SHU Earns International Tutoring Certification

This certification signifies the high standards of SHU’s tutor selection, training and service

Sacred Heart University’s Center for Teaching & Learning’s (CTL) tutoring program has achieved Level 1 Certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

This prestigious certification signifies that the CTL tutoring program has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation as an integral part of their overall tutoring program. CRLA certification not only reflects the tutoring program’s unwavering pursuit of excellence but also underscores SHU’s commitment to academic success and support.

“Becoming a CRLA-certified program was no small feat. Meeting CRLA’s standards demanded a commitment to continuous improvement of the tutoring program over the last two years. Thanks to our tutors and CTL staff's hard work and dedication, we have successfully met those standards,” said Lisa Henderson, manager of tutoring and academic support.

For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide.

To achieve CRLA Level 1 Certification, the SHU CTL worked to verify that each tutor earned a minimum B grade in the content area and received an instructor's recommendation; interviewed each tutor candidate; tracked how much time each tutor spent with students; observed tutoring sessions to support continued tutor growth; and developed 10 hours of tutor training, consisting of five synchronous and five asynchronous sessions across 10 CRLA-required topics. The CTL training modules include topics such as the role of the tutor, how to conduct a successful session and culturally responsive and inclusive tutoring practices.

By becoming a CRLA-certified tutoring program, the CTL can now certify individual SHU student tutors who have met specific training and direct service requirements. Individually certified tutors complete the 10-hour CTL training program and have at least 25 hours of direct tutoring time with students.

“Certification represents the culmination of years of effort. CRLA certification is a stamp of approval—an achievement well deserved—that acknowledges the hard work that my fellow CTL tutors and I have put in over the years,” said Joseph Nowak ’24, member of the peer tutor leadership team and a CRLA certified tutor.

On Monday, April 22, the CTL held its second annual Tutor Awards Ceremony to recognize the achievements of its 80 spring 2024 tutors and honor the tutors who achieved CRLA individual certification.

The tutors who received CRLA Level 1 Certifications are: Adam Bowditch ’25, Ailie Daley ’24, Alexandra ‘Lexi’ Louros ‘26, Aviana Finocchiaro ’24, Caitlin Fitzsimons ’25, David Garcia Gallego ’26, Irene Katehis ’24, Isabelle Lamour ’24, Katherine Peter ’26, Joseph Nowak ’24, Lauren Casale ’25, Maggie Fox ’26, Marissa Lucente ’26, Matthew Carravone ’24, Thomas Remmen ’25, Victoria Shannon ’26, William Pearce ’24 and Zaida Witkowski ’26.

Photo: Thomas Remmen '25 receives certificate from Lisa Henderson