The Muskegon Community College Tutoring Center on campus has been awarded Stage 1, Level 2 and 3, certification from the College Reading and Learning Association’s (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program.
“This means our tutors are not only qualified to help with content, but also to ensure students receive the best support possible,” said Dean Fritzemeier, who coordinates the MCC Tutoring Center.
The CRLA certification formally denotes that the MCC tutoring program lines up with the standards and outcomes set by the organization.
“These include hours worked with students, specific training topics, and assessments to confirm the tutors understand how to help MCC students,” added Fritzemeier. “Specifically, tutors must engage in at least 10 hours of training, work with students a minimum of 25 hours, and demonstrate their knowledge through different assessments and discussions”
Founded in the 1960s, CRLA is a group of student-oriented professionals active in the fields of reading, learning assistance, developmental education, tutoring, and mentoring at the college/adult level. CRLA provides an international forum for the interchange of ideas, methods, and information to improve student learning and to facilitate the professional growth of its members.
Fritzemeier cites the many benefits to MCC of CRLA membership range from training program development to certification.
“They include recognition from students and faculty, increased confidence level of tutors, and a thriving team environment between the tutors,” he explained. “This training has helped my tutors grow into leaders who are ready to prepare various levels of students succeed. I am thankful to my tutors, who are students themselves, for all of the time and dedication they put forth on behalf of the MCC students.”