AmeriCorps Teaching Assistant

About the Role

AmeriCorps Academic Fellows will provide academic tutoring and additional interventions at our five campuses. The program is designed to ensure that Vista College Prep (Vista) students surpass the state average on the AASA in reading and math, thanks in part to the interventions led and supported by AmeriCorps Fellows.

Vista College Prep serves over 1,700 students across five schools in Phoenix. Nearly 90% of Vista students qualify for Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRL) and are considered to be living in poverty. Furthermore, more than 95% of Vista students are individuals of color.

Vista has four guiding principles that shape the goals and work of the entire organization: We Achieve Excellence, We Make Learning Joyful, We Create a Caring Community, and We Model Transparency. Through the training and support of the Academic Fellow program, these principles will guide the work of Academic Fellows each day.

Responsibilities

• Tutoring small groups of students as assigned on academic content, primarily in reading and math
• Running and/or supporting academic and behavioral interventions to support student academic and campus culture goals
• Supporting academic and operational needs (e.g., class coverage) to increase teacher capacity and improve teacher retention
• Participating in experiences designed to support AmeriCorps as a teacher pipeline for Vista, including opportunities for full-day substitute teaching, under the supervision of an administrator
• Supporting systems serving our English Learners
• Supporting the smooth execution of school-wide systems each day, including arrival, recess, lunch, and dismissal
• Supporting preparation and execution of school-wide events, including but not limited to Conferences, Fall Festival, Family Fun Day, Orientation, and other events as assigned

Member eligibility requirements as outlined in 45 CFR 2522.200(a).

Schedule

• Multiple service hour contracts available from 100 hours to 1,700 hours to be served between August 3, 2026, and July 30, 2027
• Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Fridays: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM or as agreed upon with the school site
• Occasional events as assigned, including but not limited to national, state, or local service projects or events as part of the service; school events such as Family Conferences and family events on campus

Pay

Pay is commensurate with hours.

Benefits

• Cost of living stipend paid out in even semi-monthly installments
• Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance at no cost in monthly premiums
• Eligibility for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the term of service
• Eligibility for AmeriCorps alumni benefits as detailed on the member and volunteer webpage of AmeriCorps.gov
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program from studentaid.gov
• Childcare coverage for qualified members (AC VIII.F and 45 CFR 2522.250)
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for qualified members
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact on Vista’s students and community as part of a dedicated service team

Qualifications

• Investment in Vista’s mission, educational model, and belief in the potential of all students to achieve
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for teaching academic content
• Communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Agreement to complete Vista College Prep Academic Fellow training upon acceptance to the program
• High School Diploma or GED, or at a minimum proof of working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED required
• Documentation required to establish AmeriCorps eligibility as outlined in 45 CFR 2540.200-206
• Completion of a National Service Criminal History Check as outlined in 45 CFR 2540.200-206
• Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Please note: reasonable accommodations can be made for interviews and, if selected, service activities.