Help build community and tutor struggling young students with Reading Partners! We're seeking emerging professionals with a passion for education to join our 2015-16 AmeriCorps team in Dallas, TX.

Reading Partners is changing the education landscape. We are a leader in working to solve the literacy crisis in our country by leveraging community volunteers in under-resourced schools. Our diverse and expansive volunteer base provides one-on-one tutoring to students twice weekly, and our program is proven to help children master the reading fundamentals they need to unlock their potential as successful, happy and confident readers in school and in life. Our people are our heartbeat and our greatest resource; we are all passionately rallied around our mission to help children become lifelong learners by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction that works. Join our stellar team leading the charge to deepen our impact and expand our service. Learn more about us at www.readingpartners.org.

AmeriCorps is an 11-month service commitment that meets a community's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Reading Partners partners with AmeriCorps to provide full-time service opportunities in our programs across the United States, supporting communities' critical needs in education. Reading Partners AmeriCorps members dedicate 1700 hours of volunteer service per term in exchange for leadership and career development, and a living stipend provided by our AmeriCorps grant. AmeriCorps is an exciting opportunity for service-minded individuals who are passionate about education and the nonprofit sector. For more information, please visit www.americorps.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY

The AmeriCorps Site Coordinator leads the day-to-day operations of Reading Partners school sites for a full 11-month service term (August - June). Site Coordinators are placed in partner schools where they oversee the full-time operations of a Reading Partners reading center. This includes student assessments, tutoring, and coordination of an average of 35-80 volunteer tutors. Site Coordinators may have the opportunity to participate in community engagement activities throughout the term.

The Site Coordinator is also responsible for cultivating positive relationships between Reading Partners and the school community. Site Coordinators receive ongoing instruction and coaching from Reading Partners staff and report to and work with a Program Manager, a staff member with a strong educational background, who provides direct instruction and coaching.

The Reading Partners program operates from 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Hours may vary slightly, depending on the region and school site. AmeriCorps members frequently participate in professional development trainings and team volunteer activities, such as National Days of Service. Some weekend hours may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AmeriCorps Member Commitment

• Commitment to serve a minimum of 1700 hours over an 11 month term
• Participation in a minimum of three (3) National Days of Service
• Participation in ongoing training, meetings, and professional development with regional Reading Partners team  ​

Program Coordination

• Coordinate a curriculum-focused, 1:1 tutoring program for an average of 40-80 struggling readers in grades K-5
• Ensure that all students receiving support through Reading Partners are making gains in their reading abilities
• Implement Reading Partners’ program and curriculum to address students’ learning needs
• Organize and set up a reading center to create an optimal learning environment
• Manage the reading center schedule and enrollment process, including matching of student/tutor pairs, monitoring attendance, and overseeing the student referral and assessment processes
• Maintain student information systems and student/tutor records
• Provide ongoing tutoring based on school site needs ​

Educational Expertise

• Maintain a commitment to understanding the Reading Partners curriculum, program model, and current literacy best practices
• Support tutors during sessions by providing formal and informal feedback
• Conference with tutors and teachers to maximize student achievement ​

Relationship Building/Communications

• Train and support community volunteers in their role as reading tutors; help to create a welcoming environment and positive experience for volunteers
• Facilitate communication and maintain positive relationships among Reading Partners, teachers, students’ families, and community partners
• Participate in school events, celebrations, and staff meetings

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Dedication to national and community service  
• Commitment to Reading Partners’ mission and vision
• Interest in working with elementary school-age children
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage tasks and schedule independently
• Demonstrated success with constituent relations skills (volunteers, teachers, parents)
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage tasks in a fluid and ambiguous environment
• Access to reliable transportation (public transportation or personal transport) to travel within a defined geographic region
• Be at least 17 years of age and have a US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in volunteering or volunteer management
• Experience in literacy education with K-5 students
• Experience working with diverse communities and constituents
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

COMPENSATION

This position is part of the AmeriCorps service program. As an AmeriCorps member, you will serve your community through Reading Partners and receive a modest living stipend of $14,000 during your term, as well as full health, dental, and vision benefits.

Additionally, at the successful completion of your service term, you are eligible for an education award of approximately $5,730, to be used for college, trade school or other educational expenses, including qualified federal loans. During your service in AmeriCorps, you may also be eligible for forbearance on outstanding federal student loans. AmeriCorps also assists with childcare expenses, if eligible. For more information, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps.

TO APPLY

Our next application deadline is May 15th, 2015. Reading Partners is currently seeking AmeriCorps members for the 2015-16 program year in the Dallas region.

If you feel you are a strong fit for this position, please submit the following information through our website:

• A cover letter that:
  • Clearly states why you would be a successful AmeriCorps Site Coordinator at Reading Partners
  • Includes your responses to the two short essay questions below
  • Includes your answers to the AmeriCorps eligibility questions (please copy/paste from linked position description)
• Your resume

ESSAY QUESTIONS

• What does service mean to you? What compelled you to apply for 11 months of service with the Reading Partners AmeriCorps team? (2-3 paragraphs)

• What experiences make you a strong fit for the AmeriCorps Site Coordinator role? How does this position fit into your career goals? (2-3 paragraphs)

Organization Details