National Tutoring Association Partners with Fielding Graduate University and Crossroads of Learning to Develop New Standards in Tutor Certification

Lakeland, FL (PRWEB) October 13, 2006

The National Tutoring Association (NTA) today announced that they are partnering with Fielding Graduate University and Crossroads of Learning to develop a series of online tutor training, certification, graduate and professional development programs. The first offering, “Tutoring Foundations,” will launch in fourth quarter 2006. In addition to satisfying the training requirements for NTA Level I Basic and Advanced certification, the curriculum will qualify graduates to receive three continuing education units (CEUs) granted by Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California.

“We’re very excited about our relationship with Fielding Graduate University and Crossroads of Learning,” said NTA President, Lynn Giese. “This collaboration will equip tutors to better serve the educational community.”

“Tutoring Foundations” is a self-paced, online training course, estimated to require 35 – 40 hours of study including a final telephone interview and consultation. Students will be supervised by an NTA advanced or master tutor, who will review course work with them and be available for advice during the course. The nine-module course has been developed by a unique collaboration of six contributing educators, all respected practitioners in tutoring and tutor training, and approved by the School of Educational Leadership and Change at Fielding Graduate University.

In developing the “Tutoring Foundations” course, the three organizations recognized their overlapping goals and values, and found a way to sit at the same table and co-create a unique solution to a national challenge. “Tutoring has taken on national significance as educators, government and families work to close the achievement gap,” stated Judy Witt, Dean, School of Educational Leadership and Change, Fielding Graduate University. "The field of tutoring needs to become more professional and professionally recognized. Fielding is proud to partner with National Tutoring Association and Crossroads of Learning to lead the way.”

“Our company’s philosophy guiding this project is to deliver appropriate technology and systems in support of lifelong learning and productivity,” said Crossroads of Learning founder, Bob Lasiewicz.

About the National Tutoring Association:

Founded in 1992, the NTA (http://www.ntatutor.org) is the oldest and largest international organization of tutoring professionals, currently representing nearly 5,000 tutors and learning center administrators, including colleges, universities, K-12 schools, community and grant supported programs, NCLB/SES and TRIO providers as well as independent tutoring centers and their staffs. Their members include peer, paraprofessional, professional, volunteer, and private practice tutors. The NTA is also a member of the American Council of Developmental Education Associations (ACDEA).

About Fielding Graduate University:

Fielding Graduate University (http://www.fielding.edu) has an international reputation for the highest quality accredited graduate degree and certificate programs in three schools: Psychology, Human & Organization Development and Educational Leadership & Change. Fielding is renowned for its innovative contributions to academic research, lifelong learning and social justice.

About Crossroads of Learning:

Crossroads of Learning (http://www.crossroadsoflearning.com) is a division of Media InfoSystems, Inc. (http://www.mediainfosystems.com) a provider of systems design, training, and business products and services since 1985. The Crossroads of Learning mission is to provide resources for the one-to-one education and coaching community of interest.

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