credits at your next scheduling or billing interaction, and our team will apply your discount. For referrals, let us know which family you referred, and both you and the new family will receive a free hour after the package is purchased.

Discover Expert Insights On Education

Get practical tips, inspiration, and real stories from educators and families.
Our blog is your resource for strategies to support your child’s learning journey—both in and out of tutoring sessions.

Explore the Magellan Tutoring Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started & Service Areas
What areas do you service for tutoring?

For in-person tutoring, Magellan Tutoring services all cities in Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Alexandria County. Based on tutor availability, we occasionally service parts of Montgomery County, DC, and Prince George's County. Our virtual tutoring platform has no geographical boundaries and can serve students anywhere.

How do I get started?

Fill out a form on our website, send an email to info@magellantutoring.com with your tutoring needs, or text us at 703-203-7572. We offer a risk-free 1-hour trial session to assess your student's needs and develop a personalized plan.

Subjects & Programs
What subjects and grade levels do you tutor?

We provide tutoring services for all grade levels, and occasionally college and adult students depending on subject and tutor availability. Our favorites are elementary and middle school subjects, high school math, science, and writing, and SAT, ACT, and college preparation. We specialize in the new digital SAT format implemented from 2024 onward.

Do you offer SAT preparation?

Yes! We provide a tutor that will cater to your student's needs to prep them for the SATs and are accompanied by our comprehensive digital platform with over 5,000 practice questions, 20 full-length adaptive tests, and authentic Digital SAT interface for realistic practice. We provide both virtual and in-person tutoring options.

Payment & Pricing Options
How does the payment system work?

We offer two flexible options:

  • Package Users: Purchase 10 or 20-hour bundles in advance. Hours expire 6 months after your most recent purchase, and you can use them at your own pace.
  • Membership Users: Billed every 4 weeks with monthly hour allotments. Memberships have a one-month early cancellation policy.

We accept credit cards, Zelle, ACH, and PayPal for your convenience. Parents are automatically notified when they have 1 or fewer hours remaining, and packages auto-renew to ensure uninterrupted support.

Scheduling & Sessions
How can I schedule a tutoring session?

Scheduling is managed through Teachworks, our tutoring management platform. You can view, request, or reschedule sessions through your personal account. We offer flexible scheduling depending on your preferred schedule and needs. Our coordinators are the best and will help you throughout the tutoring experience.

When do we conduct tutoring?

Tutoring sessions are available every day including weekends. Typical sessions occur from 3pm-9pm, though sessions can be conducted outside this time frame to accommodate different schedules. Customized scheduling is available after discussing with your assigned tutor.

Where does tutoring take place?

We offer both in-person and virtual options:

  • In-person: At your home, local libraries, or other public establishments
  • Virtual: Online via Lessonspace and/or Zoom with integrated digital tools
Cancellation & Policies
How do missed/cancelled sessions work?

We require 12 hours notice for cancellations. If you cancel within 12 hours of the scheduled start time, we reserve the right to charge for one hour of tutoring. In-person sessions have a 1-hour minimum. Make-up sessions are always offered to ensure continuity in your student's learning.

Do hours expire?

This depends on your plan:

  • Package users: Hours expire 6 months after your most recent purchase
  • Membership users: Memberships have a one-month early cancellation policy
Our Tutors & Platform
Who are your tutors?

Our tutors are experienced, dedicated professionals hired as independent contractors. All tutors pass comprehensive background checks and are well-qualified to deliver high-quality tutoring services. We match students with tutors based on academic needs and learning styles.

What platforms do you use?

We use several integrated platforms:

  • Teachworks: For scheduling, billing, progress tracking, and communication
  • Digital SAT Platform: Authentic practice environment with 5,000+ questions
  • Lessonspace/Zoom: For virtual tutoring sessions
  • IXL: For diagnostic assessments and skill practice
What resources do your tutors use?

Our tutors have access to a wide variety of educational resources including math.com, edhelper.com, education.com, and more. We adapt our resources based on each student's specific needs and learning style.

Do you follow a specific curriculum?

No, we don't follow a specific curriculum. Our tutoring is based on identifying each student's strengths and weaknesses, and we adapt and cater our approach accordingly. We have comprehensive resources to identify these parameters and customize the learning experience for each student.

Academic Support & Progress
How can your tutoring service help improve my child's academic performance?

At Magellan Tutoring, we enhance your child's understanding of subjects, boost confidence, and improve academic performance. Our tutors personalize teaching methods based on learning styles, provide detailed progress tracking, and focus on both academic and personal development including stress management.

How do I track my student's progress?

After each session, tutors upload detailed notes and progress updates to your Teachworks account. You can review session summaries, topics covered, and recommendations. Comprehensive monthly progress reports are available in your account's Documents section.

Do you provide accommodations for learning disabilities?

Yes, we support students with learning disabilities and can provide extended time accommodations. Our tutors are trained to adapt teaching methods to different learning needs and styles.

Communication & Support
How long has Magellan Tutoring been in business?

Magellan Tutoring has been providing personalized tutoring services in Northern Virginia for over 13 years. Our experience and established reputation in the community demonstrate our commitment to educational excellence.

How can I get in touch with Magellan Tutoring?

You can reach us through:

  • Website: Contact form at magellantutoring.com
  • Email: info@magellantutoring.com
  • Phone/Text: 703-203-7572
  • Teachworks: Direct messaging with your tutor
  • SMS Groups: For scheduling and support updates — if you ever get confused or need something, message the SMS channel with our key team contacts

Key Team Contacts:

  • Vanessa: (757) 773-3652, vanessatsang@magellantutoring.com
  • Hazel: (240) 377-1801, hazelafroilan@magellantutoring.com
  • Mike: (301) 437-2891, mikesison@magellantutoring.com
Can I request a different tutor?

Absolutely! If you feel a different teaching style might better suit your student, contact us and we'll arrange a conversation to understand your needs and match you with a more suitable tutor. There's no additional fee for switching tutors.

Additional Resources
What additional resources are available?

We provide comprehensive support including:

  • Parent Resources Page: Dedicated landing page with FAQs, policies, and guides at magellantutoring.com/parent-resources
  • Teachworks user manuals and tutorials
  • Monthly progress reports and analytics
  • Direct access to educational platforms and practice materials
  • Comprehensive support from our coordinators throughout your tutoring experience

For detailed information on policies, platform usage, and best practices, visit our dedicated Parent Resources page:
https://www.magellantutoring.com/parent-resources

24/7 support available
Text 703–203–7572 or use our SMS channel group for immediate assistance.