Peer tutoring brings students together to learn from one another in a unique way which has proven itself successful for many at Walsh Jesuit.

Stumped on solving algebraic equations on your homework again and just can’t seem to get the right answers after spending hours trying to figure it out on your own? Sometimes we need more help with challenging coursework throughout the week than our teachers have time to provide. Fortunately, the peer tutoring program at Walsh Jesuit offers students extra support with one-on-one assistance and study sessions to achieve academic success.

Mrs. Rachel Vidd, the Director of Academic Support at Walsh Jesuit, oversees the peer tutoring program. She stated, “Peer tutoring involves one student helping another student to review information, gain new knowledge, and make social connections.”

She added, “National Honors Society students are given the opportunity to volunteer to be a peer tutor. Also, I selected additional students after asking teachers for recommendations of students who they feel would be good tutors.”

Peer tutors must be juniors or seniors who have achieved high levels of academic success in a specific subject. Mrs. Vidd stated that 59 students have been chosen for this school year and are available to help their fellow students. She feels that the program has gotten off to a great start thus far in the school year with about 15 students currently receiving help each week.

Sophomore Kayla Blackwell is one student who has experienced considerable success by utilizing the program. She has been working with her peer tutor in a small group setting and expressed, “She took her time while explaining the material and broke down concepts in a way that I could understand, which gave me confidence.”

A freshman who has participated in several of the study sessions for Algebra 1 stated, “Taking part in peer tutoring has helped me prepare for tests and gain a better understanding of the material when the lesson is first taught.” Also, he expressed that interacting with and learning from an upperclassman who has already done well in algebra has been a positive experience.

Molly Goodrich, a senior, helps students with AP Physics and Global Studies. She said, “I developed a close relationship while tutoring a freshman in Global Studies. I am excited for where she is headed and know that she will do great.”

Molly also mentioned that when she tutored a student in AP Physics last year, they worked together to figure out the material and better understand the topic.

“Struggling in a subject is not a weakness. Your peers are here to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Molly.

Cathleen Kershner, a senior peer tutor for Spanish, highlighted a rewarding aspect of her experience, which is developing relationships with other students with whom she would not normally interact. She said, “So far, I have seen one of my peers around school, and we already are saying hello in the hallways! It has been very nice!”

Students who are interested in receiving help from the peer tutoring program at Walsh Jesuit can scan the QR code for the program, which is available in all classrooms, and submit the associated webform. Sessions can be scheduled before, during, and after school to best accommodate each student’s needs. The one-on-one sessions are held in the Academic Resource Center (A.R.C.), while the group sessions are held every week Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00-3:45 p.m. in the Thomas J. Bain Library.