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.
The Fall 26 Tutor Development Conference is Sunday, September 13. Register here
The Spring 27 Tutor Development Conference is Sunday, January 24
Sunday, September 13 Tutor Conference Schedule
11:30 – 12 pm: Check in and boxed lunch available
12 – 12:50 pm: All Conference Workshop
- Difficult feelings, powerful insights: Countertransference in the tutoring relationship (Bob Wiedenhoeft)
- Why are some tutoring sessions more draining than others? Why do some appointments stir confusing emotions in the tutor, while others do not? Why do tutors have favorite students, and is that okay? Tutors need not feel guilty; these are common experiences that can provide tutors with insights on their own needs and the needs of their students. By applying the concept of countertransference, this session introduces a framework to help tutors understand the tutoring relationship. More importantly, participants will leave with practical strategies to improve their tutoring. These strategies will help tutors transform countertransference into self-compassion, self-care, and empathy while maintaining focus on supporting the student.
1 – 1:50 pm: Choose a breakout session to attend
- Career Fair (Tara Milliken)
- Giving and Receiving Feedback (Adrien Chu Burnette)
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Knowing how to give and receive feedback—information, comments, or suggestions about someone’s behavior—is essential to building an effective tutoring practice. Whether it’s between yourself and the students you support, your fellow tutors, or even your supervisor, it’s guaranteed that you will run into situations where you’ll either need to give or receive feedback. In this workshop, you will reflect on best (and worst!) practices for giving and receiving feedback; learn tips for doing both effectively; and apply these strategies to a series of common tutoring scenarios.
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- Mattering (Drew Lokuta)
2-2:50 pm: Choose a breakout session to attend
- Chem 103 and 104 (Tracey Reitz)
- Academic Grief: Supporting Tutees through Setbacks and Disappointment (Michelle Bond)
- From low grades to changing career plans, academic grief can take many forms. Come learn how to support your tutees when they experience these setbacks and skills for supporting yourself during these heavy moments.
- Experienced Tutor Panel (Concerto Room)
- New to tutoring? Ask our experienced tutors questions and listen to helpful advice, strategies, and tips about tutoring and study skills.
3 – 3:45 pm: Housing Tutors Meet