Dr. Susan G. Weinberger

Many people confuse the role of a mentor and a tutor. For school age youth, whether in kindergarten or along the continuum to and including through college, there is a distinct difference. Typically, a tutor is either hired by a school, parent or engaged by a college or may even volunteer to improve the academic performance of a student. For example, the youth who is struggling with a D grade in math is helped by a tutor. The dosage is usually for a few weeks or maybe even as long as a semester. Regardless, the time is limited and there is an expectation that through the efforts of the tutor, the student will improve their grade in math. If the tutor is hired and the student does not do better, there may be consequences.

Conversely, the role of a mentor is very different. Whether the mentoring is informal in nature or through a formal program, the role of the mentor is to provide the mentee with guidance, counsel, wisdom and support. Usually the time that the mentor and mentee are together is unlimited and the friendship may even continue over a period of years. Such was the role of Mr. Hatch in the life of Bill Coors. I doubt that Hatch tutored Bill in Latin. I bet Bill, a smart young man and very good student did just fine. But what Hatch did offer at such a critical time in the life of Bill was his time, patience, ability to listen, belief in his protégé, coaching and advocacy. We know from research that students who are mentored improve their self-esteem, peer relationships, confidence, attitudes and motivation. That, I believe became an outgrowth of Bill’s relationship with Hatch.

Now for a little confusion. On occasion, the tutor gets to know the student very well in the tutoring role and ends up mentoring the youth in the process over a longer period. There is nothing wrong with this expanded role.

Dr. Susan G. Wienberger