Summer Ladders AmeriCorps members will be responsible for creating and facilitating high-quality lesson plans for youth in summer programs. These activities will follow a proven out-of-school-time framework and will also be responsive to the needs of each unique program. Members will have the opportunity to work closely with youth and staff at their program to implement activities.
Service Activities
1. Meet with host site supervisor to determine program content needs in order to design activities that respond to organizational goals.
2. Utilize the Dimensions of Success program development tool to create 10 high quality lesson plans in the areas of social and emotional learning, reading, science, and math, as determined by the host site.
3. Facilitate all the newly developed lesson plans throughout the summer programming with guidance from the host site supervisor.
4. Communicate with the host site leadership to determine the best process for archiving the developed lesson plans for the organization’s use during the school year.
5. Recruit or engage 5 volunteers to assist with the implementation or creation of the lesson plans and other program activities to promote community engagement in the organization.
6. Submit biweekly reports throughout the term of service to Summer Ladders AmeriCorps Director with updates about lesson plan development, facilitation, goals, highlights, and any concerns. Completed lesson plans will also be submitted at this regular time for purposes of data collection.
7. Assist with facilitating additional lessons with youth to support the existing programming and develop strong relationships with youth and program staff.
8. Maintain youth and family confidentiality.
Community Need Addressed
This program will address the limited capacity of summer programs for youth across Iowa.
Position Outcomes
This position will impact the capacity of summer and afterschool programs through the development of high-quality activities for youth.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance
Education Benefits
Members will learn about the Dimensions of Success framework for creating lessons for out-of-school time programs.
Skills you will gain
Lesson planning, public speaking, organization, educating, discussion facilitation, soft skills, and youth engagement.
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, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, 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, 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