Become a Tutor

Welcome to the Writing Center! 

If you are interested in tutoring, we want to meet you. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Please read the position requirements below and contact Daniel Henke with any questions. Also, consider scheduling an appointment to experience what we do. Every staff member at the Writing Center is here to help you progress as a tutor, writer, and individual. 

Our Training Program

The peer-led training program involves five stages with objectives that need to be met on a weekly basis.  You will be assessed by both staff and training assistants weekly as well, so you will always know where you stand in the process.  You are paid for the five hours you work in the Center each of these weeks as well as the additional hours you will spend working on written materials to support your training. The process is relatively demanding but—from what our tutors will tell you—educational and rewarding as well.  The good news:  you will be sitting in on sessions and working with clients from the very beginning and experiencing the rewards of tutoring as a result.

Tutor Qualifications 

• An overall grade point average of 3.5 or better
• A clear conduct record
• Outstanding performance in more than one expository writing course in two different departments at Lake Forest College
• The ability to clearly and succinctly convey information in interpersonal communication
• Patience, sensitivity, diplomacy, and self-control
• Reliability, perseverance, adaptability
• A positive attitude and the willingness to offer helpful support to other students and fellow tutors
• Understanding and commitment to the Writing Center’s philosophy and training requirements

Ready to Apply?  

• Tutor Application
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Training Overview
• Full Training Manual
• Sample Training Calendar 

Training Program Materials

All of the materials for our training program have been developed by Center tutors and staff based on our experiences with our client base and our knowledge of what tutors need to know to tutor with confidence and skill.

Orientation Stage

• Policy and Procedure Handbook
• Handbook Quiz
• Reflection Essay
• Grammar, Syntax, Style Review

Modeling Stage — Communicating Effectively

• Communication Module
• Reflective Listening Checklist
• Session Protocol Module
• Protocol Checklist
• Communication Techniques Discussion
• Strategy Talk-Through

Guided Tutoring Stage —  Session from Start to Finish

• Setting Session Goals Module
• Creating Useful End Products Module
• Discussing Essay Structure Module
• Brainstorming and Outlining Module
• Developing Thesis Statement Module
• Reverse Outlining and Argument Mapping
• Problems-Strategies Assessment

Guided Tutoring Stage — Understanding Tutor Moves

• Managing Time Module
• Session Observation Form
• Identifying Global and Local Revision Issues Module
• Introductions Module
• Conclusions Module
• Report Module 
• Mock Session

Independent Tutoring Stage 

• Teaching Clients to Edit Module
• Using Diana Hacker’s  A Pocket Style Manual Module
• Grammar/Syntax Performance Assessment
• New Tutor Reflection Chart
• Thirteen Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation
• Thirteen Common Errors (with Hacker sections)

Self-Directed Development/Additional Support

• Style/Clarity Assessment Module
• Order of Priorities for Syntax (OOPs)
• Essay Structural Logic and Argument Mapping
• Stages of the Writing Process Module
• Reading-to-Write Module
• Working on Syntax: International Students Module
• Full Session Resources Binder

Resources for Avoiding Plagiarism

• Helping Clients with In-Text Citations
• Helping Clients with In-Text Citations Reading: Jefferson’s Cop-Out
• Avoiding Unintentional Plagiarism Module

Additional Resources: English Language Learners

• Strategies for Building and Maintaining ELL Client Confidence 
  (PDF)
• Strategies for Simultaneously Approaching Global and Local Issues (PDF)
• Word Choice Skills for Non-Native Speakers (PDF)
• Tips for ESL Sessions (PDF)