At Highlands, the English Language (EL) Peer Tutoring program is helping to transform education by empowering students to support their peers in meaningful ways. This initiative, which involves juniors and seniors providing academic assistance to EL learners at the middle and high school levels. This is more than just a school project—it’s a credit-bearing elective course that impacts both the tutors and their tutees.
These students often must face the challenge of mastering a new language while trying to keep up with rigorous academic standards. However, the EL Peer Tutoring program has proven to significantly affect the academic and personal lives of EL students.
“The EL students get to have daily help from friendly, kind, and smart students who chose to be peer tutors,” EL Peer Tutoring advisor, Alyona Greene said.
This daily support helps to make the academic content more accessible and less overwhelming for the students.
These peer tutors don’t just assist with schoolwork—they act as advocates for the ELL students. This unique position helps ensure that the needs and concerns of the students are heard. The relationship between the tutor and tutee fosters trust and understanding, making the academic environment more comfortable for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
The experience of being a peer tutor offers valuable life lessons that extend beyond academics. Tutors develop patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in any career they pursue.
“I love being a peer tutor and helping out my peers with something that I know well and teaching them what I know to expand what they know,” peer tutor Riley Turner (11) said.
The EL Peer Tutoring program is a shining example of how students can make a difference in their communities. Whether it’s offering academic support, emotional encouragement, or simply being a friendly face in a new environment, this program enriches the educational experience for both the tutors and the tutees.
As Greene stated, the program is not only about helping students succeed academically, but also fostering a sense of community and empathy that will benefit all those involved for years to come.
