Frequently Asked Questions

+ For Parents, Guardians, and Students

Is every student eligible?

No. At this stage of the program, we are only considering 3rd to 6th grade students in selected schools.

Is the tutoring actually free?

Yes, our program is completely free to students who are eligible for the program!

How does the tutor communicate with the parent?

At the parent’s request, Step Up Tutors send weekly updates to parents.

Who are the tutors?

Tutors are college students, recent graduates, professionals, and retirees. Applications are carefully screened to ensure tutor quality and commitment to the program. Once accepted, tutors will complete tutor training modules and submit a background check.

How are tutors and students matched?

Step Up Tutoring matches tutors and students based on needs, interests, and schedules.

How are sessions scheduled?

Depending on the program, some sessions are scheduled via the tutor reaching out to the family to coordinate. Other sessions will have a set time.

How are sessions conducted?

All sessions take place virtually, over Zoom.

Is it safe?

Yes, our tutors are all required to submit a background check and an adult must be present on-site with the student.

What subjects will be covered?

Currently, all students are required to do 30 minutes of math every session using Nearpod Math. Nearpod Math is a supplemental curriculum with various activities to support students in their learning.

Students are also required to do social emotional learning (SEL) check-in questions for 5 minutes at the beginning of the session. These SEL check-in questions help students to develop important skills for their future success in school and beyond.

The last 10 minutes of the session are for literacy support and/or homework check-ins.

Next year, Step Up will be launching a literacy curriculum that will support students in phonics and reading comprehension. Students will then have the option to select either or both subjects for tutoring.

Have another question?

Check out the student page! If you still cannot find your answer, please message us

+ For Tutors

What if I don't have experience tutoring?

  • You can still apply if you do not have experience teaching!
    • Our required online training program will give you the necessary guidelines, information, and resources

What are the responsibilities?

  • Conduct lessons online (at least two sessions a week, 45 minutes each)
  • Manage scheduling with the student's family
  • Commit to at least 3 months
  • Provide feedback to Step Up Tutoring, parents, and teachers
  • Monitor students’ academic progress and engagement

Can I tutor/mentor if I'm really busy?

  • Of course! You only need to commit to 2 hours a week to be a tutor/mentor with Step Up Tutoring.

What are the tutor requirements?

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Proficient on Zoom, Google Suite, and general computer navigation
  • Organized, energetic, and committed
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Solid internet connection
  • Background check
  • Must reside within the U.S.
  • Enjoy working with kids!

Do I need any special equipment to tutor students with Step Up Tutoring?

  • All you need to tutor/mentor is a personal computer, laptop, or tablet. Step Up Tutoring uses Zoom to conduct tutoring sessions, so as long as your computer's camera and microphone work and you can use Zoom, you are ready to tutor!

What will I have to do before starting?

  • Fill out the application
    • Note: you will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute online meeting with a Step Up Tutoring staff member
  • Complete a background check
  • Complete our training workbook (takes 3-5 hours)

What if I’m not comfortable with math or Common Core?

  • Do not worry! Most of our students are in 3rd grade and learning basic addition, subtraction, and times tables. Even with our older students, many of them need support learning these foundational math skills.
  • Step Up is excited to incorporate a new curriculum into our program: Nearpod Math! Tutors do not need to be math experts to use Nearpod Math in their tutoring sessions. In fact, Nearpod has ready-made lessons that are designed to be easy to follow. It takes the guesswork out of math tutoring!
    • Step Up will also provide a learning pathway or instructional map that shows tutors which Nearpod lessons to do and recommendations for extra practice.
    • You can also preview the Nearpod lessons beforehand to get an understanding of what topics you will cover together.
  • We’ll train you in math!
    • All tutors will go through a Nearpod Math training module before they start tutoring. This training module has videos and step-by-step instructions on how to use Step Up with your tutee.
    • Step Up provides comprehensive guides and video tutorials you can refer to after you go through training. You can find those on the tutor resource website.
    • Need more support? Email a Step Up staff member at tutorsupport@stepuptutoring.org or attend a Nearpod Office Hour.

Where can I volunteer from?

  • Currently, you need to be physically in the United States to do the live scan/background check. The live scan/background check is required to complete onboarding. Once your background check is complete, you can tutor remotely. All training and tutoring sessions are done online.

Will I get paid?

  • This is a volunteer opportunity, however we do partner with some work study and fellowship programs at certain colleges.

Will my volunteer hours be tracked?

  • Yes! We will track your volunteer hours for you and keep you up to date.

Why now?

  • COVID-19 has had a CATASTROPHIC impact on the education of students from under-resourced backgrounds
    • According to Nation's Report Card, 2022 showed the “largest score declines in NAEP mathematics at grade 4 and 8 since initial assessments began in 1980.”
    • Students and teachers are still recovering from remote learning's impacts, including students being less motivated, not feeling a sense of social belonging, and being disengaged from their learning
    • Students are adjusting to being back in the classroom and supporting their academic success during this time is incredibly important

How will I actually make a difference in student lives?

  • Data shows that 1-on-1 tutoring can have a substantial impact on students' academic achievement and self-esteem
    • Regular tutoring has a significant impact on student learning across grade levels and subject areas
    • Academic achievement and self-esteem are positively correlated, meaning that when students achieve academically, their confidence improves, and when students have increased confidence their academic performance improves
    • The confidence that students gain through working with a tutor can impact their current academic success and future lives outside of academics
  • Good learning habits and strong grades in elementary and middle school have lasting effects in terms of positive life outcomes
    • Elementary and middle school students with strong work ethics and above average performance have been found to be more likely to earn higher degrees, make more money, and be more satisfied with their lives
    • Teaching students that they can grow and find success in academics promotes resilience throughout life

How will I personally benefit from this program?

  • You will get a seat at the table during a monumental turning point in education
  • You will strengthen your leadership, communication, and management skills
  • You will gain a network of bright, interesting community leaders
  • You will have the chance to play an important role in a child's life

Still have a question?

Check out the tutor page. If you still cannot find your answer, please message us!

+ For Teachers

How does the tutor work with the student’s teacher?

Tutors communicate regularly with the student's teacher to update them on student progress. The tutor’s role is to support the teacher’s instruction, and teachers have the option to provide guidance to tutors and request specific areas of focus for their students enrolled in tutoring.

What subjects will be covered?

Tutoring sessions will include support in Math and English.

Who are the tutors?

Tutors are college students, recent graduates, professionals, and retirees. Applications are carefully screened to ensure tutor quality and commitment to the program. Once accepted, tutors will complete an online training and background check.

Have another question?

Check out the Teachers page! If you still cannot find your answer, please message us!