Writing Resources is Berea College’s writing center. We assist students, faculty, and staff with all types of writing at any stage of the writing process. Trained consultants support writers in understanding assignments, brainstorming, organization, flow, language mechanics, and APA, MLA, and Chicago style formatting, and citation. From personal writing to lab reports, consultants work closely with students (individually, in groups, and even in classes) to help them develop and answer their writing questions, big or small.   

The Writing Resources workplace is comprised of skilled student workers (10-hour primaries, 5-hour secondaries) who not only possess strong writing abilities, but also the desire to continually develop those abilities, especially in community with others. Successful consultants also have the maturity, sensitivity, and flexibility to help fellow student writers with a variety of projects. To support consultants’ growth as writers, workers, and Bereans, employment at Writing Resources is structured in this way:  

• Consultants hold scheduled meetings with student writers throughout each week and meet regularly with other Writing Resources consultants (one-on-one and in groups) to gain practice as consultants and collaborative colleagues. Weekly labor meetings provide ongoing training on shared concerns and center-wide projects. Each school year kicks off with a Writing Resources-wide orientation to acclimate new workers.
• New consultants are expected to enroll in GST 286: Tutoring/Writing Pedagogy: Theory and Praxis, a .25-credit (1 hour weekly) practicum course that outlines basic techniques for supporting college-level writers and critical research on teaching and learning. Consultants who successfully complete this course and their year-long Writing Resources contract will be lifetime certified as Level 1 Tutors through the College Reading & Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program. This is a significant honor that indicates your dedication, drive, and strong critical thinking and communication skills to future employers.  

If you feel that you possess these qualities and are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply. Please complete the application below.  

If you have any questions or need any additional information, feel free to contact the Director of Writing Resources, Dr. Amy Nichols, at 859-985-3404 or Writing_Resources@berea.edu.  

Teaching Assistants/Peer Leaders (TA-PLs) serve as instructional and advising support for first-year GSTR courses. In the fall semester, each TA-PL collaborates with a faculty member/academic advisor teaching GSTR 110. TA-PLs work as writing TAs for their assigned GSTR 110 sections, helping students develop study strategies and college-level writing skills. TA-PLs also serve as peer leaders, acclimating students to the college environment and advising them as they develop general academic skills, explore majors, and utilize campus resources. In the spring, TA-PLs continue this work, supporting a section of GSTR 110 or 210 (and often working with a new faculty member).

TA-PLs are critical to the success of first-year students at Berea. TA-PLs develop unique bonds with the students and faculty in their courses. They also work closely with others in the TA-PL cohort, learning with folks who are similarly invested in sharing their experience and knowledge. One of the ultimate goals of the TA-PL program is to work together to think up creative learning opportunities for students—in the classroom and out. The program also seeks to help TA-PLs hone their own communication skills, which we hope will serve them in their time at Berea and beyond.

For these reasons, 

• The TA-PL program is comprised of students who have demonstrated not only a history of academic success, but also emotional maturity, initiative, and a strong understanding of the skills and resources incoming students need to succeed at Berea.
• The work of a TA-PL (typically, 12-hour primaries only for a year-long position) takes many forms: regular one-on-one meetings with their assigned faculty member; one-on-one meetings with students (typically during regularly held TA hours); group meetings with students; group meetings with other TA/PLs (labor meetings). It also involves considerable independent work, as TA-PLs may be asked to develop resources and workshops to support faculty and students.
• New TA-PLs are expected to enroll in GST 286: Tutoring/Writing Pedagogy: Theory and Praxis, a .25-credit (1 hour weekly) practicum course that outlines basic techniques for supporting college-level writers and critical research on teaching and learning. TA-PLs who successfully complete this course and their year-long TA-PL contract will be lifetime certified as Level 1 Tutors through the College Reading & Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program. This is a significant honor that indicates your dedication, drive, and strong critical thinking and communication skills to future employers.
• All TA-PLs are expected to return to campus approximately one week before the start of the fall semester to attend several days of orientation (exact date TBA). So, in addition to committing to the school year contract, you are asked to commit to a summer contract (approx. 30 hours) for the orientation period. 

If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Hall, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning Assistant Programs, at Lauren_Hall@berea.edu.