Knowledgeable and well-trained tutors are integral to the academic and the personal success of those who come to the Center for alternative instruction. Since all instruction occurring in the Tutor Development Program is basic to and intertwined with other services provided in the Center, tutors are at the heart of the CAS's successful existence and contribution to the academic community at BRCC.

The Tutor Development Program is one of four academic service components in the Center for Academic Success. Tutors began training on August 14, 1998. The program met the requirements for an initial institutional certification through the College Reading and Learning Association's (CRLA) International Tutor Certification Program on July 1, 2000. In May 2002, the Tutor Development Program was recertified for three years.

CRLA is a group of student-oriented professionals active in the fields of reading, learning assistance, developmental education, and tutoring services as the college/adult level. Inherently diverse in membership, CRLA's most vital function and overall purpose is to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas, methods, and information to improve student learning and to facilitate the professional growth of its members.

Since March 1989, over 300 college and university tutorial programs in the United States and Canada have received tutor training certification through CRLA's International Tutor Certification Program. There are three levels of certification: Regular, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires an additional ten hours of training and 25 hours of experience.

Tutors in the program meet weekly with professional staff for training on Fridays. Frequently, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the training. The content of the training program reflects the topics required for certification as well as the perceived and surveyed needs of the student population at BRCC.

Why tutor?

Besides helping fellow students with coursework and study skills, you will gain valuable experience. You will reinforce material you have learned in your courses, strengthen your communication skills, and acquire new knowledge. You will have the opportunity to participate in a certified training program and learn about teaching and learning. You may even develop lasting relationships with peers, faculty, and staff.

Thoughts from some of our tutors:

Why I Tutor

"I like being a tutor because I enjoy helping people. It helps me maintain my own schoolwork, and I always feel appreciated while doing it. It is one of the best feelings to know that you have succeeded in helping someone. I also find that, while tutoring, the concepts I go over daily with students help me in my own classes. The best thing about tutoring is the appreciation you get from not only the students you tutor but also from their teachers. Personally, working somewhere that allows me to help so many people is the most rewarding thing. I am glad to be a part of such a valuable resource, which helps so many students further themselves academically."

-Shelly D'Antoni

Some of the Reasons Why I Tutor

• You get to help others understand subjects that you enjoy.
• It gives you a chance to earn some money while at school.
• Tutoring is a part-time job that keeps you sharp in the subjects you are strong in.
• As a tutor you develop leadership traits and responsibilities that will be useful in the career you are pursuing.
• Tutoring gives you a chance to be exposed to different races and cultures from around the world.
• Tutors have the chance to make new friends, some of whom may end up being best friends for life.
• Tutors are celebrated. They receive appreciation and gratitude from learning assistance staff.