Middle and High School Tutoring as a Recruitment and Pipeline Strategy

San Diego State Universityrsantacruz@mail.sdsu.edu

Strategy - Have students with a high degree of competence in mathematics work as tutors in public middle and high schools

•Recruit Southwestern Community College students enrolled in Calculus II or higher mathematics classes

•Recruit STEM majors at San Diego State University

SWCC MSTI Tutors (n = 22)

•Recruited from Southwestern Community College campus by high school mathematics teacher - Calculus II or higher

•Motivation - a concern for equity and social justice

•Employees of the Sweetwater Union High School District

•Tutor in all levels of mathematics classes in teams at one high school

•High school teacher provides training at tutor meetings

•MSTI advisor meets with students to inform them about teaching as a career and financial aid opportunities

SWCC MSTI Tutors (n = 22)

•Nine college graduates, 6 from SDSU and 3 from UCSD

•Eight of those nine are enrolled in a teacher education program at SDSU and UCSD

•Six are currently students at SWCC

•Seven are working on undergraduate degree

•Interest in teaching - All but one tutor said they were considering teaching as a possible career. When hired, only three stated they planned to pursue teaching.

SDSU MSTI Tutors (n = 33)

•Recruited from San Diego State University campus by mathematics and science faculty - all STEM majors

•Motivation - Community service

•Employees of San Diego State University

•Tutor in all levels of mathematics and science classes at one high school,one middle school, and one K-8 school

•SDSU faculty provide training at tutor meetings

•MSTI advisor meets with students to inform them about teaching as a career and financial aid opportunities

Issues

• Pay - rate ranges from $10 to $12, all time is paid, payroll must be handled correctly and requires a coordinator

• Scheduling - work schedule built around academic schedule, variety of placements, team placements whenever possible

• Clearances - TB test, fingerprinting, background check

• Communications - e-mail is essential, signed tutor logs

• Materials and supplies - TE of mathematics book, graphing calculators, white boards and markers