Why should I become a peer tutor for the Learning Center?
Peer Tutors are students who have excelled in courses and have a desire to help other students in their journeys to academic success. The Russell E. Horn, Sr. Learning Center compensates both undergraduate and graduate peer tutors with a competitive hourly rate and, if in good standing, tutors become eligible for hourly rate increases as they continue in the position.
Additionally, the training program for peer tutors at the Learning Center is CRLA-certified. All tutors complete Level 1 CRLA training and generally receive certification within 1 to 2 semesters of employment. The training covers topics like expectations for tutors, active listening and responding, the role of the tutor, note taking and study skills, and learning styles and differentiation. The sessions were created to help tutors in their roles at the Learning Center, but they are also a great form of professional development.
Each semester, there is also a celebration where the peer tutors come together to honor CRLA certificate recipients and graduates of Penn State Harrisburg. At the celebration, lunch is served to all tutors and another training session is held on a relevant topic. This is typically delivered by a staff or faculty member from outside the Learning Center and allows the tutors to gain new knowledge and/or skills and to network with other PSU employees.
Other benefits to becoming a tutor are the ability to work closely with other tutors and staff to improve learning and professional skills, get to know your supervisor and eventually ask for professional letters of recommendation, and continued support and feedback as both a student and tutor.
What are the requirements needed to become a peer tutor?
All peer tutors must have at least 30 earned college credits, a GPA of 3.0 or better, and a grade of “B” or better in the courses they wish to tutor. Additionally, peer tutors must be a student at Penn State Harrisburg for the semester they wish to tutor.
Other qualities that are preferred are flexibility, responsibility, a positive attitude, and the desire to help others.
How do I apply?
Applications generally open in late Spring for the following academic year. Interested applicants should check Workday or reach out to the Coordinator of Peer Tutoring with any questions.