North’s widely-used peer tutoring program will be more accessible this year with flexible timing options, according to history teacher Jamie Bal, who manages the program.
The initiative provides underclassmen with one-on-one help from upperclassmen once a week during available free periods, and, as of this year, WIN and Tiger block.
In previous years, peer tutoring was only available during free blocks, requiring tutors and tutees to have overlapping schedules to meet. Now, they can meet during WIN. According to Bal, these constraints made scheduling difficult, often resulting in students missing out on needed support.
“Most years what I end up with is more people on my list than I can ever get into the program, because there are so many people that sign up,” said Bal. “I don’t like the idea that there are students that don’t get this support in our school but are reaching out for it.”
Bal’s main goal for the program this year is to ensure that students who will benefit most from peer tutoring can access it, and the inclusion of WIN blocks is helping her reach this objective.
According to senior Eliza Dyett, being a tutor is a great opportunity to create new connections with peers that may not have been formed otherwise.
“I really like that there’s so much variety in what you can help people with, whether it’s organization and time management or actual class content that they need help with,” said Dyett. “Last year I tutored two people in French and it was really fun getting to know them throughout the year.”
Tutors are trained and matched with tutees based on individual needs. The program offers assistance with specific subject content and concepts, as well as general study skills such as note-taking, outlining, test preparation, and organization.
According to senior Kathryn Fine, this program offers a flexible and accessible way to get extra help, whether students are looking to reinforce their understanding of class material or need guidance in specific subjects.
“I think it can be super helpful for classes, and just to have an upperclassman to guide you through the course,” said Fine.“They can really help you out, whether it’s on individual homework, studying for a test, or working on your time management.” she added. “I think people should definitely join, it’s such a great program.”
The program is still looking for tutors, and students can apply through the North peer tutoring website.
