OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENTPeer Educator Training Program

About CRLA IPTPC

The Office of Academic Engagement was certified as a College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Peer Educator Training Program (IPTPC) in 2022. OAE has utilized IPTPC trainings since inception of peer mentoring in 2017. Through CRLA Peer Educator Training, peer mentors/advisors complete rigorous training and development standards in advance of mentoring secondary and postsecondary students from historically excluded populations.

Benefits to Peer Educators

  • Teaches the skills and knowledge commensurate with best practices for academic engagement and support services.
  • Increases confidence in the content area, communication, academic organization, and professional performance.
  • Creates a pathway to documenting experience and growth over time.
  • Encourages mentors to view themselves as paraprofessionals in their work.
  • Improves training and evaluation focus.
  • Strengthens peer mentor resumes in the form of an internationally recognized certificate.
  • Maintains a culture of equity and learning.

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Who is Eligible?

Eligible peer mentors & advisors are:

  • Currently Interning or employed with OAE.
  • In good standing academically and meeting WSU’s community standards.

At this time, CRLA Peer Educator Certification Training is only available for current Office of Academic Engagement employees
To request information on CRLA IPTPC partnerships, contact Josefina Galvan-Barajas.

CRLA Certification Requirements

Level 1

Level 1 certification is for Peer Educators learning the basics of being a Peer Educator

Training Requirements:

  • 10 hours of Peer Educator training.
    • 5 hours must be Peer Educator-Trainer led, Interactive and Synchronous (TIS).

Experience Requirements:

  • 25 hours of direct service per Peer Educator.

Sample Topics:

  • Basics: Administrative Policies, Record keeping and Reporting
  • Communication: Communications Styles
  • Ethics & Equity: Compliance with FERPA
  • Learning/Studying: Course and Syllabus Analysis & Universal Design Learning

Level 2

Level 2 certification is for Peer Educators continuing their training for a more in-depth professional development.

Training Requirements:

  • 20 hours of Peer Educator training.

Experience Requirements:

  • 50 hours of direct service per Peer Educator.

Sample Topics:

  • Basics: Review of Level 1
  • Communication: Working with Specific Populations
  • Ethics and Equity: DEIJ
  • Learning/Studying: Assessing Peer Educator’s Needs

Interested in Becoming a Peer Educator?

Our hiring and selection process:

Candidates are interviewed by a search committee including supervising Coordinator and current Peer Educators. The interview is 30 minutes in length, and provides an opportunity to discuss personal, professional, and academic skills and experiences.

GPA requirement is determined by GPA required for the candidate’s major program. 2.5 is the requirement for many WSU programs, and effectively ensures students are in good academic standing and able to successfully navigate academics prior to eligibility for peer education.

Peer educators who have completed Level 1 training and mentoring requirements, have received positive supervisor and student feedback and indicate interest and ability to successfully advance will be invited to Level 2 trainings certification.

CRLA Testimonials

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