SLS: Beaverton AVID Tutor (2026-27 school year)

AVID mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2026-27 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/864961

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What is AVID? AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. We are dedicated to supporting students who may identify as first-generation college goers, underrepresented on college campuses, and/or economically underserved. We strive for partnerships with our local universities and engagement with current college students to keep this connection authentic and genuine for our AVID program and the students it serves. At every Beaverton middle and high school, there is an AVID Elective class that focuses on the skills needed for college, including writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. Tutorial is a critical component of the AVID Elective and occurs three days a week, from Tuesday through Thursday. This is an opportunity for students to bring questions from their core content classes and work with their peers to develop answers to those questions and build critical thinking skills. Along with the AVID Elective class schools utilize AVID college readiness strategies and systems to support all students to be college and career ready. For more information regarding AVID please visit: http://www.avid.org/

AVID TUTORS: Tutors are key to the success of the AVID program. As an AVID Tutor in the Beaverton Schools, you would support small groups of students during their student-led tutorials through guiding discussions, asking probing questions, helping students stay focused, taking focused notes, and encouraging students to think critically and collaboratively. You will work closely with the AVID elective teacher, communicate about student progress, and model professionalism and academic confidence. This work strengthens students’ problem‑solving abilities, reinforces their academic skills, and helps AVID students build the confidence needed to meet their college and career goals.

AVID Tutors help create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and academically capable. By guiding tutorials and mentoring students who face barriers such as being first‑generation college‑goers or experiencing economic challenges, you will help contribute to equitable access to rigorous academic support. Your presence will help cultivate a college‑going culture in which all students feel capable of long‑term success.

Tutors commit to supporting the same class(es) each week (Tuesday–Thursday, between 8:25 AM and 4:15 PM) to provide consistent mentorship. 

Skills and Knowledge Required: The most important qualities for this role include reliability, strong communication skills, active listening, and a positive, encouraging attitude. SLS Members should be comfortable working with adolescents and be willing to support learning through questioning rather than giving answers. Curiosity, patience, and a belief in students’ potential are essential. SLS members should enjoy collaborative work, value educational equity, and be open to learning coaching strategies during training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• experience working with youth, participation in mentoring or leadership programs, and/or familiarity with collaborative learning environments.
• Students studying education, social work, psychology, or related fields may find the role especially aligned with their academic interests, but these areas of study are not required.
• Multilingual skills or lived experience overcoming academic barriers are valuable but optional strengths.

Application, Onboarding, and Training process: A 30-minute virtual information session and 4 hour mandatory training will be provided to SLS members. The virtual information session is to meet with interested applicants, preview some information and expectations, and answer initial questions. The 4 hour training can be done virtually or in-person and will cover all the details of how to be a tutor.

Throughout the year, tutors receive guidance through AVID training, ongoing feedback from site coordinators, and support from the AVID elective teacher, ensuring they can develop their leadership skills in a structured, collaborative environment. This balance of independence and mentorship allows SLS members to grow as leaders while making meaningful contributions to student success.

Benefits of this Positions: Serving as an AVID Tutor provides hands‑on experience in leadership, coaching, communication, and facilitation. These skills are transferable to nearly any academic or career path. You will learn how to guide group discussions, ask effective questions, give constructive feedback, and build rapport with diverse learners. You will also gain insight into equitable instructional practices, and the systemic barriers many students face. Through relationships with AVID teachers and school staff, you can build meaningful professional connections within the district and the broader education community. Most importantly, you will see firsthand the impact of your service as you help students develop confidence, persistence, and problem‑solving skills.

Supervision: The SLS member will report to the AVID Site Coordinator and AVID Elective Teacher at the school they are placed with.

Location & Transportation: We have AVID placements at over 15 different middle and high school sites in Beaverton, Aloha, and deep NW Portland.

• High Schools: Aloha, Arts and Communication Magnet Academy, Beaverton , Mountainside, Southridge , Westview
• Middle Schools: Cedar Park, Conestoga, Five Oaks, Highland Park, Meadow Park, Mountain View, Stoller, Tumwater, Whitford

The commute via public transit from PSU may take 1+ hours, depending on the school the student chooses to tutor in. If you are planning to commute from campus, you would plan to take the MAX Blue or Red lines and then transfer onto local buses.

Time & Commitment: To meet the SLS requirement, students should expect to tutor 4+ hours per week. At the middle schools, classes are 43 minutes long while at the high schools, classes are 90 minutes long. Tutoring will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday between 8:25AM and 4:15PM. It is recommended that SLS members select three to four schools that they would be interested in tutoring in for schedule flexibility and to meet the 4 to 6 hours requirement.