Become a Writing Tutor

The Writing Center is looking for excellent students with a strong background in writing and an interest in helping other students.

To become a writing tutor, apply to take English 402: Internship in Tutoring Writing, which is held each fall semester. Students in English 402 will learn about techniques and theories involved in tutoring writing, approaching writing as a process, evaluating and responding to drafts, and working with a diversity of writers. Starting the fourth week of the semester until the last week of class, students will also tutor in the Writing Center for four hours a week as part of the course. After completing English 402, students are eligible to apply for a part-time paid position as a writing tutor.

Enrollment in English 402 is by permission only. Applicants from any major are welcome, but all applicants must have completed the first-year writing requirement (English 102). Priority is given to students of junior or senior standing, and graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

Applications must include the following:

• Letter of interest. Please describe your interest in writing, working with and helping writers, and your relevant skills.
• Writing sample, with context. The writing sample should be a graded essay from a current or very recent course. In addition to the writing sample, include an explanation of up to 1 page that describes the writing assignment, your approach to writing, what you like about the finished product (and why), and what you would want to revise if you could (and why). 
• Names and email addresses of two faculty members willing to provide a strong recommendation. Note: recommenders do not need to write letters; instead they will be contacted for feedback.

Email complete applications to the Writing Center director, Jamaica Ritcher, by Friday, March 29. Early applications are welcome!

If you have questions about the course or tutoring writing, please contact Jamaica Ritcher by email (jritcher@uidaho.edu), phone (208-885-4300), or in-person at the Writing Center (ISUB 323).