Learning Services
Adult Tutoring and Coaching
Improving Lives through Expert Instruction in Reading, Writing, Math, and More
Learning and thinking differences are common lifelong concerns. If you had trouble reading, writing, doing math, or paying attention as a child, you may struggle with those skills as an adult. It might be hard to focus, get organized, read and write emails, balance a budget, and care for children who could have learning challenges of their own.
Our expert instructors will help you hone the skills that lead to success at work, in college, and in life: improving academic abilities, managing time, planning and prioritizing work or assignments, advocating for yourself, setting goals, and so much more!
Reading and Dyslexia Tutoring for Adults
It’s never too late to become a better reader. For those who struggle to read or have a diagnosed reading disorder, such as dyslexia, we tailor instruction to your needs and help you build systems to thrive in everyday life. In one-on-one sessions, either in-person or online, our instructors use proven strategies to teach and expand foundational reading skills, improve reading comprehension, and build confidence in reading.
Writing Instruction
Writing is hard, and writing disorders, such as dysgraphia and written expression disorders, affect a surprising number of adults. Many people struggle with spelling, grammar, handwriting, organizing their thoughts, and writing in clear and compelling ways. Through multisensory instruction, research-backed methods, and lots of practice, we’ll help you build and expand your writing skills so when you put pen to paper (or begin typing!), you’ll have the confidence and know-how to begin.
Math Tutoring and Support
Math disabilities are more common in adults than you might think. If you struggle with math at home and in the workplace, you may have a math learning disorder, such as dyscalculia, that makes it hard to work with and understand numbers. Signs include anxiety around math, difficulty making change, measuring items or quantities, telling time, understanding graphs and charts, and other tasks involving numbers. Using proven approaches in one-on-one sessions, our math instructors teach fundamental math skills and make concepts involving numbers much easier to understand.
Workplace Skills and ADHD Coaching
Many aspects of life are challenging for those who find it difficult to get organized, manage emotions, keep track of time, and finish tasks. But with the right support, people who have trouble focusing at work or at home, including those with ADHD, can thrive. Through individualized instruction and one-on-one attention, we teach you how to develop the critical skills that will keep you on task and engaged, whether you’re learning something new, completing projects at work, or taking tests and managing classes at college.
The Stern Center Difference
Highly Trained Teachers
Our dedicated and caring teachers are skilled specialists with advanced credentials and years of extensive training.
Proven
Approaches
We use evidence-based, multisensory approaches that give students that, “Wow, I get this!” feeling in every lesson.
Powerful
Outcomes
Since 1983, we have been helping students reach their goals through life-changing learning.
Judgement-Free Help
We humans are diverse in our strengths and our challenges. You can count on respectful support as you work with us to meet your goals.
What Learners Have to Say
Our Reach by the Numbers
2,250+
Teachers Served Every Year
When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.
Our Reach by the Numbers
13,891+
Student Services Hours This Year
We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.
Our Reach by the Numbers
94%
of Vermont School Districts Served
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
37
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 37 states and 9 countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
Meet Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a payment plan?
We’ll provide you with a contract and invoice which can be paid in full by our deadline or managed through a payment plan that spreads the cost of services over several months.
Are there other sources of financial assistance?
There are other sources that may assist with the financing of Stern Center Services. These include your school or school district, employer, Hireability Vermont, VSAC, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, health insurance provider, and others. Please note, we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Contact us to register for services and let us know you are interested in applying for financial assistance. We’ll ask you to complete a short application, which our team will review to determine the amount of financial assistance we can offer. After reviewing your application, we’ll notify you of our decision within a few days and apply your award directly as a need-based assistance discount.
Does the Stern Center offer financial assistance?
Yes. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations, we can award need-based funds and provide additional assistance. Awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page and let us know if you want to apply for financial assistance when you register for services.
Do I (or my child) need an evaluation to start instruction?
You don’t need an evaluation to start instruction sessions. Our team will examine your strengths and challenges and tailor treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about evaluations and testing at the Stern Center, visit our Evaluations page, email evaluation@sterncenter.org, or call 802-276-8681.
What is your cancellation policy for instructional services?
Full or partial withdrawal prior to November 1st for the first semester or March 31st for the second semester will result in a pro-rated adjustment of fees. Because the Stern Center has committed significant resources to meet the needs of clients by planning for and guaranteeing scheduled instructional times, no refund will be made for withdrawals after these dates. The Stern Center may consider exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances such as long-term illness or family emergency.
How much does instruction cost?
Fees range in scale based on the service we’re offering. Our highly trained experts provide individualized, research-based instruction for each student. Through the generous support of our donors, we can offer need-based funds to those who qualify for financial assistance. These awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page for more information and contact us about our range of services.
Do you offer instruction off-site?
Yes, Stern Center instructors may be able to provide instruction at schools and work sites. We also offer lessons online.
How do you teach reading?
We teach what the National Reading Panel calls the BIG FIVE: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We do it through a structured literacy approach, which means that the teaching is explicit, systematic, and sequential.
Additional Support
Evaluations
We help people understand how they learn so they can overcome challenges and move forward academically, professionally, and socially.
Social-Emotional Learning
Through direct teaching, coaching, and practice, our social learning experts help individuals learn the fundamental building blocks of social success.
All Learning Services
With proven strategies that get results, we lead the way in individualized instruction, social learning programs, and educational evaluations.
Keep Learning
Academic Calendar
View the Stern Center’s academic calendar. See openings and closings at a glance, including holidays and make-up days.
Summer Learning
Supercharge your child’s learning this summer. Get expert help with reading, writing, math, and more.
News and Resources
Keep learning and stay in the know with news and resources from our Stern Center experts.
Get in Touch!
To inquire about tutoring services, email learning@sterncenter.org, call 802-276-8563, or fill out the form below. Ready to register? Start here.
