As a tutor, you have the unique opportunity to build trust and observe your student in both academic and home settings. While Step Up tutors are not legally required to report suspected abuse (i.e., you are not a Mandatory Reporter), we strongly encourage you to act as a Mandatory Supporter — someone who advocates for student safety by reporting concerns to the appropriate team.
What to Watch For
Please review the Mandatory Supporter flowchart (see below) to help identify:
Physical signs (e.g., bruises, signs of neglect, drastic weight changes)
Emotional signs (e.g., fear, withdrawal, sudden mood changes)
Verbal disclosures or inappropriate comments made by the student
Even if you're unsure, it's better to say something than nothing.
How to Report a Concern
If a student shares something concerning or you witness an incident, please contact the Tutor Experience Team immediately at:
📧 tutorsupport@stepuptutoring.org
In your report, include the following details:
Date and time of the incident
Brief description of what happened
Whether you witnessed the event or it was shared by the student
Names of individuals involved, if known
Why This Matters
Being a Mandatory Supporter helps ensure that students feel safe, seen, and supported — even beyond academics. The Tutor Experience Team is trained to handle these situations with care and will follow up appropriately.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and compassionate tutoring environment.
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