AmeriCorps tutors provide tutoring in literacy, math and science for elementary students during the school day and after school. They use the balanced literacy approach to reading and writing, exploratory science methods, and the math program selected by the host school.
These tasks must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation:
* read, write, and speak English fluently and understandably
* demonstrate a basic understanding of literacy, math, and science concepts
* assist children with literacy subjects, math, and science
* follow instructions given by classroom teacher
* relate to elementary children with patience and authority
* transport self to and from classes, schools, and training sessions
* attend the training sessions
* attend special training/service sessions
* follow AmeriCorps and Extended School Day code of conduct
*other duties and responsibilities as determined by the needs of the program
Service Activities
AmeriCorps tutors in AISD receive extensive training in best practices in literacy instruction, have an established time to instruct each day, provide structured lessons, and maintain a close communication with campus supervisors.
Community Need Addressed
The specific needs of students, families, and individual campuses is to provide the necessary opportunities to improve literacy rates. The specific compelling community need is the educational attainment of elementary level youth populations most at risk in achieving success. Based upon needs assessments, the most at risk elementary level youth populations are individuals with a low socioeconomic background, historically disadvantaged minority groups, below-level readers, ELL students, Pre-Kindergarten students, and at-risk students (based on the criteria listed in the Texas Education Code, section 29.081).
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps members will serve as tutors at 15 elementary campus sites to provide tutorials in reading interventions for Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade students who are identified as being at-risk in order to improve literacy rates among youth. Growth in literacy achievement will be tracked.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Training topics will include: program design, balanced literacy training, tutorial strategies, discipline management techniques, best instructional practices, team building, diversity training, leadership development, ethic of service, civic responsibility, interview skills, job resources, using the education award and other topics that arise as a result of program implementation. Half Time Members receive basic training on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery on an annual basis. To comply with this requirement, Amarillo ISD has developed a partnership with Panhandle Chapter of the Red Cross to train Half Time members in disaster preparedness.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Lesson planning, discipline management of groups of students, record keeping, instructional methods, team work, decision making, other instructional related skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment