Who Are Our Supplemental Instruction Leaders?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders are trained peer educators who have previously demonstrated academic success in the courses they support.

SI Leaders are undergraduate and graduate students who facilitate collaborative learning experiences grounded in the SI model. They are trained in evidence-based learning strategies designed to promote active engagement and peer-to-peer interaction. These strategies include structured collaborative approaches such as Think–Pair–Share, Jigsaw, collaborative problem-solving, guided questioning techniques, concept mapping, and metacognitive study strategies. The emphasis of SI is on students learning with and from one another through structured dialogue and shared problem-solving.

In addition to SI model training, SI Leaders are Certified Peer Educators through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Level I certification program. This certification ensures that SI Leaders complete formal training in the following areas:

  • Administrative policies, record keeping, and reporting
  • Conducting effective and structured learning sessions
  • The role and responsibilities of a peer educator
  • Professional conduct and ethical guidelines
  • Active listening and effective responding
  • Question-asking strategies that promote critical thinking
  • Goal setting, planning, and time management
  • Compliance with FERPA and student privacy regulations
  • Title IX and sexual harassment policies
  • Managing challenging situations and establishing professional boundaries
  • Supporting subject-specific learning strategies
  • Role modeling academic behaviors
  • Working collaboratively with faculty and staff
  • Assessing student needs and supporting changes in study behaviors
  • Developing critical thinking skills
  • Stress management and student wellness
  • Awareness of race, class, privilege, and inclusive practices

Through this comprehensive training, SI Leaders are prepared to create structured, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments that support student success.