Our program is designed for students with hearing loss or other communication needs who want to improve their English communication skills. We welcome students of all ages, from elementary school through high school and beyond. Students with cochlear implants, hearing aids, or any level of hearing loss are encouraged to apply.

No! All iHear tutoring sessions are completely free. Our program is volunteer-driven and supported by community partnerships. We believe every student deserves access to high-quality English communication support regardless of their financial situation.

No! Since all sessions are conducted via Zoom, we can serve students anywhere in the world. We currently have students across 4 countries and work with families in different time zones to find convenient session times.

Students at any English proficiency level are welcome! Our tutors personalize lessons based on each student's current abilities and goals. Whether your child is just beginning to learn English or looking to refine advanced communication skills, we can help.

Standard sessions are 40 minutes long, held once per week. For younger students or those with limited attention spans, we offer 30-minute sessions. The session length can be adjusted based on your child's needs and preferences.

Sessions are typically held once per week on a consistent day and time. This regular schedule helps build routine and allows students to make steady progress. We work with families to find a time that fits their schedule.

Yes! We understand that schedules change. If you need to adjust your regular session time or reschedule a specific session, please contact us at ihearprogram@gmail.com. We'll work with you and your tutor to find a new time that works for everyone.

We work with families across multiple time zones! When you request tutoring, let us know your time zone and preferred session times. We'll match you with a tutor whose availability aligns with your schedule.

There's no fixed commitment period. Students can continue with the program as long as they're benefiting from the sessions. Many students work with their tutors for several months to a year or more. You can pause or conclude tutoring at any time by notifying us.

Our tutors are dedicated high school students who volunteer their time to support students with hearing loss. All are passionate about inclusive communication and committed to guiding our students in overcoming any barriers to build confidence and proficiency in English communication.

All tutors complete comprehensive training in inclusive communication strategies, working with students with hearing loss, and effective online teaching methods. They learn about cochlear implants, hearing aids, visual communication techniques, and how to create accessible learning environments.

We carefully match students with tutors based on several factors including the student's age, learning goals, interests, communication needs, and scheduling availability. We aim to create partnerships where both the student and tutor can build a positive, productive relationship.

We continuously monitor tutor-student pairings to ensure effective learning experiences. If you have any concerns or questions about the pairing, please reach out to us at ihearprogram@gmail.com. We're here to discuss your concerns and work together to find the best solution for your child's learning needs.

All tutoring sessions are conducted via Zoom. This platform offers reliable video quality, screen sharing capabilities, and accessibility features like live captions that are particularly helpful for students with hearing loss.

You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. We recommend using headphones or earbuds for better audio quality. If your child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, they should wear them during sessions.

Technical issues happen! If you experience problems connecting to Zoom or during a session, contact us at ihearprogram@gmail.com. We can help troubleshoot or reschedule the session if needed. Your tutor will also be patient and help resolve minor technical issues.

Matching typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on tutor availability and your scheduling preferences. We prioritize finding the right fit over speed, ensuring your child is paired with a tutor who can best support their learning goals.

The first session is an introduction where the tutor and student get to know each other. They'll discuss learning goals, interests, and communication preferences. The tutor will assess the student's current English level and begin planning personalized lessons. Parents are welcome to join the first session.

This depends on the student's age and comfort level. For younger students, parents may want to be nearby for support. Older students often prefer independent sessions. We encourage parents to check in periodically with tutors to discuss progress and any concerns.

Curriculum is personalized based on each student's goals and needs. Common focus areas include pronunciation, conversational English, vocabulary building, reading comprehension, writing skills, and confidence in spoken communication. Tutors adapt lessons to the student's interests to keep sessions engaging.