Peer Tutoring has been making a difference through academic support even before quarantine, and is a widely popular method for getting help with school subjects, gaining volunteer hours and making real connections in the San Mateo High School community. Facilitated by Rotem Peñaloza-Bluvstein, a AS English Teacher at San Mateo High School, the student-led program is a wonderful environment. Peer tutoring not only encourages students struggling in academics, but also helps students wishing to connect with new people.
Finding its start before quarantine, our peer tutoring program was first invented by Charlotte Tan, a sophomore at SMHS at the time. From her experiences of aiding an English support class, Charlotte realized just how much engagement between students can benefit academics, community and meeting the needs of students.
Ashita Pant, a peer tutor and a senior at SMHS, says that the best part of peer tutoring is not “teaching but learning,” as she gets to dive deeper into topics she’s very passionate about, like physics.
Do you want to join our wonderful team of peer tutors, or know someone who does? All you need to do is either sign up as a Teacher Aide or a Peer Tutor, and then you can attend training, get assigned to certain classes during your teacher aide period or during tutorial, as well as continue your work after school in the Bearcat Den! It’s a great way to support your fellow bearcats, or get some support and make some connections yourself!