How to Become a Knack Tutor
The Office of Student Academic Success and Knack are working to recruit tutors (YOU!) needed for the wide variety of courses served by Knack. Our goal is to serve as many students in as many courses that students request support for, to aid in UMaine’s retention efforts. Help us and your peers by becoming a tutor! To get started:
- Go to the UMaine Knack landing page or download the Knack app for Android or Apple. If you do not have an account already, create one using your MaineStreet account.
- After your account is created, click on the tab at the top right corner that says “Become a Tutor.”
- Follow the instructions to set up your profile for tutoring and complete the paid tutor training. Now, you are ready to tutor!
Knack Tutors Frequently Asked Questions
How does Knack tutoring work?
When students select a course in which they need assistance, tutors for that course receive a notification of the request. Tutors review the request and may choose to respond with an offer to help. Students reply to an offer, then tutors and students message through the app to confirm where and when to meet. Sessions can be one-on-one or small groups, if you prefer.
Which courses can I tutor?
With the Knack platform, UMaine students can tutor any 100- to 400-level courses in which they have earned a B+ or better. You can choose to focus on one or two courses if you prefer, or make yourself available in a wide variety of courses to help where demand is greatest. There is no minimum GPA requirement. You will need an unofficial transcript to upload to Knack for verification of your grades for the courses you wish to tutor.
How many hours per week will I work?
You set your own schedule and can work as much or as little as you want, up to 15 hours per week. Research shows that working more than 15 hours per week can have a negative impact on a student’s academic performance. Knack and UMaine are committed to supporting the academic success of all students, and we don’t want to detract from a tutor’s focus on doing well in their own courses.
Where will tutoring take place?
Tutors will work with their student(s) to determine where the tutoring session will be held. Typically, tutoring sessions are held on campus in a common area such as the library, a study lounge, or a classroom. In addition, there is the option to meet online through the Knack virtual platform. Tutoring sessions may not occur in a dorm room or an off-campus residence.
How long do tutoring sessions last?
Tutors and students can set the length of a session between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on their preferences. This range is supported by several factors, including attention span and learning effectiveness, Cognitive Load Theory, and engagement and interaction in learning. To avoid overdependence and promote effective study habits, students are limited to 3 hours of tutoring per week for each course, resetting on Sundays.
When can I start?
Tutors can start at any time in the semester. But, the earlier you sign up, the sooner you can earn money tutoring! There is a demand for tutors throughout the entire semester.
Is there any training involved?
The Knack platform provides 2 hours of mandatory paid training, which becomes available 24 hours after applying to become a tutor.
Yes! Once you are a Knack tutor, you are eligible to tutor online during Winter Session and in person or online during Summer University. Tutoring online is conveniently located within the Knack platform.
How much do I get paid? How and when do I get paid?
The pay is $16 per hour, and funds are deposited directly in your bank account. Payouts generally occur once per week, and usually within 14 days. More detailed information is found on the Knack Payout Info page.
Am I an employee of Knack or UMaine?
Neither. Tutors are considered independent contractors who are paid directly by Knack and supported by OSAS. Tutors also have access to a range of OSAS resources. More information about tutoring as a 1099 Independent Contractor is found on Knack‘s website.
How can I promote myself as a tutor on the Knack App?
Knack provides suggestions to new tutors on how to create a clear, compelling, and accurate Tutor Profile. You also have the ability to obtain badges and endorsements based on your performance and willingness to learn. If you are doing well, you will also receive positive session feedback from students (there is up to a 5 star rating that students can give you).
Will I have to complete the UMaine required training for student employment?
Because you are considered an independent contractor with Knack and not a UM employee, there is no UMS Academy training to complete, unless you have a different job on campus.