Member Duties and Responsibilities
PSA AmeriCorps members are individuals who have an interest in serving children and youth. They serve full-time (40 hours/week) for 11 months in Washington & Yamhill County Schools. While member activities vary from school to school, all placements include:
• Tutoring and mentoring for low-achieving and at-risk students in math/and or reading
* Must be 50 to 80% of PSA AmeriCorps member’s time
* They provide one-on-one and small group tutoring during the school day on a regular and consistent basis to a minimum of 40 low achieving and at-risk students in the areas of literacy and/or math over the course of a year
* Identification of students must be through content based assessments that can be used as pre/post evaluation
* These efforts must be support services only and not replace other services
• Developing, implementing, and/or leading extended day activities
• Developing and implementing specialized projects & initiatives
• Recruiting and coordinating community and parent volunteers in the school
• They are additionally expected to follow the PSA Calendar, attend weekly PSA team meetings/trainings, attend regional AmeriCorps trainings, and participate in monthly community service projects
Service Activities
Tutoring and mentoring for low-achieving and at-risk students in math and/or reading
Developing, implementing and/or leading extended day activities (recreation, academic enrichment, and tutorial activities)
Recruiting and coordinating community and parent volunteers in the school
Developing and implementing specialized projects
Participating in monthly team-based service projects in Washington County
Community Need Addressed
The mission of Partnerships for Student Achievement is to increase student academic achievement in the Washington & Yamhill County schools. The PSA AmeriCorps team improves academic achievement through tutoring, extended day school activities, specialized projects, and volunteer management. The value of service is demonstrated to the community at large and a stronger network of involved citizens is generated.
Position Outcomes
Tutoring and mentoring for 40+ low-achieving and at-risk students in math and/or reading
Developing, implementing and/or leading extended day activities (recreation, academic enrichment, and tutorial activities)
Recruiting and coordinating 20 community and parent volunteers in the school
Developing and implementing parent engagement and outreach events
Participating in monthly team-based service projects in Washington County
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
$1,372/month living allowance (pre tax)
$6,345 Education Award at the conclusion of the service hour requirement. It can be used to pay off existing qualified student loans or pay tuition for continuing education (It is subject to income taxes)
Forbearance from qualified outstanding student loans
Basic health care
Graduate credits (4) from Pacific University’s School of Education
Childcare (if eligible)
Education Benefits
4 graduate/undergraduate credits from Pacific University course Issues & Trends in Education
CPR/First Aid
5 (minimum) Professional Development Trainings from school placement
Skills you will gain
• Knowledge that you have made a difference in a young person’s life
• The satisfaction that comes from serving your community and your country
• The opportunity to work with education professionals on some of the most pressing problems in education today
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, 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, 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, Drive decision making, 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