For aspiring teacher Fayth Kardas, working with the Brock Learning Lab (BLL) as a tutor, and now supervisor, has been a transformative experience.

Housed in Brock’s Faculty of Education and deeply rooted in community, the BLL offers affordable math and literacy tutoring for kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Niagara.

Kardas, a sixth-year Concurrent Teacher Education student, has participated in a number of BLL opportunities available for students that have helped shaped her professional path.

“I’ve added so much knowledge, information and learning into my ‘teacher toolbox,’ and I look forward to applying it all when I have my own classroom one day. I also feel that these experiences have better prepared me for my career in education because I understand who I want to be as a teacher and recognize the skills required to be successful,” Kardas said.

Kardas was introduced to tutoring at the BLL through the third-year EDUC 3P45 – Reading and Literacy Development course. She found the course material particularly impactful, providing her with a chance to learn about all aspects of tutoring and essential elements associated with the literacy development of students.

As a tutor at the BLL, Kardas put her learning into practice while creating lessons centred around the learning needs and interests of individual students.

“I have had the opportunity to participate in various tutoring programs as a part of the Brock Learning Lab, and all were rewarding experiences. Tutoring with the Lab allowed me to understand my own teaching style and recognize ways that I can make learning fun and engaging for my students,” she said.

For students looking to gain experience like Kardas, the Lab continues to offer paid, volunteer and course-based roles that allow participants to work with kindergarten to Grade 12 students in the local community.

Brock students from all Faculties can intern with the BLL or volunteer as math and literacy tutors, meeting with clients in person or online for at least one hour per week from Monday, Jan. 26 to Thursday, April 2.

Sessional Educational Studies Instructor Catherine Susin, Program Coordinator for the BLL and a previous tutor herself, said programming is designed so that tutors aren’t just teaching, they’re practicing the art of responsive instruction.

“With structured training, ongoing supervisor support, and access to relevant resources, tutors grow alongside their students,” Susin said.

The BLL is also hiring experienced tutors to work as literacy and math mentors in local schools from January to April. Mentors will work with individual students or small groups during the school day in elementary schools across Niagara. To learn more or apply for any of these roles, visit the Brock Learning Lab website. Applications for volunteer tutor and intern roles are due by Friday, Jan. 16.