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Becoming a Writing Tutor

Tutor Job Description

A peer tutor in the JCCC Writing Center is primarily responsible for providing critical feedback on student writing. To accomplish this task the tutor must:

  • Be familiar with all resources -- handouts, reference books, computer software and manuals -- located in the Writing Center
  • Answer grammar hotline questions
  • Attend tutor training meetings
  • Write articles for the newsletter
  • Know how to use computers
  • Be aware of and able to use a variety of strategies to work with a diverse clientele whose writing skills cover a wide range of ability

Qualifications

  • Completion of Composition I (required) and Composition II (preferred)
  • Recommendation of composition instructors
  • Good writing and communication skills
  • Computer literacy, especially in MS Word
  • Must be available for training sessions on Friday afternoons

How to Apply

Applicants interested in a peer tutor position in the Writing Center should visit the college careers site. All vacancies are posted on the college employment listings. The Writing Center usually recruits new tutors for fall semester the previous spring. Please check the college careers site at that time.

Salary: $10 an hour.
Hours: 13-15 hours a week

Why Be a Writing Center Tutor?

Tutoring will:

  • Improve writing skills
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the basics of English
  • Provide an on-campus job
  • Provide an opportunity to meet and help many people
  • Improve communication skills, especially with second language English learners and hearing impaired students
  • Increase computer literacy
  • Provide an opportunity for publication in our newsletter
  • Give an increased awareness of available resources on campus and in the Writing Center
  • Encourage tutors to work towards CRLA certification (based partly on attendance of Friday afternoon training sessions)

Guidelines Tutors Live By

  • The tutor establishes and maintains rapport.
  • The writer does the work.
  • High-order concerns come before low-order concerns.
  • Tutors do not have to be experts.