Meet Our Tutors and Supplemental Instructional Assistants (SIAs)
At Taft College, our focus is on helping you succeed on your academic journey. Reach out at the first sign that you may need support. We are here to help you.
There are multiple ways to get academic assistance. These include direct tutoring sessions that you set up through Learning Center appointments, as well as Supplemental Instruction (SI), which provides in-classroom assistance and outside study sessions coordinated with the instructor at the start of the course. Follow the links to learn more about these programs.
Assistance through tutoring and SI can make a remarkable difference in helping you understand challenging course materials and stay focused during the semester.
Tutoring
Tutoring sessions can help you more clearly understand your course material and assignments and can be a key to improving your grades.
One-on-one sessions help you identify and focus on areas where you need support. You may think you do not have time for tutoring, but getting help to master your coursework is well worth the investment.
Research from the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (PDF) showed that students who receive support have higher grade point averages and are more likely to stay in school. The study also found that with academic assistance, students are more likely to remain diligent and focused, and succeed in college.
Meet our tutors on this page and learn more about the Learning Center here.
Supplemental Instruction
Each semester, Supplemental Instructional Assistants (SIAs) are assigned to classes based on instructor requests. SIAs provide academic support during class and outside of class through facilitated study sessions.
SIAs plan and lead weekly sessions where students practice and discuss course content and develop study skills with their peers. Supplemental Instruction continually reinforces course content and teaches cooperative learning techniques that promote student success.
Typically, Supplemental Instruction is initiated on the first day of a course. Students may want to inquire with instructors, if it is not addressed. Learn more about the program here.
Meet Our Supplemental Instruction Assistants (SIAs)
ELIZABETH MCKNIGHT
Bachelor of Science in Human Development from University of California, Davis; Master of Arts in Education from California State University, Bakersfield
Elizabeth McKnight has been a Supplemental Instruction Assistant (SIA) since 2008. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from University of California, Davis and a Master of Arts in Education from California State University, Bakersfield. Elizabeth completed the Supplemental Instruction Supervisor Workshop at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, in 2008 and presented at the 6th International Conference on Supplemental Instruction in 2010.
Contact:
Phone: 661-763-7806
Email: emcknight@taftcollege.edu
GREG HAWKINS
Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Bakersfield
A native of Taft, California, Greg Hawkins has been a Supplemental Instructional Assistant (SIA) for several years. Prior to his work in Supplemental Instruction, he was a Life Skills Aide at Taft College in the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program for many years. He has an Associate of Arts degree from Taft College and a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Bakersfield.
Contact:
Phone: 661-763-7806
Email: ghawkins@taftcollege.edu
Meet Our Tutors
RENAE GINTHER
Bachelor of Arts and Single Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Bakersfield
Renae Ginther is a Taft, California, native. Following her graduation from Taft College, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Single Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Renae has worked in education ever since her graduation from CSUB. She enjoys working with students at Taft College.
Contact:
Phone: 661-763-7824
Email: rginther@taftcollege.edu
ORION WISE
Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Bakersfield
Orion Wise graduated from Taft College in 2018 with an Associate of Arts in English. He then went on to graduate from California State University, Bakersfield in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. He has worked as a tutor at Taft College for more than five years.
Contact:
Phone: 661-763-7938
Email: owise@taftcollege.edu