Reading Corps Tutor (AmeriCorps)
The Metro DC Reading Corps, a strategic initiative of The Literacy Lab, is seeking 50 passionate and dedicated individuals to serve as full-time Reading Corps tutors for the 2015-16 school year. Tutors will provide literacy intervention to students in preschool and grades K-3 in elementary schools throughout Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and northern Virginia.
This AmeriCorps position supports the work that is done in the classroom by using prescribed reading interventions in small group and one-on-one tutoring sessions with students at risk of reading failure. We are looking for individuals who have a desire to serve their community through education. Tutors will serve full-time Monday through Friday for a term that starts August 10th, 2015 and concludes June 17th, 2016.
Reading Corps tutors are part of the national AmeriCorps network of service-minded individuals who dedicate a year of their professional lives to responding to community needs. We seek individuals who are enthusiastic about dedicating their time and energy to this program in exchange for professional development, a modest living allowance, a $5,730 education award, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of young people.
Position Description:
Title: Reading Corps Tutor (AmeriCorps Member)
Benefits: $5,730 education award upon completing 11-month term of service (Senior member may give this award to a child or grandchild) and a modest living stipend Location: Elementary schools throughout D.C. and northern Virginia
Essential Functions:
Develop and maintain a weekly tutoring schedule for assigned students
Conduct tutoring sessions using prescribed literacy interventions to help children practice their reading skills, with high degree of fidelity to Reading Corps model
Assess, with high level of accuracy, students’ progress using weekly progress monitoring and tri-annual benchmarking assessments provided by Reading Corps
Record student and program data completely and accurately in an online database on a weekly basis
Use results of the assessment data to reflect on and inform instruction, with collaboration from Master and Internal Coaches
Provide opportunities for family literacy involvement for Reading Corps students including implementing the Reading Corps family literacy intervention.
Attend Reading Corps Institute (5 days) at the beginning of the term of service
Attend ongoing Reading Corps-sponsored trainings throughout the year
Be open to being observed regularly by the Master and/or Internal Coach; act on constructive feedback provided by coaches and/or program staff
Participate in on-site coaching sessions with the Master and/or Internal Coach to review students’ data as part of a data-based decision making model
Communicate with students in an age and developmentally appropriate way
Build professional relationships and communicate regularly with the Master Coach, Internal Coach and classroom teachers regarding student schedules, interventions, student progress, etc.
Qualifications:
Strong interest in education, specifically helping students improve their early literacy skills; experience working with preschool-aged children a plus
Strong capacity to be flexible and adaptable to varied circumstances, paired with a conscientious commitment to adhere to the Reading Corps model with fidelity
Energetic, results-oriented, student-focused style, coupled with strong planning and time management skills
Be open to accepting and incorporating feedback from coaches and/or program staff
Computer skills, including the ability to navigate and use online database systems and e-mail
Ability to build and maintain working relationships and communicate professionally with students, teachers, coaches, and Reading Corps program staff
Speak, read, write and understand English fluently
Preferred: College coursework, college degree, or equivalent work experience
Basic Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have at least a high school diploma or a GED
Must be either a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Must not have served more than three terms of service previously with AmeriCorps
Must be able to serve 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) during daytime school hours
Must be able to attend the full Reading Corps Institute in Washington, DC, August 10 – 14
Must be able to commit to complete 1700 service hours by June 17, 2016
Metro DC Reading Corps is firmly committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its programs, activities, and materials. Please respond to this posting to request accommodation or to obtain materials in an alternate format.
How to apply
Full-time positions are available in multiple elementary schools throughout the DC metro area and Baltimore. Visit our website www.theliteracylab.org/readingcorps to start your application! Contact us by email – sdorton@theliteracylab.org with any questions.