FORT PIERCE, Fla. (November 3, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is pleased to announce that its Tutoring Center – encompassing course-embedded learning assistant, peer tutor, and tutor programs – has been awarded certification as Level 1 and Level 2 certified tutor training programs by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. The organization’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) recognizes tutor training programs that have demonstrated excellence in developing, designing, and implementing effective training procedures.
Indian River State College has worked diligently to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and has successfully completed the ITTPC peer review process. Achieving this certification means that The River has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation as an integral part of its overall tutoring program.
“This certification represents our commitment to providing the highest quality academic support services to our students,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “By meeting these internationally recognized standards, we are ensuring that our tutoring programs not only support student success but also provide valuable professional development opportunities for our student tutors.”
The certification brings significant benefits to The River and its students. It sets a benchmark for academic support excellence across the institution, ensures compliance with internationally recognized best practices in higher education tutorial services, and strengthens the connection between curriculum and academic support services.
“Students benefit immensely from working with tutors who are trained in effective helping strategies, communication skills, and structuring the tutoring experience,” said Dr. Lynne O’Dell, Director of STEM Pioneer/School of Science and Adjunct Student Success. “This certification validates the quality and professionalism of our tutoring program and ensures that every student receives support from trained para-professionals who understand best practices in academic assistance.”
For student tutors and learning assistants, the certification provides valuable career development opportunities. Many Indian River State College learning assistants and peer tutors who have transferred to universities have secured employment on campus as tutors because they worked at an institution holding CRLA certification. The program teaches skills commensurate with best practices, increases confidence in content areas and public speaking, and strengthens resumes with an internationally recognized certificate.
“Supporting our students’ academic journey is at the heart of what we do at Indian River State College,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Indian River State College provost. “This CRLA certification demonstrates our dedication to excellence in every aspect of student support, from the classroom to the tutoring center. We’re proud to offer services that meet the highest national standards.”
For more information about tutoring services at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.libguides.com/TutoringCenters.
