CHADRON — 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 recently expanded to offer free tutoring to all K-12 students in Nebraska.

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 students participating as 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.

Social Work Conference tackles domestic violence

CHADRON – Chadron State College hosted its annual Social Work Conference Wednesday bringing together students, faculty, local high schoolers, and regional Social Work professionals for discussions centered on domestic violence, healing, and resilience.

The event was organized by senior Social Work majors Drew Whitney, Heavynne Robles-Wright, Spring Burke, Madison Clause, and Zoey Wright under the guidance of Assistant Professor Becky Fernau.

Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly, Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcomed the audience and shared several case studies of domestic violence, emphasizing the many positive ways educational efforts can prevent, reduce, or help report incidents of abuse.

Keynote speaker Mandi Pratt of Ontario, California, shared her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pratt, who hosts the podcast Aware and Prepared, emphasized reclaiming self-worth and purpose through positive coping mechanisms and community support.

She described healing techniques that help survivors manage stress and trauma, such as humming, wrapping up in a soft blanket, and tapping, also known as butterfly hugs.

“After a negative encounter, literally shake it off like your dog does,” Pratt said.

She encouraged attendees to use affirmations, grounding exercises, and self-compassion as part of the recovery process.

“Work on new habits, build new circles of friends, and develop a good support system,” she said. “Be satisfied with little steps, even an occasional step backward. Celebrate having your agency. The process is non-linear, but keep moving.”

Pratt shared resources for survivors, including TheMendProject.com and communication expert Jefferson Fisher’s podcast.

The conference also featured Revolution, a play performed by six high school students from Columbus, Nebraska. The production addressed adolescent issues including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and building healthy relationships.

Alliance High School counselor Shanna Muhr, who brought six students from her mental health lunch group, said Revolution added depth to the conference.

“The student cast members were knowledgeable and stayed in character through tough questions from the audience, which added a layer of authenticity,” Muhr said.

She added that attending the conference has become a tradition for her group.

“It’s great because it’s put on by college students. They get to see the next step in the educational process and experience what we adults do in our careers,” she said.

Lisa Peden with DOVES, a regional advocacy organization, spoke about recognizing and fostering healthy relationships.

“The absence of abuse doesn’t mean it’s a healthy relationship,” Peden said. “You have the freedom to be yourself and not what anyone else wants you to be.”

She compared healthy relationships to a Venn diagram, with overlapping areas representing shared experiences while maintaining individual identities.

Ashley Wasserburger, education director with Working Against Violence, Inc. in Rapid City, South Dakota, discussed trauma responses and the importance of patience and understanding when supporting survivors.

“I want to give you tools so you have them in your toolbelt,” she said, suggesting strategies such as journaling and creating safe support systems.

The conference began in 2008, and topics have included mental health, veterans awareness, poverty, suicide, compassion fatigue, sex trafficking, drug abuse, child welfare, forgiveness, cancer, disabilities, civility, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Photos from the conference can be seen in our online gallery.