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The Tutoring Collective’s founder, Laurie Marvald was interviewed on Spectrum News NY1 to discuss the importance of continuing education and group learning pods as the city’s schools struggle to re-open.

What are group learning pods?

Group learning pods have become increasingly popular since July. Laurie believes that flexibility and collaboration is key to creating a successful pod, as there is no template. “You need to look at your children as individuals,” Laurie said. “Maybe they just need a tutor for 20 minutes online. Maybe they just need you to sit with them for a while.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about pods and hear Laurie’s advice on how to make them successful. Interested in starting a group learning pod? Contact us today.

Click here to watch the full interview.


Laurie Marvald started The Tutoring Collective fifteen years ago, and said no one has tried large scale podding before. But the number of pods she’s planning or has already formed and staffed since July jumped in recent weeks – to 11 from two. Marvald advises flexibility and collaboration, since there is no template. 

Marvald also advises parents who are considering podding to remember one thing. 

“You need to look at your children as individuals,” she said. “Maybe they just need a tutor for 20 minutes online. Maybe they just need you to sit with them for a while.” 

She also said it is fascinating watching parents and educators take on this form of learning: parents are getting to know their children in a different way, and educators don’t have a playbook. 

Marvald said more and more parents may want to take their children’s education into their own hands, as the city’s school system struggles to fully reopen.