Labor Supervisor
Supervisors as Educators
Supervisors serve as practical educators within Berea’s Work-Learning-Service Program, a comprehensive model recognized under federal Work College legislation*. In this role, supervisors use the learning outcomes tied to departmental assignments to help students develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, initiative, reliability, and position-specific skills.
Supervisor Agreement
Supervisors are asked to acknowledge the key responsibilities outlined in the Supervisor Expectations Agreement each year. These responsibilities reflect supervisors' essential role in educating students through the Work-Learning-Service Program and ensuring the College meets its obligations as a federally recognized Work College. Supervisory duties should be carried out professionally, as other job responsibilities require effective communication, time management, and planning skills. While supervisors are accountable within their departments and to their Administrative Committee representatives, they are supported by the Labor Program Office through guidance, resources, and training in three key areas: education and supervision, professional development, and the Code of Conduct.
Supervisor Communication
Strong communication between the supervisor and the student is vital for the success of the Work-Learning-Service relationship. Supervisors are expected to communicate clearly, consistently, and continuously about workplace expectations, deadlines, performance benchmarks, evaluations, and other information supporting students’ workplace skill development. The Labor Program prioritizes two preferred methods of communication: Microsoft Teams and Outlook.