Prospective Tutors
Why Tutor?
Everyone has a different answer and motivation for why they tutor.
Some of our tutors have formally or informally tutored someone before joining the Study Jam team or have utilized active tutoring in the past. Some really like meeting new people in their majors and like working with others on challenging subject matter. Some like the consistent hours and the pay. Some are considering graduate studies in education or advanced degrees in their fields. Most find their subjects fascinating and can't get enough. On some level, many are looking to boost resumes or prep for entry exams. They all want to help.
Most tutors simply want to help others think through how to solve problems on their own.
Peak Hire Seasons
We hire most of our tutors in August, December, January and April for the academic year. If you are interested in tutoring with Study Jam, make sure you let the instructor know. We ask them directly for tutor recommendations. Some also keep a list to distribute to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ upon request.
Ideally, we hire tutors for the full academic year, but are always happy to interview a tutor who might only be around for a semester.
Job Description
Study Jam tutors play a vital role in supporting undergraduate student success by facilitating free, faculty-recommended, peer-to-peer tutoring. Tutors work in both group and one-to-one formats, helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ succeed in high DFW (drop, fail, withdrawal) and gateway courses. In a collaborative learning environment, Study Jam fosters academic achievement, a sense of belonging, and proactive learning among Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from diverse backgrounds.
Tutors are expected to develop strong communication, professionalism, and critical thinking skills. This role is ideal for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ interested in teaching, mentoring, or deepening their own mastery of challenging academic content while helping peers succeed.
Schedule & Pay
- Hours: Approximately 5 hours per week, scheduled during Study Jam sessions:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Tuesdays: 6:30-9:00 PM
- Tuesdays, Thursdays: 3:00-5:00 PM
- Pay Rate: $14/hour
- Term: Academic year; position only runs when classes are in session.
Career Readiness Commitment
Study Jam is committed to fostering the career development of our student employees by intentionally aligning job responsibilities with the —a framework that prepares Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ for success in life after college.
As a Study Jam Tutor, you will actively build skills in communication, professionalism, and critical thinking through hands-on experience supporting diverse learners, adapting strategies in real time, and modeling academic excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Communication
- Facilitate individual and group tutoring sessions that support Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' mastery of course material.
- Clearly and dynamically explain complex concepts, formulas, and subject-specific content.
- Adapt explanations to fit various learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and levels of understanding.
- Foster inclusive, respectful interactions and active dialogue during sessions.
Professionalism
- Create a welcoming, judgment-free environment that encourages academic exploration.
- Demonstrate reliability by arriving on time and being fully prepared for scheduled sessions.
- Stay up to date on relevant course content and align support with classroom learning objectives.
- Maintain confidentiality by completing FERPA training and adhering to university privacy standards.
- Represent Study Jam and the Office for Student Success with accountability, positivity, and ethical conduct.
Critical Thinking
- Evaluate student understanding and adjust tutoring strategies responsively and in real time.
- Use problem-solving techniques to guide Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ through challenging material.
- Synthesize classroom expectations and course materials to reinforce targeted learning outcomes.
- Anticipate areas of confusion and provide scaffolding to build independent learning skills.
- Manage group dynamics and adapt approaches in a fast-paced, multi-student environment.
Qualifications
- Completion of relevant coursework with a B or better (or a graduate-level degree or enrollment in a related program).
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Faculty endorsement (or faculty-initiated recruitment).
- Strong interpersonal communication, time management, and academic skills.
Benefits
- Strengthen your understanding of course content while helping peers succeed.
- Build communication and instructional skills valued in teaching, mentoring, and academic support roles.
- Gain experience relevant to graduate school, research, lab work, and other competitive academic opportunities.
- Contribute to an inclusive academic environment and make a meaningful impact on student retention and success.
- Develop faculty relationships and professional references for future opportunities.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and the name and contact info of a faculty reference for the subject or course you’re applying to tutor to Shannon.Janssen@mso.umt.edu. If you’ve already been recruited and endorsed by a faculty member, a separate reference is not required.
Tutor Training Course
All Study Jam tutors are required to enroll in a variable credit internship (HONR 398: Internship: Academic Tutoring) through the Davidson Honors College. Students do not have to be enrolled in the Honors college to work as a Study Jam tutor or to register for the internship. Tutors from other campus tutoring programs are also welcome to enroll. Upon completion, Study Jam tutors will receive a $0.50 wage increase.
Course Purpose
This internship prepares undergraduates to tutor at the college level through an interdisciplinary and theoretical approach focusing on tutor preparedness, group management, teaching strategies, resource awareness and utilization, and professionalism.
Course Objectives
Participants in this course will be able to:
- Translate effective, discipline-based learning strategies and approaches into tutoring.
- Develop personal tutoring strategies.
- Apply knowledge of campus resources and support services to make appropriate referrals.
- Discuss striations of learning and college preparedness and practice multifaceted tutoring approaches.
- Establish an inclusive, multicultural environment in which Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ develop an appreciation of diversity.
- Demonstrate improved content knowledge and academic success in tutored courses.
- Become flexible learners (i.e., active, independent, and collaborative), enabling them to adapt to different learning environments.
- Learn and practice ethical standards of academic and social conduct.