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U P P E R S C H O O L Trevor Translates: Peer-to-Peer Academic Centers by Harold Chang, Mathematics Department Chair; Megan Henry, Upper School Science Teacher; Laura Spalding, World Languages Department Chair; and Jason Tarbath, English Department Chair Whether the pairs are called advisor and client, tutor and tutee, or mentor and mentee, the philosophy and goals of our Peer-to-Peer Academic Centers are a constant. The centers are student-led, they support student growth, are empowering but not enabling, and build long-lasting connections. The Writing Center and the work of writing advisors are hallmarks of the Trevor Upper School experience. Established in 2009, it is Trevor's oldest peer-to-peer academic center, and is wholly staffed by writing advisors from the junior and senior classes. These advisors are recommended by their English teachers based on their dedication to the writing process and their engaging, open personalities. Their investment in the program is crucial, as its success hinges largely on their responsibility and integrity. Writing advisors go through orientation and are trained in the art of collaborating effectively with their student "clients." As a result, they gain experience in working with students on a range of topics and genres, from essays in the humanities and lab reports in the sciences to choreographer proposals and artist statements. Any conference that a client has with a writing advisor will always empower them and result in them strengthening their writing. The philosophy behind the Writing Center and the advisor- client relationship is strong and transparent. Writing advisors share best practices and act as collaborators and peer-editors for their fellow students so that those students can enhance their understanding of the writing process. To this end, writing advisors take a minimalist approach to helping their clients sort through and clarify their ideas, and then communicate them effectively to the audience. Advisors do this by listening reflectively, asking probing questions, and providing a myriad of strategies to help their peers navigate the messy process of writing. To promote active learning, advisors never write on their client's work . The conferences are all discussion-based, focusing on good writing practice and oral feedback. Ultimately, the goal of the Writing Center is to empower exemplary writers to become experts, emphasize 38 / TREVOR MAGAZINE SPRING 2024–25

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