Olin Library

WPHS Tutoring

Rollins student tutors work weekly with ninth graders in their AVID class, a national program replacing these students’ WPHS Study Skills course. Rollins tutor training ensures tutors focus on active learning during the session, with students applying new ways of learning and reflecting on their process as tutors write thorough summaries for student and program use. Tutor diversity in major, background and school year strengthens their influence on these students in their first year of high-stakes secondary education; student diversity enhances Rollins tutors’ understanding of the local community’s educational needs.

Become a WPHS Tutor

What does it entail?

In the WPHS Tutoring Program at their Ninth Grade Center, Rollins College students meet weekly with the ninth grade students enrolled in their AVID class, in the 7th period. Wednesday is the "short" day of the week, so class starts at 12:15. After about 40 minutes of tutoring, students leave for home at 1:00 pm.

AVID is a national program targeting "students in the middle, " providing extra guidance and structure, to ensure they make it to college. On their web site, AVID is "Transforming Schools for College Readiness. ...Although AVID serves all students, it focuses on the least-served students in the academic middle. The formula is simple - raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge." avid.org

On Wednesdays, students come to their AVID class with a specific course and assignment in mind, and tutors work with small groups of students on the same content and goals. Tutors may work with different students from week to week, depending on student need and curricular demands. Tutors record their work together on a tutoring notes form; students and the AVID teacher each get a copy, as do we at Rollins.

What are the benefits?

Serving as WPHS Tutors (on a volunteer basis), tutors improve their tutoring and communication skills as they give back to their community. They serve both as tutors and as role models for these students in their first year of high school, helping to ease their transition from middle school to the more high-stakes high school environment. Tutor training builds tutor confidence as it shapes the quality of the tutor-student interaction.

What is required?

Participate in a one-credit crash training course (TPJ 106).
Take an ongoing course (TPJ 111), which includes some staff meetings on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Attend all tutoring sessions at the Ninth Grade Center of WPHS for one hour each week on Wednesdays from 12:15-1:00. (Walk over together from Rollins or meet us in the Ninth Grade Center lobby).

How do I apply?

If you are interested in working with students in this way, fill out an application— WPHS Tutor Application.

Email the application to yzhao@rollins.edu. You may also drop off the application to his office in room 209 in the Lakeview area of the Olin Library.

Who are our WPHS Tutors?