AmeriCorps Reading Specialist

Position: AmeriCorps Reading Specialist  

Reporting to: AmeriCorps and Special Programs Director                                                

Campus: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Living Allowance: $35,200 

About Austin Achieve: 

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at the nation’s top colleges and universities. 

Essential Functions: 

• Attend orientation and subsequent training. 
• Test and teach scholars using the literacy methods prescribed by the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) program and/or by the Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) intervention program. 
• Test and identify scholars to be pulled in small groups.
• Working with small groups of 2 to 3 students in reading sessions of about 40 minutes each. 
• Lesson plan and internalize lessons for each day. 
• Progress monitor and note take on scholar progress on a weekly basis. 
• Track data and respond to data from scholars.
• Test scholars three times a year on a one-on-one basis to assess growth 
• Participate in other literacy activities with scholars during their group time including but not limited to checking out books from the school library, read-alouds, high frequency word practice, letter name practice and letter sound practice. 
• Meet with the Program Director to review scholar progress to on-grade level reading goals and identify any gaps in programming implementation and efficacy.
• Receive bi-weekly coaching and feedback sessions to improve scholar outcomes.
• Responsible for improved reading skills among AAPS students as evidenced by performance in the classroom, improved reading level and standardized tests scores. 

Secondary  Functions: 

• Attend service projects 1-2 times a year. 
• Assist with summer school. 

Benefits 

• Zero cost health insurance coverage
• Segal Education Award $7,395.00 (eligible upon completion)
• Forbearance on eligible student loans
• Support with childcare costs
• Teacher pipeline program with certification for second year members.
• Administrative pipelines within the school to learn about other career options in education for second year members.

Desired Qualifications

• Individuals with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to serve as full-time AmeriCorps Reading Specialists, 
• Encouraged to live within their service community of Northeast Austin/Pflugerville and involve themselves in the surrounding communities.
• Interest in literacy, education, community service or non-profit work. 
• Self motivated and open to feedback 
• Ability to work cohesively on a team
• Proficient computer skills, including data entry and email correspondence. 
• Desire to work with upper elementary (grades 3-4), middle school, and/or high school scholars. 

AmeriCorps Requirements

• Consent to  a criminal history check as they will have recurring access to school-aged students who are considered a vulnerable population by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Texas Education Agency. 
• AmeriCorps Reading Specialists will be required to wear the AmeriCorps logo daily, whether serving in person or remotely on camera.
• Commitment to serve 10 months (August-June) 
• 1700 hours of service completed by June 
•  Appointments will be for one year, with an option for second year, if mutually agreed upon by the Program Director and the AmeriCorps Member.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

OneStar Disaster Requirement: In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities outside of the member’s stand service hours or in place of their standard service duties. In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps members may voluntarily or be required by OneStar to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.