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, actively planning weekly schedules, implementing lesson plans, leading literature circles and homework groups, and more.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct service to approximately 20 students each day afterschool including planning and implementing daily activities at a program site;
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the site, maintaining program supplies and Food Bank donations;
- Plan and implement program themes and activities in coordination with the Learning ROCKS! Program Manager and other AmeriCorps Members;
- Achieve and track program goals in close collaboration with Program Manager and Assistant Director, including ensuring that obligations to stakeholders are fulfilled and / or exceeded;
- Plan for, support, and direct community volunteers to serve afterschool students;
- Participate in relevant topic- and skill-based trainings and provide input into trainings that would benefit larger AmeriCorps team.
- Maintain case files on students with accurate and appropriate case notes;
- Collect, secure, and track students’ tuition payments;
- Provide consistent feedback to parents concerning students’ progress in school and afterschool program;
- Support other site-based AmeriCorps Members in providing direct service to approximately 20 students each day, including modeling effective instructional techniques and appropriate behavior modification;
- Collaborate with teachers and other school staff regarding students’ success and program results;
- Coordinate transportation for field trips for afterschool and summer programs
- Contribute to a community of practice that identifies and refines best practices in children and youth programming, including assisting with planning for professional development sessions; 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;
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement structured educational and social activities for children;
- 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
- Bilingual (Spanish/Arabic/Amharic/other and English) skills, including reading, writing, and conversation preferred;
- Experience with student support services including IEP and 504 plans, ESOL and ELL
- College degree and/or course work in Education, Social Work, or similar field;
- 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 $1,833/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