The Power of Peer Tutoring:
Guide for Implementing an Effective Peer Tutoring Program

Whether you are a student or teacher, parent or principal, policy maker or education stakeholder of any kind, we hope that you will find this guide actionable and useful in implementing an effective peer tutoring program. Peer tutoring is the most impactful and resource efficient strategy to provide the individualized academic support that students need to thrive educationally:

• Academic and intellectual achievement -- Peer tutoring leads to higher academic and intellectual achievement for both the tutors and tutees.
• Personal and social development -- Peer tutoring leads to greater personal and social development (i.e. interpersonal skills) for both the tutors and tutees.
• School culture and climate -- Peer tutoring leads to improved peer relationships as well as a better school culture and climate.
• Motivation and success -- Peer tutoring leads to students having increased motivation to stay in school and graduate.

This guide consists of two parts. The first part includes stories from the winners and finalists of the 2015 and 2016 National Peer Tutor Scholarship Programs. The alumni of our scholarship competitions are extraordinary young men and women who through their peer tutoring service and leadership have demonstrated the power and potential of peer tutoring. The second part of this guide consists of our Power of Peer Tutoring Program Development System. The materials have been tested extensively and implemented in schools across the nation. It should be noted that the resources provided in this guide are intended to be a foundation for programs to build upon. Every community and school is unique -- likewise, the structure and form of programs will vary to best meet the unique needs and aspirations of the students that the programs serve.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank our wonderful team members including Sarah Guller (2015 National Peer Tutor of the Year), Natalie Monzavifar (2015 and 2016 National Peer Tutor of the Year Finalist), and Freya Proudman (2016 National Peer Tutor of the Year) for their dedication and help in making this guide. In addition, we are incredibly grateful to our advisors at the Harvard Innovation Lab and donors for their continued support and guidance.

We need to transform education in America. This transformation starts with innovative actions by people like you. Thank you for your efforts to ensure that every student has access to a great peer tutor and an effective peer tutoring program!

Michael R. Nock
Founder and CEO
National Scholar Foundation