Early Literacy Success Community Instructor (Tutor)

Job Description

Early Literacy Success Community Instructor (Tutor)

Organization Summary

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO)’s mission is to advocate for and act to increase equity and social justice through programs, services, community organizing, and collaborative leadership that create equitable opportunities for African refugees and immigrant children, youth, and families to thrive. CAIRO envisions a more just and equitable society in which children, youth, and families live in sustained, supportive communities that reinforce the family's cultural wealth and lived experience. To accomplish our goals, we offer various services, including pre-K education, K-12 student support & counseling, community health, and job training.

The CAIRO Early Literacy Success Community provides high-dosage, culturally responsive tutoring to Black African immigrant and refugee students (K-5) in the Portland Metro area. The program aims to close literacy gaps through personalized instruction, leveraging the IXL Learning platform, and ensuring materials align with students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds. CAIRO tutors will play a vital role in implementing evidence-based literacy interventions that empower students to develop foundational reading and writing skills while fostering a love for learning.

Position Summary:

We are seeking dedicated Early Literacy Success Community Instructors (Tutors) to provide one-on-one and small-group literacy tutoring for kindergarten to 5th-grade students. Tutors will work with students both online (via Zoom) and in person on evenings, weekends, and during summer sessions at CAIRO’s facilities.

Tutors will use research-based instructional strategies, including the Science of Reading and Writing, and deliver culturally responsive instruction to support Black African immigrant and refugee students in developing reading, writing, and comprehension skills.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position 20 – 30 hrs. per week. With a somewhat flexible schedule (Evenings, Weekends, and Summer Sessions). This position is a combination of Online (IXL Learning Platform via Zoom) and In-person (CAIRO Offices – Portland & Beaverton).

Key Responsibilities:

●       Deliver high-quality literacy instruction using the IXL Learning Platform and other structured interventions.

●       Provide one-on-one and small-group tutoring (maximum 6 students per group).

●       Utilize diagnostic assessments to personalize instruction and monitor student progress.

●       Implement culturally responsive teaching methods to reflect students' identities, languages, and experiences.

●       Foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment that enhances student motivation and self-confidence.

●       Communicate regular progress updates to families, including strategies for supporting literacy at home.

●       Participate in ongoing training and professional development led by Dr. Vincent Chirimwami and the IXL training team.

●       Maintain accurate attendance and student performance records for program evaluation.

Qualifications & Requirements:

●       Bachelor’s degree (Education, Literacy, ESL, or related field preferred).

●       Experience teaching or tutoring early literacy skills to diverse student populations.

●       Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching methods and multilingual learners.

●       Knowledge of the Science of Reading and Writing and early literacy development strategies.

●       Strong technology skills and ability to navigate digital learning platforms (e.g., IXL Learning).

●       Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and summer sessions.

●       Commitment to educational equity and empowering immigrant/refugee communities.

●       Bilingual skills in African languages (e.g., Somali, Swahili, Amharic, Arabic, Tigrinya) are a plus.

●       Must pass a background check prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications:

●       Experience working with Black African immigrant and refugee students.

●       Previous training or experience in high dosage tutoring models.

●       Ability to engage families and caregivers in students' literacy development.

Work Environment/Location

·       Location: Beaverton and Portland, OR

·       The work environment will vary depending on the specific needs of the program but may include:

• • Public events
  • Office and virtual platforms
  • Teleworking and working in an office environment

·       This position requires frequent use of a keyboard, monitor, mouse, telephone, and/or headset.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Salary: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour depending on experience.

Benefits:

●       Up to 11 days of accrued Paid Time Off per year

●       Up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year

●       5 days of Paid Time Off for paid spring break - in alignment with school districts

●       Up to 16 paid company holidays

●       Dental insurance with employee-only premiums covered 100% by CAIRO

●       Vision Insurance low-cost employee premium

●       401(k) plan with up to 3% employer match

●       Paid professional development opportunities

●       Comprehensive tutor training in culturally responsive literacy instruction.

●       Opportunity to positively impact the academic success of underrepresented students.

●       Professional development and mentoring from experienced educators and researchers.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

Resume detailing relevant experience.

Cover letter explaining why you are passionate about literacy instruction and working with African immigrant and refugee students.

Two professional references.

CAIRO is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and culturally responsive learning environment. We encourage applications from educators of all backgrounds, especially those who share lived experiences with the students we serve.

This job description aligns with CAIRO's literacy program goals while ensuring instructors meet the cultural, educational, and instructional standards necessary to effectively support Black African immigrant and refugee students.

Salary : $20 - $30