A guide to the peer tutoring program
Updated: Nov 7, 2021
By Claire Pham Nov. 3, 2021

Junior Ilinca Flacau, a peer tutor since 2019, conducts a math
tutoring session in the library during tutorial. Julia Nakanishi Photo
The school established its peer tutoring program several years ago to enable students to learn from student tutors. The program conjointly benefits the tutee and tutor, as it provides tutors with volunteer hours, consistent review and a structured method to academically support their peers, while tutees have the opportunity to clarify topics or receive advice to enhance their skills. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has undergone several changes.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has undergone several changes.
To accommodate last year’s distance learning, the tutoring program implemented virtual sessions. This online alternative is intended to be easily accessible, providing increased flexibility. Tutors like Junior Ilinca Flacau, a Math and French peer tutor, are content with the ease of online tutoring sessions.
Moreover, according to Senior Rachel Chen, the program has implemented several changes to transition from online to in-person school. With the addition of new services, the program hopes to appeal to a larger audience.
“We have recently implemented our new Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) tutoring program, where tutors with a 1450+ SAT score can apply to tutor students who need preparation help,” Chen said.
In addition, Chen and program advisor Katrina Thoman, Math Department, are actively searching for methods to resolve issues.
For example, this year, there is a shortage of tutors in subjects like AP Capstone and computer science. Therefore, the program strongly encourages students to apply as tutors, even for courses that they are currently taking. Although there are approximately 50 tutors in the school’s peer tutor program, Chen foresees that number to triple by the end of the year.
[Tutors gain] volunteer hours, consistent review and a structured method to academically support their peers, while tutees have the opportunity to clarify topics or receive advice to enhance their skills.
To enroll in the program, tutees can utilize the program’s website to access tutor’s profiles, which are organized by subject. After selecting a tutor, the tutee will contact their potential tutor and receive a contract from Thoman, which must be signed by the tutor, tutee and tutee’s guardian. Once a tutor and tutee are contracted, they can choose in-person or virtual sessions, and schedule their meetings to fit their personal schedules.
In order to become a peer tutor, students must have earned a B+ or higher in the course they tutor. Applicants are also required to complete a short application to finalize their role as a peer tutor. The form gathers information, such as the name, grade, tutoring subjects, a brief biography and a portrait picture, which are all used to create their profile.
Once a tutor and tutee are contracted, they can choose in-person or virtual sessions, and schedule their meetings to fit their personal schedules.
Even though the meetings are not supervised by a teacher, tutees and tutors are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism. During sessions, tutees and tutors must be on time and effectively communicate with one another. Tutors are obligated to uphold their responsibilities by remaining patient and committing to helping the tutee, while the tutee is responsible for managing their sessions.
Flacau states that she normally reviews content taught in class during her meetings. In contrast to the classroom, peer tutors offer individualized support for their tutees. As a result, the tutors can assess specific areas their student has trouble with, assuring the student that they can successfully and confidently execute the problem.
“I usually go over homework or tests and explain concepts that the tutee had difficulty understanding,” Flacau said.
The Peer Tutoring program was established to support students’ academics and provide student tutors with volunteer hours. With the implementation of new programs and online sessions, the program aims to serve as a reliable resource for all students.
About the Contributor

Claire Pham
Staff Writer
Claire Pham is a Leland sophomore. She is currently a part of the media team in Advanced Journalism. She enjoys watching new shows, hanging out with friends, and listening to different types of music.
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