The Minnesota Literacy Council is seeking highly motivated women and men for the Summer Reads Program, a full-time, eight-week service opportunity to promote the literacy skills of K-3 school children. AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members serve in Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Summer Schools as classroom aides during the morning, and facilitate fun enrichment activities at community sites (Boys and Girls Clubs, Public Libraries, Park and Recreation Centers) during the afternoon. Within the framework of these established programs, you will conduct one-to-one reading sessions, fun group activities, and outdoor games to strengthen the skills of emerging readers. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Tutor elementary school children one-to-one in reading and writing in Saint Paul or Minneapolis summer schools
• Collaborate with one or two other Summer Reads VISTAs to create daily enrichment activities that are educational and engaging
• Work with teachers, librarians, and program staff to best complement their program.
• Actively participate in weekly in-service training to learn about multi-culturalism, behavior management, ESL tutoring techniques, and other relevant topics.
• Diligently complete weekly activity records for Summer Reads Coordinator

Benefits

• $408 bi-weekly living allowance 
• Choice between $1,000 education award to pay federal student loans or applied towards future tuition OR $200 cash stipend
• Mileage reimbursement (only for travel between sites)
• Pre-service orientation and other professional development training
• Opportunity to work with and learn about diverse communities
• Meaningful work that directly affects children's lives
• Public assistance benefits are not affected by VISTA employment

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Must have energy to work enthusiastically with children eight hours per day
• Must be self-motivated, assertive, and be able to work independently & with others
• Must have passion for literacy and working with children in poverty
• Must be willing to adapt to changing working conditions
• Previous tutoring experience and/or work with children preferred
• Cannot have another job while working as and AmeriCorps*VISTA
• Ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds

Desired qualifications:

• interest in drama, theater, storytelling or public speaking helpful
• computer skills (word processing, desk top publishing) helpful
• Spanish, Hmong or Somali language skills a plus

Program Dates

June 12-August 8, 2008

*Program dates include a mandatory two-day Pre-Service Orientation (PSO). These dates are based on the summer school schedule.