Temporary | Tutor-CogSci Tutor

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Build Relationships. Inspire Learning. Foster Growth. 

Are you passionate about reducing academic opportunity gaps? Do you want to make a direct impact by mentoring and working with children?

Join Tutor-CogSci Collaborative  as a Tutor . In this engaging, high-impact role, you will deliver evidence-based, structured tutoring that prioritizes strong mentor relationships and drives children’s academic growth - all while gaining valuable hands-on experience supported by a collaborative community of peers, researchers, and faculty.

“My tutoring sessions are the best part of my week!”

“Being able to witness the development of the kids is truly rewarding, and it’s just an amazing experience to watch these kids learn and master topics right before your eyes!”

Our Vision

To close educational opportunity gaps by expanding children’s access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy support aligned with the Science of Reading.

Our Mission

We serve children, educators, and our community through three core pillars:

1. Expanding Access:  Delivering high-impact, evidence-based tutoring directly into local schools.
2. Developing Future Leaders:  Providing a premier practicum and workforce development experience for college students preparing for youth-serving careers (educators, pediatricians, cognitive scientists, and advocates).
3. Innovating Learning Design:  Advancing open science by developing, refining, and scaling effective tutoring practices.

Position Overview

As a Tutor-CogSci Tutor , you will work directly with children in grades K-3 in one-on-one or small-group settings, supporting structured a local school's literacy programs. You will be paired with your assigned students for the semester to build strong, consistent, and supportive relationships that accelerate learning.

You do not need to work alone: you will be part of an active collaborative design community composed of tutoring specialists, instructional coaches, researchers, and university faculty. Beyond direct tutoring, you will have opportunities to contribute to curriculum development, observe peer sessions, collaborate on student progress reports, conduct research, and shape team recruitment.

Note: Full training on high-quality tutorial principles, child safety, and evidence-based programs—along with required background checks—will be provided before you begin working with students. 

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Child-Centered Focus: A genuine interest in working with K-3 students and a commitment to helping them achieve their full academic potential.
• Relationship-Building: The ability to build supportive, consistent, and respectful connections with tutees, fellow tutors, and school partners.
• Growth Mindset: A willingness to accept instructional coaching, incorporate feedback, and reflect on your practice to improve student learning.
• Reliability & Adaptability: A dependable presence for your students, with the flexibility to navigate both in-person and virtual instructional settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Student Support: Deliver structured, evidence-based literacy instruction to assigned students in 1-on-1 or small group formats
• Relationship & Engagement: Build a positive, encouraging environment that honors student voice, builds confidence, and fosters academic growth.
• Collaborative Design & Training: Participate in team meetings, complete required safety/methodology onboarding, and engage in ongoing instructional coaching with university faculty and specialists.
• Progress Tracking & Reflection: Monitor student learning, collaborate on progress reports, and use data to adapt instruction to student needs.
• Program Innovation (Optional Opportunities): Contribute to curriculum refinement, peer observations, recruitment initiatives, or educational research projects aligned with Tutor-CogSci’s mission.

Is This Role Right for You?

This position is ideal if you:

• Are driven by purpose: You feel called to tackle social injustice in education and hold high expectations for all learners.
• Love to mentor: You enjoy sharing knowledge, building confidence, and supporting children’s personal and academic growth.
• Trust the science: You value educational research and seek out evidence-based solutions to learning challenges.
• Embrace continuous growth: You use feedback, reflection, and collaboration to refine your skills.
• Value connection & voice: You build authentic relationships, respect diverse perspectives, and view student voice as a key asset in learning.

Qualifications

• Experience: Prior experience teaching, tutoring, or working with youth in an educational environment is strongly preferred.
• Tech & Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication skills and comfort using basic educational technology.
• Location & Mobility: Ability to commute to designated school partner sites in Gary, IN.

Transportation & Compensation Perks

• Company-Provided Travel: Personal vehicles are not required—we supply transportation to and from program sites.
• Carpool Driver Bonus: Tutors who choose to drive their own vehicle, transport fellow team members, and meet company driving requirements earn additional driving compensation.

Additional Information

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.