By Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator
CHADRON, Neb. — For Chadron State College education majors, the Nebraska SMART tutoring program is more than a job. It’s a hands-on way to practice teaching, build relationships, and discover what it means to make a difference in students’ lives. The program was established by the Nebraska State College System in 2024 and was recently expanded to offer free tutoring to K-12 students.
Senior education major Sunny Edens of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, said joining the SMART program allowed her to combine her love for learning with real classroom experience. Now in her third semester as a tutor, she said she was drawn to the program because it aligned perfectly with her passion for education and supporting young learners.
“I wanted a job that would let me work directly with students and help them grow academically,” Edens said. “It’s meaningful to build relationships, encourage confidence, and contribute to a positive learning environment.”
For Mackayla Wallin, a senior from Grant, Nebraska, the appeal was similar.
“I knew I needed a job while enrolled in college courses, but I really wanted something in my field,” Wallin said. “When I learned SMART needed more math tutors, it felt like the perfect opportunity to gain experience doing what I love.”
Both tutors said the most rewarding moments come as students gain confidence. Edens remembers working with a student who struggled with a difficult math concept.
“She was so discouraged,” Edens said. “I took a step back to understand how she was thinking and explained it in a different way using a real-life example. When it finally clicked and she solved the rest of the problems on her own, it reminded me how powerful it is to meet students where they are.”
Wallin recalled a similar experience that underscored the importance of patience and encouragement.
“I had a very sweet student who just needed deeper explanations to fully understand,” she said. “As we worked together, she became more confident in her computations. A majority of tutoring is building confidence, and it was awesome to see her grow academically.”
She also tutors twin sisters who were among the first SMART students to participate in joint sessions.
“It’s been so rewarding to help them through Geometry and now Algebra II,” Wallin said. “They always come back excited to share their improved test scores. Seeing their personalities come out and their confidence grow has been one of the best parts of the job.”
Both tutors said the program extends beyond academics, helping students develop life skills. Wallin shared that she’s often a listening ear for her students.
“One of my students recently showed me her pink homecoming dress,” she said. “That’s when I realized students don’t always come to tutors just for homework help. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to.”
Dr. Eric Rapp, CSC Assistant Professor of Education, said those connections are at the heart of what makes the SMART program so effective.
“Some of the best moments I see in recorded sessions come from the small talk, when tutors make the students comfortable and earn their trust,” Rapp said. “For many of them, tutoring sessions like this not only help them succeed academically, but also personally. That second bonus is hard to measure but easy to identify when you watch their sessions.”
Inside tutoring sessions, both Edens and Wallin use creative strategies to keep learning engaging. Edens often incorporates the interactive whiteboard and educational games like Math Playground and Spelling Sharks to make lessons visual and fun. Wallin uses tools such as Kutasoftware, Symbolab, and Desmos to help with algebraic problems and graphing.
Wallin, who plans to become a math teacher after graduating in December 2026, said the program has helped her find her teaching voice.
“It’s made me more confident in my knowledge and ability to explain content,” she said. “It’s also helped me to form my teaching personality and become more comfortable talking with high school students.”
Edens said the program is a great way for aspiring teachers to gain real experience.
“You get to see student growth firsthand and discover what kind of teacher you want to be.”
Wallin agreed.
“It’s an impactful and remarkable program. My students have helped me just as much as I’ve helped them,” she said.
The CSC student tutors are Eden, Wallin, Kaisha Solomon, Anna Hutchison, Emily Marin, Katy Jones, and Clementine Haskell.
Parents can register and find tutoring hours by visiting the Nebraska SMART website.