The UW–Madison Tutor Development Conference is held each semester by the Learning Support Committee as a free professional development event for tutors and mentors from across campus. The conference provides training on topics relating to tutoring, student support and well-being, and creating inclusive educational environments.
Information for the Fall Tutor Development Conference will be shared closer to fall semester.
Spring 2026 Conference Schedule
11:30 – 12 pm: Check-in and boxed lunch available
12 – 12:50 pm: Welcome and Keynote with John Martin (Symphony Room)
12:50 – 1 pm: Break
1 – 1:50 pm: Breakout Sessions
- Eliciting Student Voice: Empowering Learners as a “Guide on the Side” (Symphony Room)
- Too often, instructors and tutors can fall into the trap of becoming a “sage on the stage”–we spew our knowledge to our students, speaking too much and listening too little. We hope that students will be able to remember and apply our words, but the reality is that unless they are empowered to make the knowledge their own, they will forget most of what we say. What are some strategies to bring student voice and agency into the tutoring session? How can we empower them to think for themselves as we act as a “guide on the side” so that they are better equipped to apply their knowledge on their course assessments and in their future? In this session, learn and try out some high-leverage ways to level up your tutoring sessions, making them more effective and more student-centered. Examples may come from chemistry and strategies most applicable to intro STEM courses, but all are welcome.
- Career Fair Ready – A Prep Workshop for Tutors (Overture Room)
- The spring All-Campus Career & Internship Fair is February 11 and 12 and we want you to show up confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of this opportunity. You’ll learn how to get ready for the fair, what to expect, and practical steps to take afterwards. You’ll also have access to a customizable workbook that you can continue to use after the session.
- Exploring the Psychology of Learning (Concerto Room)
- Building awareness of nervous system activity can help you understand how to facilitate better learning. In this session, you will explore techniques to minimize stress, attitudes toward learning, and components that make up significant learning.
1:50 – 2 pm: Break
2 – 2:50 pm: Breakout Sessions
- Building Community in Group Tutoring: Ice Breakers and Names (Symphony Room)
- Learning how to build community is an important part of the tutoring role. Join this session for tips to build an engaging and welcoming community in group tutoring sessions.
- Libraries, Tutoring, and You (Overture Room)
- Join two UW-Madison librarians as we dive into the wonderful world of college libraries! In this interactive session, you will customize a library resource list – covering research guides, reservable spaces, and more – to support your own scholarship and your work as a tutor. We will close with a discussion about evaluating sources: why to do it, how to do it, and how the Libraries can help. Please bring your laptop or tablet to this session.
- Creating Space: An Empowering Tutoring Universe (Concerto Room)
- Every student has a story. Join us in creating a tutoring space rooted in empathy and reflection. You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself and your students, while discovering how unique learning styles and life experiences impact the way we connect. Choose curiosity over judgment and help every student thrive with an empowering tutoring universe.
3 – 4 pm: Individual Learning Center Training for Housing (Overture Room) and GUTS (Concerto Room)