AVID Tutor
PURPOSE
The Columbia Public School District is seeking Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Tutors for multiple locations in the Columbia Public School District. AVID is a college readiness system that targets potential college students who need support. AVID prepares these students by teaching them college readiness skills. Students are concurrently enrolled in advanced courses and given academic support through tutors.
- Tutors are key to the success of the AVID College Readiness System. Tutors, currently enrolled students from area colleges and universities, are trained to use specific 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 system at the forefront of education is highly challenging and requires extraordinary commitment, yet its rewards are many. More than anything else, facilitating AVID tutorials 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.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- 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-around 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.
- Completes 16 hours of tutor training.
Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.
DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS
All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: AVID Coordinator, AVID Tutor Supervisor, AVID Building Coordinator, AVID teacher
Supervises: None
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum: Currently enrolled in a four-year college or university;
Preferred: Two years of post-secondary education; Have previous experience working with students K-12; Previous experience working with AVID as a student or tutor; Have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of students. Strong Math and/or English background, evidenced by college transcript.
Other: Comfortable working with a diverse student population; Comfortable with role as academic coach under the direction of the classroom teacher; Ability to collaborate with multiple school staff; Demonstration of reliability and organization; Able to commit to the mandatory 16-hour training; Ability to perceive students’ needs and develop positive relationships; Ability to think quickly and show patience; Ability to act in a leadership role and independently initiate and follow through on tasks under minimal supervision; Strong organizational skills; Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills in working with students, families, and community representatives and in collaborating with school personnel.
Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
ADA REQUIREMENTS
Language: Read and interpret textbooks and homework assignments of students in grades 6-12; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Present information one-on-one and in small groups; Demonstrate excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills; Demonstrate excellent listening skills
Computation: Add, subtract multiply and divide using units of American money, weight, volume and distance; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations
Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement
Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, teachers, administration, and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously; Model positive behavior and outcomes for middle and high school students
Technology: Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; Tutor students in buildings/classes where they are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, iPads, and other devices; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology usage
Physical Demands: An individual who holds this position must have the ability to speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously, move around the classroom to interact with, and manage students/groups of students, and read handwritten or printed material
Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.
Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.