How do I use the UPchieve platform?
Our platform was designed for easy use! You and your student will meet 1:1 in our virtual classroom where you'll collaborate on a whiteboard or document editor and communicate via chat (no audio or video). Check out this 5 minute video for a quick walk-through!
How long is each session?
After you complete your safety screening and onboarding, you’re ready to pick up requests from students anytime you have 30 minutes of uninterrupted time! Our average sessions range from 30-45 minutes, though sometimes sessions can go longer if you have time! There's no session time-out!
Can I demo the student side of the platform?
Yes! Check out this doc for more information
Can I see a tutoring session/explore a session?
Yes! You can:
How will I know if a student needs help?
Students request help at any time during the day, and you can pick up sessions whenever you're available.
There are two ways to pick up tutoring requests:
Check the waiting list on your dashboard to see if any students need help. Click on the student's name to start the session. You can also toggle browser notifications under Your profile to hear a ping when a student needs help!
Tip: bookmark this page! https://app.upchieve.org/dashboard
Select the times you'd like to receive texts when a student needs help. Each text includes the student's name, subject, and a session link. Click the link, and log into your computer for a seamless interaction on our platform.
Please note: The waiting list will show on your dashboard and you'll start receiving texts after your account has been approved and you have completed onboarding.
Why am I getting text messages?
Sometimes, we might not have available coaches on the app right away to help students. To ensure students get matched quickly, we send text messages to coaches asking for assistance.
You can control when we text you by setting your availability. Having more availability and responding to our texts is a great way to help more students, especially when there aren't enough coaches available.
Do you text me every time a student needs help?
Nope, we don't send texts to every coach certified in a subject every time we get a student request. That would mean multiple texts per hour for you! Instead, we use an algorithm to notify specific coaches for each request. You can view all student requests you're qualified to handle by keeping your dashboard open at app.upchieve.org.
Can I join a session from my phone?
You'll find it much easier to assist the student from your computer!
If you receive a text message, you can immediately join the session on your phone by clicking the link (see the example below). We suggest greeting the student there and then switching to your computer when possible. You can rejoin an ongoing session on your computer by clicking "Return to chat" in the top right corner of the dashboard.
I can never seem to pick up requests I get texted. What should I do?
We text multiple volunteers when a student makes a request, and often what happens is that another volunteer either picks up the request before you, or the student ends the session quickly.
I haven’t been receiving many requests, is something wrong with my account?
UPchieve is an on-demand service, so the number of requests you receive can vary. Here are some tips to increase your chances of working with a student:
Block out more time on your UPchieve calendar to receive text notifications of students needing help. The hours where you see red ⏰ icons indicate when request volumes are highest!
Get certified in more subjects.
Have the dashboard open to see requests as they pop up. You can even accept them outside your set availability!
Please note, that if you have never received a tutoring request, it may be because you haven't completed onboarding. If this isn't the case, please feel free to send us a message!
The student wasn't replying to my messages or ended the session abruptly.
If a student is unresponsive, they may have experienced a connection issue. Many of the students we serve face barriers, such as limited access to quality internet or reliable devices. Students may be nervous about using the platform for the first couple of times.
Don't wait longer than 10 minutes for a student to respond. If you've reached out a few times without receiving a reply, feel free to end the session and assist other students.
The student can easily request a new session whenever they're ready.
My student doesn't have any homework problems. What should I do?
Check out our training material for sample problems, topics, and resources to discuss with your student: Training Material.
Can I see/review my previous tutoring sessions?
Yes! Check out Session History