What is the role of the tutor?

Tutors serve as a source of general academic support for the students with whom they are paired during the summer. Ideally, the Tennessee Tutoring Corps will help encourage students academically and also check in on students’ general wellbeing. Tutors will also be positive representatives of their postsecondary institution, serving as role models to the students they support over the summer and inspiring these students to consider pursuing higher education in the future.

What happens if there is a resurgence of COVID-19?

The safety, health, and wellbeing of students and their families is our top priority. While we hope to be able to provide in-person learning opportunities for participating students, we are aware of the ever-changing nature of the pandemic and will follow state and local guidelines to adjust the program as needed. Should any operational changes become necessary, we will take immediate and proactive steps to alert tutors and participating students.

What precautions are TTC Partnering Organizations across the state taking to protect students and families in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?

There is nothing more important to our partnering organizations than the safety of its youth members, staff, and volunteers. The partnering organizations work every day to create a safe, fun environment so kids can have every opportunity to be successful in life. All precautions related to COVID-19 are being taken on a site-by-site basis depending on local guidance specific to that community. Below are some of the steps organizations are taking:

• Facemasks are used and sometimes required to be worn by youth, staff, and volunteers. Tutors this summer are encouraged to wear masks.

• Extra cleaning of program areas throughout the day.

• Staff to child ratios are reduced to limit the number of individuals in one room at a time and to allow for social distancing.

• Youth temperatures are taken upon arrival.

• Sign-in and sign-out sheets are located outside the facility.

• Deliveries to the organization are dropped off outside the facility

What should I do if I’m selected as a tutor and I start having symptoms of COVID-19 this summer?

If you have a fever, cough, or other worrisome COVID-19 symptoms, you will be expected to stay home, quarantine, and take all steps to protect the health and safety of the children, families, staff, and other tutors. Communicate your symptoms to your tutoring site supervisor immediately so they can take appropriate precautions as well.

Do tutors have to be in teacher education programs to qualify?

Tutors do not have to be in teacher education programs or have teaching experience in order to participate in the Tennessee Tutoring Corps. While we would love to include tutors who are majoring in education, it is not a requirement.

Why is this program being run through the Boys & Girls Club, YMCAs and charter schools?

The Boys & Girls Club and YMCAs have established relationships and facilities in communities across Tennessee. In some areas, TTC will partner with other youth-serving nonprofits and charter schools to reach and serve the greatest number of students possible.

Where will I end up tutoring? Do I have any say in the location?

Candidates can indicate the county or counties in which they would prefer to tutor when submitting the tutoring application; however, we will not always be able to meet specific location requests given the size and logistics around placing the corps members.

What will I be teaching?

Tutors will be assigned to work with students who are entering 1st grade through the 4th graders in the fall of 2021. Tutors will receive training on grade-specific content and will be expected to tutor students in both math and English language arts content aligned to Tennessee standards. Prior to beginning tutoring on June 7, tutors will be expected to complete five online training modules related to summer curriculum. More information on this will come after your acceptance into the Corps.

Will I need to complete a background check?

Yes. All accepted tutors must complete and pass a background check. Participation in the Tennessee Tutoring Corps is contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background checks will be administered by the partnering organization to which the tutor is assigned.

How often will I get paid?

Payment for tutors will vary from site to site. Specifics on payment frequency will be communicated by the site to which the tutor is assigned.

What happens if I have to miss a day?

Tutors should do their best to be present at the partnering organization or tutor on the days and at the times they are expected to be there. This creates consistency for the students and is important to the summer tutoring experience of all involved. We understand that situations come up, so if you need to miss a day or two, please communicate that proactively to your site supervisor and expect that you may have to make up those hours at a later date. Excessive absences without reason will be addressed by individual partnering organizations and could result in dismissal from the Corps.