Scott Barron, the Tutoring Supervisor for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, has been named Staff of the Month for December 2023. Since joining College of Western Idaho (CWI) in 2009, Scott, affectionately known as Scotty, has been a cornerstone of the Tutoring Services, contributing immensely to the growth and success of the department and the College as a whole.
With a background that includes 13 years of tutoring and teaching at Boise State University, Barron eagerly embraced the opportunity to help develop the tutoring centers at CWI. Reflecting on the past 15 years, Barron described it as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a dedicated team of educators in laying the seeds for a new institution.”
Barron’s responsibilities as the Tutoring Supervisor are extensive. He provided training, mentoring, and supervision to approximately 20 – 25 CTE tutors, coordinated tutoring support for CTE faculty and students, and facilitated study-skills sessions and personal study plans for CTE students. Additionally, Barron supported Tutoring Services with the goal of expanding their ability to provide comprehensive services aimed at student success. His role also included facilitating College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Levels 1 and 2 training in Learning Theories and Study Strategies for eligible tutors.
One of Barron’s most memorable moments at CWI was during the first year the CTE programs began courses on the CWI campuses. “I had the opportunity to assist the CTE staff in setting up their classrooms and equipment. I must have lost about 10 pounds running around the buildings and stairwells helping to get classrooms ready for fall classes, all the while setting up four tutoring centers,” Barron said. This experience highlighted his dedication and the collaborative spirit that he brought to his work.
Barron’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed by his colleagues. Valerie Lee, one of Barron’s nominators, praised him, saying, “Scott Barron has worked at CWI since it began and has been an instrumental part of Tutoring Services. His dedication to the success of both tutors and students is truly commendable.” Isaac Johnson, another nominator, shared, “Scotty was my supervisor for around four years of my time as a CTE tutor. He always demonstrated professionalism and integrity in everything he did.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Barron has a rich and varied personal life. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles and served in the United States Air Force, where he held various staff and casualty notification positions. After retiring from the military, he pursued further education at Boise State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Marketing and Management. Barron enjoys exploring ghost towns, traveling to the Oregon Coast and the deserts of the Southwest, landscape photography, jazz festivals, gardening, reading science fiction and true crime, and attending his grandsons’ music concerts.
Barron’s impact on CWI and its community is profound. He attributes the rewarding nature of his work to the collaborative environment at CWI, where faculty, instructional support staff, advisors, and student services staff all work passionately toward student success. “Words can’t begin to describe the feeling you get seeing and hearing the success stories of tutors you have mentored and students you have supported,” Scotty said.
Barron’s contribution to the success of CWI, his dedication, experience, and passion for education were invaluable assets to the College. Though he retired in June, congratulations to Scott Barron for being recognized as the Staff of the Month for December 2023, a well-deserved honor celebrating his exceptional service and commitment.
