Virtual Tutoring That Works: Dispelling 3 Myths and Sharing Best Practices

At OnYourMark Education, we’re passionate about closing the literacy gap. Our high-impact live virtual tutoring program, rooted in the Science of Reading, helps schools scale Tier 2 and 3 instruction.

Recently, we hosted an edWebinar featuring Elizabeth “Lizzie” Diamond (K-2 Network Content Leader) and Emily Hunyadi (Principal) from FirstLine Schools in Louisiana. They shared their firsthand experience implementing OnYourMark’s virtual tutoring program, busting myths and highlighting best practices that drive real results. (You can read more about Lizzie and Emily here.)

Here’s what we learned—and why it matters for district leaders, CAOs, curriculum directors, and elementary principals.

The Literacy Crisis: Why High-Impact Tutoring Matters

The 2024 NAEP scores confirmed what many educators already know: reading proficiency is declining. Compared to 2022, 4th-grade reading scores dropped by 2 points, and they’re 5 points behind pre-pandemic levels (2019).


The challenge is even greater for charter networks like FirstLine, which serves 3,000 students (many from low-income backgrounds). As Lizzie Diamond explained:

"We have kids who don’t know their letters sitting next to kids ready for chapter books. Meeting everyone’s needs is our biggest challenge."

Emily Hunyadi added that engagement suffers when students feel either overwhelmed or under-challenged. High-impact tutoring helps bridge that gap by providing personalized, data-driven support, without adding more to teachers’ plates.

Dispelling 3 Myths About Virtual Tutoring

Myth #1: “You Can’t Build Relationships Virtually”

Reality: Strong tutor-student connections are possible—and powerful.

• OnYourMark strives for consistency: Each student works with the same tutor for at least a semester, and in some cases, all year.
• Tutors begin every session with personal check-ins (e.g., “What’s your favorite pizza?”), fostering trust.
• Two-on-one sessions (instead of one-on-one) help kids feel safe and engaged while building community.

Myth #2: “Virtual Tutoring Is Just More Screen Time”

Reality: Unlike passive videos or games, OnYourMark’s live virtual tutoring is highly interactive:

• Science of Reading-aligned games reinforce phonics and fluency.
• Real-time feedback keeps students actively participating.
• Small-group dynamics (2 students per tutor) boost peer collaboration.

Myth #3: “Tutoring Is Only for Remediation”

Reality: While FirstLine initially focused on below-benchmark students, they saw 20% of tutored kids reach grade-level proficiency by mid-year, proving tutoring fuels both remediation and growth.

"Once kids gain skills and confidence, it’s like a snowball effect. They keep building momentum."
—Lizzie Diamond

Best Practices for High-Impact Tutoring

1. Align with Classroom Instruction

• FirstLine uses DIBELS data provided by OnYourMark to group students and tailor tutoring to each student’s unique challenges.
• Tutors sync with teachers to reinforce the same skills in the classroom and tutoring sessions.

2. Keep It Low-Lift for Teachers

• Tutoring sessions run 20 minutes/day, 4 days/week during existing literacy blocks.
• OnYourMark handles attendance tracking, substitutes, and progress updates—so teachers don’t have to.

3. Prioritize Consistency & Engagement

• Morning sessions work best (especially for K-1).
• Fun, structured routines (like word games) keep kids motivated.

The Results Speak for Themselves

FirstLine saw measurable success with OnYourMark:

• High attendance rates (thanks to engaging sessions).
• 20% of below-benchmark students reached grade level by mid-year.
• Teachers reported stronger student confidence and participation.

"This is low-lift for teachers but high-impact for kids. What more could you ask for?"
—Emily Hunyadi

Want to Bring Virtual Tutoring to Your School?

OnYourMark partners with schools to provide:

• Science of Reading-based tutoring
• Flexible scheduling (during the school day!)
• Real-time data monitoring

📥 Download our High-Impact Tutoring Guide or contact us to learn how we can support your literacy goals.

Let’s make literacy growth a reality for every student—together! 💡📚

For more insights, watch the full edWebinar recording or listen to the podcast here (CE credit available for edWeb members (it’s free!)).

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Diamond is an experienced education leader currently serving as a K-2 Network Content Leader at FirstLine Schools in New Orleans. 

With nearly a decade of experience in New Orleans charter schools, she has held roles including Assistant Principal at KIPP Believe Primary and ELA Instructional Coach at FirstLine Schools. Her background also includes teaching at the 1st-grade level in both Langston Hughes and Arthur Ashe Charter Schools. 

Emily Hunyadi is the Elementary School Principal at Langston Hughes Academy (LHA), a public charter school in New Orleans serving students in Pre-K through 8th grade. 

She plays a key role in the LHA community, notably overseeing the recent grand opening of the new early elementary building in September. 

About OnYourMark Education

OnYourMark provides live virtual high-impact tutoring rooted in the Science of Reading. We partner with schools to deliver Tier 2 and 3 support, helping every child become a confident reader. Learn more at onyourmarkeducation.org.