The DMPS AmeriCorps Tutoring Member will be trained to provide research based literacy tutoring for
elementary students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth grade. The Tutoring Member will utilize materials
from Lexia Core 5, a literacy intervention software, to align with District reading initiatives. AmeriCorps
members will typically serve students during school hours. These hours will vary slightly based on school
start/end time. AmeriCorps members will be encouraged to serve students in a before or after school club or
activity, support volunteer engagement at additional family or community events at the school.
Service Activities
1.Provide one-on-one or small group literacy tutoring for elementary students K-5.
2.Keep track of student data on a regular basis to support the assessment of student achievement.
3.Work with school staff to set tutoring schedule and identify appropriate students to tutor.
4.Facilitate communication with students related to their progress in Lexia Core5. Facilitate communication with staff
related to student progress in MyLexia.
5.Attend all required trainings, team meetings and community service events scheduled by DMPS AmeriCorps
Specialist
6.Maintain consistent attendance Monday-Friday. AmeriCorps members are not expected to serve on days when
classes are not in session.
7.Sick or personal days are allowed, but member loses possible days to earn amount of hours needed. There are
additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance.
8.Help build connections between the school and the community serves by supporting parents and volunteer
engagement activities (school events-typically nights and/ or weekends at the school).
9.Complete online timesheet and narrative for each pay period regularly and on-time.
10. Collaborate effectively and professionally with site supervisor, school staff, and fellow team members at
service site to support best practices of the school and the district
11. Communicate in a timely manner-acknowledge and/or respond to students, families, school personnel and
phone messages and emails within 24 hours.
Community Need Addressed
The Literacy Tutor will work with students one-on-one or in small groups and provide scripted literacy lessons that will allow students to continue to develop and improve their reading skills. Ultimately, this will lead to increased High School graduation rates in the Des Moines community.
Position Outcomes
Students will receive an individualized approach to help them remain engaged in their learning process through Elementary School. Tutors will helps students continue to progress through the Lexia Core 5 program.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, 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, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
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
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, 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