Peer Learning Assistants support fellow Miners through the Student Success Center's tutoring services. PLAs facilitate Group Sessions, staff Learning Centers for Math and Computer Science courses, and provide Drop-in tutoring across campus. Help students deepen their understanding, prepare for exams, and build problem-solving skills in courses you've mastered.
About the Position
Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) provide personalized academic support across a variety of courses through multiple tutoring modalities. They may engage in Drop-In sessions, offering one-on-one assistance, participate in Group sessions, where they work with students in varying numbers alongside faculty, or support Supplemental Instruction (SI), embedding themselves in a course and leading additional sessions outside of class to reinforce learning.
The ideal candidate will offer individualized student support by working closely with students to deepen their understanding of course material. They will apply active learning strategies, such as facilitation and collaboration techniques, to promote peer engagement. Additionally, they will foster a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring students feel comfortable seeking help. The candidate should also demonstrate content expertise, maintaining a strong grasp of course material and utilizing class resources effectively to enhance student learning.
Pay Rate
$13.15 per hour
Availability
6-12 hours per week
Academic Requirements
Candidates must have completed the courses they wish to tutor at Missouri S&T, earning a B or higher, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.9–3.0 or higher. A faculty recommendation is also required.
Flexibility in Tutoring Support
Tutors must be adaptable and willing to support any tutoring modality as needed to address gaps in coverage each semester. This flexibility ensures students receive the help they need while also providing tutors with opportunities to expand their experience and potentially increase their working hours.
Drop-in Tutoring: Provide support for at least four courses, including core major courses as well as any of the following: Calculus I–III, General Chemistry I-II, and College & Engineering Physics I–II.
Group Tutoring: Confidently lead sessions for groups of students while maintaining open communication with faculty to stay informed in order to provide relevant and effective support.
Supplemental Instruction (SI): Attend course lectures to stay up to date with content. Meet regularly with faculty to discuss student progress and course expectations. Establish connections with students and promote SI sessions. Host up to three 1-hour support sessions per week for the assigned section.
Administrative & Professional Development
Attend required meetings to stay informed on best practices, tutoring techniques, and SSC update
Who Should Apply?
For group and drop-in tutoring we invite academically inclined students from ALL fields to apply with a particular interest in tutors who can support core courses in the following areas:
- Physics
- Civ. Eng.
- Chem/Chem Eng.
- Mech. Eng.
- Computer Science
Applications Are Now Open
Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are currently being accepted, with priority given to those reviewed starting April 21. Timely applications are highly encouraged.
Note: Applications for employment are not accepted via email. Please use the appropriate means above to submit your application. If there is not an active link to submit your application, it means applications are not being accepted.
Faculty Recommendations
Faculty can help support the selection of qualified candidates and recommend a student to be a PLA. Even if we’re not currently hiring for a department, we gladly accept Peer Learning Assistant recommendations on a rolling basis.