Positions are now open for Fall 2023.
The Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences is looking for academically successful (GPA 3.0 or better) students to serve as peer tutors in Economics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience and Statistics. Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled. Applicants are assessed for interpersonal skills, trainability, course content knowledge, and ability to commit to the training program. Interested applications must have received a grade of B+ or better in the course(s) in which they would like to tutor. Tutors must be able to tutor in more than one course and preference is given for students who can commit to tutoring for at least one academic year.
Position Description
Peer tutors provide individual and small group tutoring sessions in subjects the tutor has attained a grade of B+ or better. Study Lab tutors function as a guide and coach to assist students in becoming successful, independent learners. Tutors support students in developing appropriate learning strategies, behaviors, and understanding of content material. Tutors integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize the tutee’s potential for academic progress and success. As a member of the tutor team, tutors maintain ongoing communication with the coordinator of the tutor program. Preference is given for tutors who can tutor at least 2 of the courses in which we offer tutoring and can commit to working for more than 1 term. A list of courses we offer can be found here. Tutors must work a minimum of 5 hours per week.
Tutor Responsibilities
- Participate in the 1-credit required tutor preparation class held once a week. The Fall 2023 course will tentatively be on Thursdays from 12:00-12:50pm and Fridays from 10:00-10:50.
- Tutor students in specific course material while integrating study and learning strategies to promote independent learning during one-on-one or small group settings for at least 5 but up to 10 hours per week.
Position Requirements
A Study Lab tutor must demonstrate an ability to quickly establish rapport and communicate well with students. Also, training is an essential component of becoming a tutor. The training program allows tutors to explore their own teaching and learning styles through a combination of group discussions, interactive instruction, case studies, and individual research on subject specific tutoring strategies. Tutors are required to complete training as a CRLA Level 1 tutor.
Tutor Program Schedule
The tutor program is available during the fall, spring, and summer terms. Individual and group tutoring begins within the first two weeks of the fall and spring terms and at the beginning of the summer term. Tutoring during the summer session will be optional for all trained tutors and will be based upon demand and student availability. Each term tutors are required to attend a full staff tutor meeting the Sunday tutoring begins (the third week of the academic term).
Hours and Compensation
Tutors work between 5 and 10 hours per week. The current starting wage is $12.00 per hour.
Application Process
An application, cover letter, copy of an unofficial transcript and two references must be submitted as part of the application process.
After applications are received and reviewed, interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates. The interview will assess interpersonal skills, discuss academic and personal goals, and determine the compatibility of these goals with the objectives of the undergraduate tutoring program.
Applicants must provide two recommendations. One must be from a faculty member from one of the courses they wish to tutor for, and the other may be another professional reference or professor. References should complete the recommendation form found here. Recommendations must be completed before a student can be hired as a tutor. If you have any questions regarding the recommendations please email Jen Smith at JES351@pitt.edu.
A cover letter should address the following:
1) Identify the subject(s) you are applying as a tutor for (list of courses can be found here).
2) Why do you want to become a tutor? How does this position align with your personal goals and what do you hope to gain from this position?
3) Describe any prior experience you have that is relevant to tutoring students. What was challenging about those experiences and what did you enjoy?
The online application can be found here:
Online Application
Recommendation Form
Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.