Welcome to the Library & Learning Services! We are so glad to have you join
our tutoring team at Lake Tahoe Community College.
Tutor Training Description
Tutoring is one of the most impactful wraparound student support services at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC). Every quarter, our tutors provide personalized peer mentoring in Math, Writing, and many other subjects like Sign Language, Computer Science, and Psychology. We offer tutoring in a variety of modalities -- face-to-face, online, and embedded into specific classes like ENG 101 and MAT 201 -- to support students' diverse learning styles and busy lives.
You already have the subject knowledge from your own coursework and educational background. Tutor Training is designed to help support YOU in your day-to-day work as a tutor. Tutor Training covers various topics, including cultural fluency, active listening, problem-solving, and time management. We give you the tools to help our students succeed.
Our curriculum is aligned with standards set forth by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), an international organization that certifies tutors across different levels of education and experience. In addition to covering the CRLA standards, our Tutor Training provides ongoing professional development and timely, relevant topics of interest, like implicit bias and food insecurity.
We look forward to being on this learning journey with you!
About me
Hi! I'm Dr. Melanie Aponte Chu, LTCC librarian and proud mom to the library's emotional support dog, Yogi Bear. I grew up in New Jersey but have lived in California for half my life. I have a loud laugh and love reading science fiction and fantasy.
I'm obsessed with student success, especially our community college students. They are often first generation, from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, and nearly 70% come from underrepresented backgrounds.
My pronouns are she/they, and most folks call me Mel :) You can read more about my education and experience on LinkedIn.
My Teaching and Learning Philosophy
I became a librarian because I believe that knowledge is power, and too often, that power is in the hands of the elite and not in the hands of the people. I will fight for students to have access to whatever they seek, to challenge banned books and censorship, to move beyond paywalls and to ensure information is freely accessible. I want to help stoke that fire of curiosity and connection, because knowledge will set us free.
Training format
Per College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), tutor training can occur in a variety of modalities, e.g. online, face-to-face, workshops, web-conferencing, discussions, podcasts, projects, or activities.
Photo by Cookie the Pom on Unsplash
On Canvas
Most tutor training occurs online in Canvas. Except for finals week, new discussion/training topics are posted weekly on Tuesdays.
Tutors are encouraged to post their initial response by Thursdays/Fridays and reply to at least two peers by Sundays.
Tutors are encouraged to use "downtime" during their shifts to sign into Canvas, check announcements, and participate in the discussions.
WHY? Posting in a timely manner helps support our peers, keep the discussion moving, and stay engaged and informed.
In Person
Our tutor training also includes 2 face-to-face retreats
(one in fall, one in spring). Save the dates: September 15, 2024, 11 am - 3 pm, and March 9, 2025, 11 am - 3 pm.
These trainings are required for F2F and hybrid tutors. You will be paid for your time and the retreats will include lunch and refreshments.
Online-only tutors who live outside Tahoe Basin are encouraged to participate in any hybrid components of F2F trainings when possible.
WHY? Our tutors work collaboratively. Building connections with your peers strengthens your referrals.
Time Commitment
In accordance with the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) standards, Level 1 tutor training requires:
sound hiring practices to ensure subject area content-knowledge (e.g., teacher recommendation, completion of appropriate curriculum).
a minimum of 10 hours of training experience on CRLA topics.
direct tutoring experience for a minimum of 25 hours.
regular evaluation by a knowledgeable and experienced evaluator.
Tracking of hours spent training and direct tutoring is managed in our Accudemia (ltcc.accudemia.net).
Most tutors have 2-3 shifts per week during the academic year, and CRLA training topics will be covered at least once monthly.
Depending on their start date, most tutors will achieve Level 1 status during one academic year. Please check in with me with any questions about your particular timeline. I want you to transfer and/or graduate with Tutor Training on your resume!
Our Pact
What you can expect from me
I will treat you with respect and seek clarity.
I will be flexible with the work you submit if there are other ways you are better able to participate.
I will make space and advocate for diverse perspectives in every tutor training topic.
I will be vulnerable in my own learning process.
Photo by Paul Lequay on Unsplash
What I can expect from you
We will co-create a brave space together.
We will relax judgment of self and others.
We will endeavor to engage thoughtfully.
We will welcome difference with curiosity.
We will take the learning, leave the story (practice confidentiality).
We will say just enough (pass the mike).
Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash
We will recognize the difference between feeling unsafe and uncomfortable. Learning does not thrive when we feel unsafe; however, sitting with discomfort can be informative for ourselves and our students.
What else would you like to add or edit in this "pact" for Tutor Training?
Attendance
Your presence & participation matters!
Tutors receive one "free" pass each quarter. This means that one weekly discussion can be skipped, no questions asked, if you need time and space for life that week.
CRLA Standard modules must be completed by the end of the quarter (e.g. Fall, Winter, Spring) to qualify for ongoing employment.
If you have a planned absence, please try to find coverage.
Email your peer tutoring group with the days and times for which you're seeking coverage.
If you have an emergency or unplanned absence, please let one of the library team members (library@ltcc.edu) know so we can redirect students to another tutor.
We understand that life happens!
Please just keep us informed so we can work together on a path forward.
Support for you
Many tutors have access to both student services and employee assistance.
Here are some of the most utilized resources at LTCC that you and your students might utilize.
Canvas Assistance
Inside Canvas > click Help in the lefthand menu > Chat with Canvas Support (Student) for 24/7 chat
LTCC's IT Help Desk ithelpdesk@ltcc.edu or (530) 541-4660, x343
Online Learning Director Rachael Sweeten, rachael.sweeten@ltcc.edu, or (530) 541-4660, x364
Basic Needs and Wellness
LTCC TimelyCare - free 24/7 mental health
Just ask!
Looking Forward
Yogi and I, along with the rest of the library team, are here to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions, thoughts, and concerns. My door is always open -- both on campus and on Cranium Cafe. Your feedback is essential!