AmeriCorps Academic Success Coach - CREATE

The AmeriCorps Academic Success Coach for the CREATE program plays a crucial role in enhancing the academic success of students. Members provide personalized tutoring, mentorship, and support to help students achieve their educational goals. This position is part of the AmeriCorps program, which is similar to the domestic version of the Peace Corps, where members serve the community for one year through direct service activities. This position does not receive a salary but does receive benefits, including a bi-weekly stipend, monthly housing stipend, education award, health insurance, and more.

Days/Hours: This position is 25-30 hours/week. These are primarily afternoon hours, though expand more into the day during the school summer months and may include some weekend hours. Members are required to serve for a minimum number of hours throughout the program year to successfully complete the term and earn an education award.

Member Duties

School Year:

• Provide one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions to students in various subjects, including homework assistance.
• Facilitate reading activities such as read-alongs and reading out loud to enhance literacy skills.
• Support students in developing writing skills through structured activities.
• Engage students in tabletop games and center exploration to foster critical thinking and social skills.
• Conduct science activities to stimulate curiosity and understanding of scientific concepts.
• Organize and lead physical education (PE) activities to promote physical health and teamwork.
• Offer specialized tutoring in subjects like Algebra, Geometry, Literature, Science, and History for older students.

Summer:

• Conduct Summer Bridge tutorials to help students transition between grade levels.
• Plan and participate in pep rallies to build school spirit and community.
• Serve as swim chaperones, monitoring children at the YMCA to ensure their safety.
• Plan, prepare, and implement PE activities to keep students active and engaged.
• Oversee and direct recreational room activities, ensuring a safe and fun environment.
• Monitor and oversee Vacation Bible School (VBS) craft activities, encouraging creativity and participation.

General Duties:

• Develop individualized learning plans tailored to each student's needs and goals.
• Foster a supportive and engaging learning environment to enhance student motivation and confidence.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to align tutoring efforts with the school curriculum.
• Track and report on student progress, attendance, and engagement.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance tutoring skills and knowledge.

Benefits:

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $500 (gross before taxes)
• Monthly stipend of $700 (gross before taxes)
• Education award is provided upon successful completion of service (RHT = $2,817.14)
• Daily lunch meal available at no cost to member
• Forbearance on qualified student loans and interest accrual payments while serving (taxable)
• Since the AmeriCorps living allowance is not considered a wage or income, many AmeriCorps Members are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps
• Professional development and training opportunities, including CPR/First Aid Certification, Disaster Preparedness, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, Compassion Fatigue, De-Escalation, and Disability Awareness
• Internship hours (many members can use their AmeriCorps service as an internship, but this depends on the requirements of each Member's school/program)
• AmeriCorps service gear (must be worn every day)

Position Requirements and Specifications:

• Associate degree education, early childhood education, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work and communicate with low socio-economic and diverse participants in a professional and diplomatic manner.
• A non-judgmental, empathetic, caring individual with the ability to listen well and to demonstrate confidentiality and respect for clients of all ethnic, religious and socio-economic groups.
• Bi-lingual preferred, but not required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Be able to successfully pass a criminal background check