Supporting Students: Tutoring at NSA
By Ellie B.
NorthStar Academy offers a multitude of student programs. From classes, to clubs, to events and more, NSA is anything but short on student offerings. One of the programs offered is the tutoring program. Sometimes students need extra help with their classes. This is where NSA’s tutors come in.
Michaela is the Student Council Secretary, and she is also in charge of the tutoring program. As both the overseer of the program and a tutor herself, she has seen the benefits of the program: “I’ve seen improvements and benefits to students that have been tutored through seeing students get the immediate help they need.” A full comprehension of the topic is important for students to do well in their classes. The tutoring program helps those who submit questions with their specific questions and establishes a complete understanding of the topic. As Michaela said, “Students don’t have to [be] left confused.”
For those interested, there are a variety of ways students can receive help. They can reach out directly to one of NSA’s tutors. They can also fill out a form with their issue. From there, a tutor will reach out to them. When asked how the program works Michaela said, “The tutoring program works by having a group of tutors actively engage with students that need help with their schoolwork.”
Tutors are high school students who take on this volunteer leadership position. Students who desire to become a tutor can fill out the application. They then contact the Student Council Secretary and fill out another form provided by them. Finally, tutors are checked by teacher advisors and approved to begin tutoring! Those who take on this position have several things they are expected to do. “If you become a tutor, you’re expected to always be ready to take on any questions a student might have for you. You’re also expected to attend monthly all-calls with the rest of the volunteer leaders at NSA,” Michaela explained. The school is currently home to four student tutors, but they are always looking for more!
The tutoring program here at NSA provides additional support to students who need it. It also provides an opportunity for the tutors to benefit from their experience holding this position. “The door is always open to become a tutor or to be tutored,” Michaela said. Students can take advantage of this valuable offering here at NorthStar Academy.
Columns: 🔎Informational 🧑🚀NSA Culture
Ellie B. lives in Virginia, USA, with her parents, her one sibling, and her two dogs. This is her third year at NSA, and this will be her first year with the Navigator. She is in tenth grade and enjoys reading in her free time. She is a dancer with a focus on ballet and has plans to pursue it professionally in the future.