Notre Dame - AmeriCorps (NDA) members assist in education settings to add critical support to learning environments that serve low-income communities. NDA members serve primarily at one of our partner organizations, which include schools and community centers across the cities where we are located. Members assist in classrooms, lead small-group and one-on-one instruction, and coordinate extracurricular activities.
Service Activities
NDA Members:
Facilitate small-group and one-on-one instruction; assist in classrooms, especially by providing extra support to students with the greatest needs; coordinate after-school programs; assist with extracurricular activities; support community center programming; and collaborate with other NDA members to lead service projects.
Community Need Addressed
Need for more support in education settings serving low-income communities
Position Outcomes
Increased attention and support given to students of all ages will increase academic engagement among youth and increased job readiness among adults.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance
Regular training, team support, bi-weekly team meetings, housing assistance in some cities only
Skills you will gain
Team-building, event planning, public speaking, program coordination, time management, data collection, teaching-related activities, conflict resolution, consensus building, networking, classroom management, community organizing
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
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
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
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, 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