Resources for Prospective Tutors

Introduction to AVID Tutorials | Job Description | Qualifications | Finding a Tutoring Position
 

Introduction to AVID Tutorials

  • Tutors are key to the success of the AVID program. Tutors from area colleges and universities are trained to use specific teaching methodologies and materials to work with AVID students. Tutors work with AVID students in study groups and individually, assisting them in all academic areas to make progress commensurate with college expectations.
  • Tutoring in AVID is different from any job you have held before. Being part of a program at the forefront of education is highly challenging and requires extraordinary commitment, yet its rewards are many. More than anything else, tutoring in AVID is the best preparation possible for a career in teaching or in any other job which is people oriented.
  • AVID tutorials take place in small groups that are subject area specific. AVID tutors assist the students achieve their full potential by facilitating collaborative tutorial groups. Tutors use Socratic questioning and collaborative learning techniques to help the students come up with the answers to their questions on their own and by working with fellow students.

Hours: 2-12 hours per week

Location: varies; middle and high schools throughout Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties

Pay: $10.00-$20.00 per hour; volunteer tutors are also needed

Job Description

AVID tutors have the ability to guide students toward academic and personal excellence that will reach far beyond their high school years. As an AVID tutor, you are an active participant in the learning, growth, and personal development of students. Most importantly, you have been selected for this position because of the faith of the AVID coordinator in your ability to make a positive contribution.

As a tutor, you are making a commitment to:

  • Conduct tutorial sessions that underscore the principle of collaborative learning and the practice of students teaching other students through discussion of class and text notes.
  • Determine from student tutorial worksheets, notes, and discussions the concepts that need to be the focus of tutorial sessions.
  • Work with students in any phase of the writing process, such as brainstorming, clustering, read arounds, revision, and editing.
  • Allow students to shoulder the responsibility for their own active learning while guiding them with strategies that they will become accustomed to using independently.
  • Reinforce the idea that learning extends far beyond mere studying to form the basis for long term accomplishments.
  • Assist students in any subject area, by being familiar with students’ textbooks and materials and AVID classroom resources.
  • Evaluate student binders, including calendars, class and textbook notes, and learning logs.
  • Assist in teaching study skills and other aspects of college preparation.
  • Take responsibility for the tone and atmosphere of the AVID classroom.
  • Acknowledge the individuality of all AVID students and work to develop their academic and personal pride.
  • Assist the AVID coordinator as requested, such as contacting teachers regarding course outlines and assignment schedules, helping with field trips, contacting parents, etc.
  • Assist in developing a resource file of enrichment materials for use in tutorial sessions.
  • Communicate regularly with the AVID coordinator/teacher regarding student progress and areas of concern.
  • Set an example of personal excellence and high expectations for AVID students to follow.

 

Qualifications

AVID tutors should be excellent role models of motivated, organized, successful college students who believe that the AVID students will succeed, too. They should be enrolled at colleges or universities. The tutors should represent balanced academic backgrounds, some liberal arts majors, others science or mathematics majors. The tutors should be people who will work in a supportive manner with secondary students and will be able to understand the delicate position they will occupy; they are advocates of students, yet ultimately they are responsible to the teacher. They must be willing to meet regularly to discuss student progress and to confer with the teacher about future tutorial plans.

Finding a Tutoring Position

Tutors can use our search tools to find an AVID school by location, name, or tutorial schedule. Contact the AVID Coordinator at the school or schools where you would like to tutor.

San Jose State Work Study Students: Please email or call Kathy Romero, Administrative Assistant, 408-453-6658 before contacting any schools.

Program Partnerships

Many AVID schools find their AVID tutors through partnerships with local universities and businesses. The following are just some of the programs with which AVID works:

America Counts/ America Reads at San Jose State
San Jose State Work Study students tutor in AVID classes grades 6-9, earning $12/hour to start and $14/hour in their second year, with compensation for training and travel.