Become a TLC Tutor!

The Columbia University Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) provides tutoring in mathematics to high school students in public schools in Harlem. Tutoring will be offered online and on site in our partner school for the coming year. We work with high school students in all math courses, from Algebra I to AP Calculus and are seeking tutors who are interested in engaging with area students to help them develop independent learning habits. 

No prior tutoring experience is required. TLC training covers strategies and skills that will enable you to become an effective and confident learning coach. 

The TLC works to close the opportunity gap in mathematics by providing academic support outside the classroom. Tutors help students with homework and test corrections, but the real goal is to help them become creative problem-solvers. In the process, high school students also have an opportunity to learn more about college from the tutors. All tutoring, whether in-person or online, is supervised by TLC staff, who manage logistics and support the Tutors as needed. 

All tutors must…

  • be in good academic standing
  • complete NYCDOE fingerprinting requirements and pass a Columbia University or Department of Education background check
  • complete the Columbia University Protection of Minors training and the New York Anti-Sexual Harassment training required of all Columbia employees
  • possess strong communication skills
  • be able to work independently and as part of a team

In addition, calculus tutors must have:

  • Completed Calculus I College level or higher OR:
  • Completed High School AP Calculus AB or BC

Schedule Requirements and Information

  • Tutoring will be offered after-school onsite from approximately 2-4pm and online from 7pm-9pm. Precise hours may be subject to change.
  • Tutors must complete an onboarding process prior to beginning work and paid weekly training thereafter.
  • We expect that tutors are prepared to work both in person and online. At this point, we will prioritize tutors who are available for both types of work. 
  • Tutors are expected to be at their computers for the entire duration of an online shift. 
  • The minimum weekly time commitment (including tutoring and training) is 4 hours, consisting of one two hour tutoring shift and two hours of training per week. The preferred commitment is two tutoring shifts per week plus two hours of training, for a total of 6 hours. 
  • Tutors are scheduled on a semester-by-semester basis. Re-appointments are determined by the TLC staff.
  • Tutoring shifts are often available between semesters and during certain university holidays. Additional work outside of tutoring hours and training is sometimes available.

If you are a student at Columbia University or Barnard College, there are two ways to become a tutor with the TLC program:

If you are eligible for the federal work-study program, you can apply today. Applications will be handled on a rolling basis.

Columbia University students: search for job reference #12307

Barnard College students: search for job reference #13659

For work-study positions, we offer a rate of $21.50 per hour. 

We have a limited number of positions for Columbia and Barnard  students without work-study awards.  The salary for these positions is $21.50/hour.  To apply please visit this link and upload your cover letter and resume. 

Program Components

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Training

All tutors attend weekly trainings. Tutors will learn about the theoretical and research foundations of our program. They will have opportunities to role-play with peers and use our online mathematics education platform, Mathspace. The final hour of training each week will involve a deep dive into upcoming mathematics content.

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Quality Supervision

Our experienced tutor supervisors are always onsite with you in the classroom. They’re there to facilitate introductions to teachers and students and help you if you need guidance while you tutor. Tutor supervisors lead a group debrief after each session to make sure you have a chance to share feedback with your team and refine your practice.

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Flexible Schedule

We understand that Columbia and Barnard students are busy, so we strive to be flexible. While we do ask that you attend weekly training and tutor at least 1 or 2 shifts per week, there are many opportunities to do so. If you are not able to tutor in the classroom between 2:00pm and 4:00pm, we have (limited) opportunities available for online tutors to work with us between 7:00pm and 9:00pm

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Career Development

You have a long career ahead of you. We’re happy to connect you with interesting career contacts and we’re always available to provide references and letters of recommendations. Our tutors benefit from participation in a variety of ways: sociology students gain a better understanding of systemic pressures that impact learners in urban contexts; students who plan to teach gain exposure to research-driven pedagogical techniques and learning theories; and students who are planning to take the GRE, the MCAT, or the GMAT can use Mathspace to brush up on content.