Mia Grella

Academic Support Coordinators at The Center for Academic Success and Accessibility at Southern Connecticut State University are students who have had at least two semesters of peer tutoring or PAL experience and are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). In my case, I only had one semester of peer tutoring experience but was still offered the position based on the leadership and dedication I showed during that semester. In addition to their tutoring and PAL services, Academic Support Coordinators help manage the daily operations of the tutoring and PAL services and staff in the center.

Some of the job responsibilities include:

• Participate in the interviewing and hiring of Academic and Writing Specialists (Tutors) and PALS throughout the semester.
• Assist the Associate Director in training Academic and Writing Specialists (Tutors) and PALS under CRLA.
• Effectively manage a cohort of tutors or PALS including creating and uploading schedules, completing observations, mentoring, and keeping track of CRLA training progress.
• Adhering to the expectations of an Academic and Writing Specialist (Tutor) and PAL as well.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, punctuality, and academic integrity.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in an academic and student support environment.
• Effectively communicate with a diverse population of students.

Academic and Writing Specialists at the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility at Southern Connecticut State University offer tutoring support in various disciplines. They are trained and certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

Some of the job responsibilities include:

• Assist students in attaining academic success by assisting them in comprehending the course material, mastering the academic writing process, and implementing efficient study techniques.
• Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
• Model leadership, positive, and appropriate behavior among peers and tutees.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, punctuality, and academic integrity.
• Complete all necessary training, tutoring session reports, and other required documentation by established deadlines.

As a substitute paraprofessional, I primarily worked with the Special Education Department at Naugatuck High School. I worked with the other professional staff in a collaborative manner to make sure the students were meeting their educational goals.

Some of the job responsibilities include:

• Provide coverage for absent teachers as needed, seamlessly adapting to various teaching styles and subject matter expertise areas.
• Provide support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to students who needed additional support, enabling them to achieve academic goals.
• Collaborate with special education staff to implement appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring their success in the classroom.
• Assist in the development of classroom routines and procedures, reinforcing consistency and predictability for students.

At the Southern Connecticut State University Bookstore, a Retail Sales Associate will provide superior customer service to the customers and support store leaders in all facets of retail operations to ensure the store is operating at optimal performance. This position was a temporary two-week position offered for the beginning of the semester.

Some of the job responsibilities include:

• Assist with processing sales transactions involving cash, credit, or financial aid payments.
• Provide a friendly atmosphere by greeting customers and focusing on making their visit a positive experience.
• Take initiative to support store operations, including operating equipment and cash registers while also ensuring accurate transactions.
• Keep the store looking fresh by shelving, arranging, cleaning, and organizing products or spaces within the store.
• Must exhibit an outstanding attitude with the willingness to learn and the capability to excel in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Comfortable communicating with customers and staff.

Some of the job responsibilities include:

• Work with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
• Ensure camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
• Collaborate with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
• Develop strong relationships with co-counselors that resulted in seamless teamwork during challenging situations or emergencies.
• Maximize camper enjoyment by adapting programs to accommodate diverse interests and abilities.
• Assist in the successful management of daily operations such as meal planning, activity scheduling, and site maintenance.
• Transport and escort program participants to and from activities and on field trips.
• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp's core values.