2.2 Defining Leader Role Clarity and Providing Leader Professional Development

High-impact tutoring programs thrive when leadership structures are well-defined, leaders are equipped to coach tutors, and professional growth is prioritized at every level. Clear leadership and continuous professional development foster strong program management and higher tutor retention. Section 2.2 focuses on ways to define leadership roles, build professional development systems, and implement performance management processes to sustain tutoring quality.

	Before You Begin
	Engage schools, families, and students in a needs assessment to identify gaps, resources, and community priorities. Develop a logic model to provide a clear action plan for the tutoring program. Determine specific model dimensions for the tutoring program, such as content, grade level, tutor type, setting, etc.

Leader Role Clarity
Key Recommendations	Corresponding Resources
Maintain clear, written job descriptions for all leadership roles, including CEO/Executive Director, senior leaders overseeing the tutoring program, and those responsible for tutor coaching.	Website: Nonprofit Job Descriptions Example: Saga Site Director Job Description Example: Reading Corps Coaching Specialist
Create a documented coaching plan that includes structured meeting schedules and a clear timeline and pathway for tutor support.
Implement a performance management system that outlines expectations and processes for promotion and for performance issues.

Leader Professional Development
Key Recommendations	Corresponding Resources
Provide regular coaching and training opportunities for staff at all levels, including program leaders and coaching staff.	Website: Tutor Training Library Database (filter for program manager, director training, and coach training)
Integrate role-specific fidelity checklists during regular coaching and review cycles to align staff responsibilities with program goals and Model Dimensions and drive continuous improvement.

	Planning for the Long Term
	Sustain effective practices long-term to foster organizational health & culture. Equip coaches with the skills and resources to coach and provide feedback to tutors.

Tutoring Quality Standards and Self-Assessment Indicators
Take the free, 15-minute, and research-based Tutoring Organization Self-Assessment. This subsection addresses these tutoring quality standards and Self-Assessment indicators.
Cohesion Leader Role Clarity	The program has clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the leadership team, with particular attention to clearly defining tutor coaching responsibilities.
6b.1 \| CEO/Executive Director Job Description that includes description of responsibilities 6b.2 \| Job descriptions and responsibility outlines for other senior leaders who oversee tutoring program 6b.3 \| Job descriptions and responsibility outlines for those responsible for coaching and supporting tutors 6b.4 \| A written plan with a timeline/schedule for tutor coaching and support 6b.5 \| A clear performance management system that outlines expectations and processes for promotion and for performance issues
Cohesion Leader Professional Development	Program leaders receive support to implement their roles with fidelity.
6c.1 \| Ongoing professional development/coaching for staff at all levels of the organization 6c.2 \| Fidelity checklists to ensure alignment with roles and responsibilities

Toolkit for Tutoring Programs

2.2 Defining Leader Role Clarity and Providing Leader Professional Development