Aspire! AmeriCorps Member

Save to Favorites

Learning ROCKS! is an original Aspire! program, achieving real results for more than 100 3rd-5th grade students at risk of falling into the achievement gap through daily afterschool and summer programs. Each year, more than 90% of our students improve their reading instructional levels. Aspire!'s flagship Learning ROCKS! Program supports upper-elementary students' general academic achievement and social-emotional development, placing a heavy emphasis on helping students to develop both their reading skills and a love of reading. The Learning Links AmeriCorps Program provides a critical link across the three main aspects of a child’s daily experience: at school; after school and in the summer; and at home/in the community. Toward this end, Aspire partners closely with and supports both schools and parents. Each Lead AmeriCorps Member will work closely with their team to implement the Learning ROCKS! Program, providing expanded learning opportunities to students. Lead AmeriCorps Members are an integral part of the Learning ROCKS! Program, planning weekly schedules, implementing lesson plans, leading literature circles and homework groups, and more.

Job Description

Corps Members provide direct services two or three days per week at each of the schools where Aspire's students are enrolled, as well as implementing the daily Learning ROCKS! Program, after school and in the summer.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Learning ROCKS! program lessons in collaboration with program staff and provide direct support and services to approximately 20-40 students each day, including appropriate supervision and assistance during homework completion time and recreational activities.
• Plan and implement full-day summer camp lessons, activities, guest speakers, and field trips;
• Provide childcare, programming, and other support to the Parent Connection program 1-2 evenings/month.
• Achieve program goals in close collaboration with the Program Manager and/or Site Coordinator and support program staff in collecting and maintaining program data.
• Provide meaningful guidance and support for Learning ROCKS! volunteers.
• Help in daily maintenance of the Aspire! program sites.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and visitors in a professional and meaningful manner.
• Actively contribute to a Community of Practice that identifies and refines best practices in child and youth programming.
• Complete monthly AmeriCorps service reflections.
• Participate in required AmeriCorps and/or National Days of Service projects.
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization.

Minimum Requirements

• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien;
• High school graduate or equivalent, at least 17 years old;
• Commitment to local, community-based organizations;
• Self-motivation, independence, resourcefulness, and flexibility;
• Creativity, dependability, and flexibility;
• Excellent time management and communication skills;
• Professional communication skills - ability to interact well with children, parents, teachers, volunteers, and program staff; and
• A great sense of humor!

Ideal candidates would also have

• College degree and/or course work in Education, Social Work, or similar field;
• Bilingual (Spanish/Arabic/Amharic/other and English) skills, including reading, writing, and conversation preferred;
• Experience in and/or knowledge of child development and primary education fields;
• Experience in positive behavioral modification practices for individuals and groups of children; and
• Experience working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations.

Time Commitment

• Term of Service: Dependent on contract
• 40 hours per week commitment
• Hours vary in summer, fall and spring roughly 10am - 6pm, daily

Benefits

The Full Time Position is Eligible for a $1,333 monthly stipend and a $5,920 Segal Education Award

• Student-loan forbearance or deferment;
• Corps Members receive time off for winter break, spring break as well as personal days off; and
• Aspire is committed to strengthening Corps Members’ professional and personal development. Corps Members will receive training in a variety of topics including: content areas, tutoring skills, child development, behavior management, education theory, leadership skills, and team building.