As an AmeriCorps National Teaching Fellow at Citizen Schools, you’ll change the lives of middle school students. You’ll serve as a member of a diverse team of caring adults dedicated to transforming the school day for middle school students in low income communities. We do this by adding three hours to the end of the school day during which students receive additional instruction in math or language arts, complete homework in structured sessions and participate in hands-on apprenticeships taught by volunteer professionals from the community.
As a National Teaching Fellow you will be performing an extraordinary act of citizenship, helping the nation to address one of its greatest challenges; educating our youth in ways that promote self belief, college readiness and the skills needed to achieve their dreams. It is an opportunity that leads to a better future for students, yet also holds rich benefits for those willing to dedicate two years of their life to national service through AmeriCorps. That’s why we call the opportunity: Teach, Serve, Grow.
All National Teaching Fellow positions begin with Summer Institute, an intensive training program during which you will learn the skills needed to successfully work in low income schools and deliver high quality instruction to students.
The CALIFORNIA cohort (San Jose & Oakland) begins on July 23, 2018.
The MASSACHUSETTS cohort (Boston & Somerville) and the NEW YORK cohort (Brooklyn & Harlem) begin on August 6, 2018.
Service Activities
TEACH:
Deliver hands-on, engaging curriculum in Math and/or English Language Arts
Partner with first shift teachers and families to support student academic and personal growth
Inspire students to set and achieve ambitious goals, and hold students to consistently high expectations
Monitor and use student learning data to inform instructional/ program decisions
Prepare students for college by cementing college-to-career-connections
Motivate students to attain the knowledge, skills, and beliefs to achieve personal goals
Explicitly communicate the idea that hard work + opportunity = success
Steward good classroom practice, including the creation of a safe learning environment
SERVE:
Act as a liaison and advocate for students in the school community
Communicate regularly with families to discuss student progress and program updates
Partner with volunteers from businesses, nonprofits, universities, and other local organizations to create relevant, real-world learning experiences for students
Create and reinforce a culture of achievement
Build lasting relationships with students, families, and volunteers that increase the school’s impact in the community
GROW:
Be challenged by diverse professional experiences at school, in the regional office, and with partner organizations
Impact program results through direct responsibility for school/ region-wide projects
Plan, execute and participate in a variety of school and regional events.
Network with senior professionals in diverse disciplines including: technology, law, finance, and higher education
Collect, analyse and use data to inform decision-making
Operate in an entrepreneurial environment with access to campus, regional, and national leadership
Give and receive feedback, strengthening personal and professional skills
Grow cultural competencies through the opportunity to work as part of a diverse professional and school community
Community Need Addressed
We mobilize a team to enable public middle schools in low-income communities to provide a longer learning day rich with opportunities. Our deep partnerships with schools put young adults on track to succeed by connecting the resources of communities, companies, governments, and philanthropies.
Position Outcomes
By giving two years of service, Teaching Fellows (TFs) provide students with 900 extra hours of learning. This equates to an extra year of academic gains and countless chances for students to be successful and to utilize their academics in real-world settings. Citizen Schools Teaching Fellows help provide more access to additional coaches, mentors and educators. TFs are working towards eliminating the achievement and opportunity gaps for middle schoolers in low income communities.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
National Teaching Fellows receive an annual living stipend of $23,550 pre- tax, paid out in bi-weekly installments. You will also be eligible to receive:
**$5,920 Segal Education Award for each year of service successfully completed
**Forbearance of qualified student loans during your two years of service
**Access to free high quality health, dental and vision insurance
**Childcare benefits
**A national support network of members and alumni
**Ongoing professional development throughout 2-year service committment
Skills you will gain
Managing a classroom
Data analysis
Instructional leadership
Project management
Volunteer management
Nonprofit collaboration
Curriculum Design
Public Speaking
Cultural Competency
Leadership
Youth Development & Student Advocacy
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, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
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