More than any other resource, literacy can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Literacy First tutors work with 8-10 students, one-to-one for 20-30 minutes every day, providing lessons tailored to each student’s needs. Tutors receive more than 60 hours of literacy training during the year, plus weekly coaching from Literacy First staff. Literacy First lessons target the most critical early reading skills — letter-sound knowledge, phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency. The progress of every student is monitored weekly. Data is shared regularly with our school partners to ensure students receive the support they need.
Service Activities
Literacy First AmeriCorps tutors deliver one-on-one daily tutoring sessions to readers in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. Members serve on an elementary school campus in teams of 2 or more in a shared tutoring space. Each member supports a caseload of 8-10 students. The majority of our tutors serve 35 hours each week, but we do have service opportunities to serve 20 or 30 hours each week.
As a Literacy First Tutor, you'll arrive on your campus at 7:30 am to prepare for the day. You will pick up your first student from class around 8:00 am, and bring them back to your tutoring area to work with them one-on-one using a structured, intensive, research-based curriculum catered to each individual child. You'll work with half of your caseload in the morning, have lunch with your team, and work with the second half of your caseload in the afternoon.
Tutors also attend a variety of literacy trainings and professional development activities, and service events in the community and on campus. Our supervisors are expert literacy coaches and provide ongoing support throughout the year. Language-specific support is also provided to our Bilingual Spanish Tutors if needed.
Community Need Addressed
Studies show that 75% of four and five year olds are already behind in literacy when they start school. If students are not reading well by third grade, they are four times more likely to never finish high school. Our goal is to close the achievement gap in Central Texas and give all students the same chance for success and a bright future ahead.
Position Outcomes
Literacy First partners with school districts to ensure all children are reading at or above grade level by third grade.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Members receive a well-rounded service experience. They are given the opportunity to have a meaningful year of service in Title I schools, commit to civic engagement through community service projects, and the option to participate in professional development activities such as blog writing, social media, curriculum writing, and recruitment opportunities.
Members interested in a career in education are also given the option to serve a second year with Literacy First and pursue alternative teaching certification through our partnership with Region 13. Region 13 waives the application and registration fee for second-year members along with additional incentives and grants for bilingual members.
Skills you will gain
Education , Community Organization , Teaching/Tutoring , Communications , Youth Development , Conflict Resolution , Team Work , Leadership , Social Services , Writing/Editing , Strong work ethic
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, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, 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
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, 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, 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, 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