Learning ROCKS! is an original Aspire program, serving 80 3rd-5th grade students each day after school across three sites, as well as 80 students during the six-week, full-day summer camp. The Learning ROCKS! Curriculum focuses heavily on language arts and reading, as well as the following three themes: academic and study skills; life-skills; and community and culture. Finally, Aspire emphasizes arts and creativity as a means of self-expression for students as well as accessing and internalizing academic content in new and meaningful ways. 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 AmeriCorps Member will work closely with their team to implement the Learning ROCKS! Program, providing expanded learning opportunities to students. Corps Members are an integral part of the Learning ROCKS! Program, actively planning weekly schedules, implementing lesson plans, leading literature circles and homework groups, and more.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement Learning ROCKS! program themes in coordination with other AmeriCorps Members and Learning Rocks! Program Manager by creating daily lesson plans;
- 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 meaningful guidance and support for Learning ROCKS! volunteers;
- Communicate with parents/guardians and visitors in a professional and meaningful manner;
- Achieve program goals in close collaboration with other AmeriCorps Members, Site Coordinators, Program Manager, and Assistant Director;
- Actively contribute to a Community of Practice that identifies and refines best practices in children and youth programming;
- Help in daily maintenance of the Aspire program sites;
- Complete monthly AmeriCorps Great Stories, and service reflections
- Participate in required AmeriCorps and/or National Days of Service projects; and
- 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: August 2018 through August 2019
- 40 hours per week commitment
- During the school year, general hours are from 10am – 6:30pm with a one-hour break for lunch. Some morning and evening hours are required to fulfill school placement responsibilities and support the Parent Connection Program.
Benefits
- The 1700 hour Position is Eligible for a $1,333/month stipend and a $5,920 Segal Education Award
- Student-loan forbearance or deferment;
- Corps Members receive time off for winter break and spring break as well as ten personal days off;
- 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.
Aspire Afterschool Learning shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services