New report reveals shift towards in-person tutoring after dominance of virtual sessions
A new report has highlighted a “dramatic shift” in tutoring from being predominantly virtual during the Covid-19 pandemic to mostly in-person.
The State of Tutoring 2025: Tutoring in Transition, published by tutoring technology provider Pearl in partnership with Whiteboard Advisors, relies on an analysis of more than one million tutoring sessions and interviews with state and district leaders.
"Tutoring works—and now we know more than ever about what makes it work," comments John Failla, CEO of Pearl. "This report shows that districts aren't just asking if tutoring helps. They're asking how to make it sustainable, accountable, and deeply connected to classroom instruction."
During the Covid-19 pandemic close to 100 percent of tutoring sessions were held online, close to 70 percent of sessions are now held in person. However, the report also notes that some school districts, particularly those where finding qualified tutors in the local area can be a challenge, continue to prefer online tutoring.
Another trend highlighted in the report is the use of data to measure the impact of tutoring, helping to justify continued investment and support proven outcomes.
AI is another emerging trend, although Pearl warned these innovations are not replacements for human tutors.
In the report’s foreword, Dr Scott Muri, Superintendent Emeritus of Ector County ISD, writes: "We proved that virtual tutoring can work. We showed that outcomes-based contracting fosters clarity, commitment, and mutual accountability. We learned that engagement—not just attendance—matters. And we saw what's possible when educators, providers, researchers, and communities rally around a shared mission."
