On Sunday, September 29, peer tutors from colleges and universities across the country came together virtually for KnackCon, a conference for tutors, by tutors. Organized by Knack, the event provided a unique platform for peer tutors to connect, learn from one another, and explore how their roles are shaping the future of academic support.
The conference began with a warm welcome from emcee Jacob Robinson, Knack’s Partner Operations Manager, followed by an inspiring address from Knack Co-Founder & CEO Samyr Qureshi. Samyr highlighted the transformative power of tutoring, reminding attendees: "Remember that every interaction today is a step to not only enhancing your own journey, but enriching the lives of students as you take back what you've learned, and apply it as a tutor." His words set the stage for a conference focused on personal growth and the profound impact tutors have on student success.
Next, Katie Stephens-Rich, Managing Director at Teach For America, delivered a keynote that prompted deeper reflection on the importance of equitable access to tutoring. Katie highlighted both the immense potential and the significant gap in access, stating: "Even though tutoring is so impactful, less than 10% of students received any kind of tutoring last year. So there's this huge opportunity gap, right? There's a huge need. And this huge opportunity, but only a subset of our kids are getting access to it. So I wanted to start by just saying, 'Thank you to you all, because you are doing the work, and that work matters so so much.'" Her message reinforced the critical role of peer tutors in addressing these gaps and providing much-needed support.
Following the keynote, attendees broke into sessions that explored different aspects of the tutoring experience. Jan J. from the University of Houston led a session on adaptive tutoring strategies, emphasizing the role of technology in education. She encouraged tutors to embrace AI as a helpful tool rather than a replacement, noting: "AI should be a tool for your work, not replace it." This session underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between leveraging technology and preserving the human connection in tutoring.
Abigail J., who previously tutored on Knack and is now a graduate student at Dartmouth College, hosted a session on providing effective feedback during writing tutoring, titled "A For Effort! Or Good Practices for Writing Feedback." She stressed the importance of building trust between tutor and student, explaining: "Building trust, even in a one-off session, causes a mutual understanding that you have their best interests in mind." Her session provided tutors with practical strategies for offering constructive and supportive feedback that encourages student growth.
The day also featured a variety of other breakout sessions that offered valuable insights into the tutoring process. Kinshuk M. from Western Illinois University shared personal experiences in "Peer Tutoring: Got a Knack for It?," discussing how tutoring transformed both his academic and financial life. Kinshuk also provided strategies for tutors to enhance their own impact. Gina M. from Northeastern University led the session "Beyond Tutoring: Fostering Student Independence in Lifelong Learning," where she emphasized the importance of helping students become self-directed learners. Sophie P., also from Northeastern University, facilitated "What No One Tells You About Tutoring," offering a candid look at the improvisation and collaboration that tutors often need to master in their sessions. Finally, Michael B., another Northeastern tutor, led "Are Tutors Perfect?," addressing the challenges tutors face and offering advice on handling difficult situations with confidence.
The day concluded with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. KnackCon 2024 was more than just a series of sessions—it was a celebration of the essential role peer tutors play in not only shaping their own academic journeys but also in impacting the futures of the students they support. Attendees left inspired, equipped with new insights, and ready to continue their impactful work in their communities.
