K-3 Reading Tutor

About the Role

This is an AmeriCorps service member position within Colorado Reading Corps, a program designed to ensure all students in Colorado are reading proficiently by the end of third grade. The K-3 Reading Tutor is placed at one elementary school to provide supplemental, evidence-based literacy practice to children in kindergarten through third grade. Tutors use scripted strategies guided by coaches and conduct assessments to ensure students achieve grade-level reading proficiency. Members serve full-time (35-40 hours per week) during school hours, with school breaks and holidays off. The position runs from October 19th, 2026, to May 28th, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Identify students qualifying for tutoring services using Reading Corps-designed assessments, with direction from coaches.
• Conduct one-on-one or paired tutoring sessions using scripted, evidence-based literacy strategies, maintaining high fidelity to the model.
• Develop and maintain a weekly tutoring schedule, ensuring approximately 15-18 daily 20-minute sessions per student.
• Assist students in improving reading skills to meet grade-level expectations.
• Conduct triannual benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring with high accuracy.
• Document student progress and tutoring time accurately and timely in an online database, maintaining confidentiality.
• Review student data regularly with coaches to assess strategy effectiveness and adjust as needed.
• Participate in coaching sessions, including observations, to review progress, plan, problem-solve, and set goals; act on feedback.
• Provide family involvement opportunities, including implementing family engagement interventions.
• Communicate and interact with students in an age- and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Foster a welcoming, supportive atmosphere through respectful behavior and communication.
• Maintain professional relationships and regular communication with classroom teachers, coaches, and school personnel regarding student progress and schedules.
• Demonstrate regular, timely attendance and adhere to scheduled hours.
• Commit to the full term of service, meeting the total required hours.
• Participate in all required Reading Corps training, meetings, and coaching sessions, including peer professional development and member meetups.
• Engage in independent service activities to ensure completion of required service hours.

Schedule

Members serve full-time (35-40 hours per week) during a typical school schedule, generally within 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary slightly by site. Members may attend site-sponsored activities outside regular hours (e.g., family night) and have time off during school breaks or holidays. The service term runs from October 19th, 2026, to May 28th, 2027, including two weeks of online orientation starting October 19th. Members must commit to the full term to meet the 900-hour requirement.

Training

• Complete a two-week online onboarding training at the start of the service term, covering individualized student support strategies, mandated reporting, data entry, and more.
• Participate in Reading Corps Institute training during orientation.
• Receive one-on-one supervision twice per month from a CYC Reading Corps Coach.
• Engage in ongoing professional development trainings facilitated by CYC staff and community partners at least twice per month.
• Participate in site-specific professional development opportunities as available.

Service Location

Members are placed at one elementary school for the duration of the term, with placement determined based on member and school needs. Service sites are located throughout Colorado. While members serve at one school, they will have opportunities to connect with other Reading Corps members as part of a larger team.

Requirements

• 17 years or older by the start date (guardian permission required for 17-year-olds).
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• No more than three prior AmeriCorps terms.
• Pass a full background check, including sex offender registry, state criminal history, and FBI fingerprint-based checks (required due to recurring access to vulnerable populations).
• Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English.
• Basic computer skills, including navigating online systems and email.

Skills

• Interest in education, particularly helping children develop early literacy skills.
• Dedication to community service.
• Strong planning and time-management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to varied circumstances, paired with a commitment to adhere to the Reading Corps tutoring model with fidelity.
• Consistent follow-through and ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback.
• Ability to work with individuals of all identities and backgrounds.
• Openness to learning and unlearning.
• Ability to adapt to challenging and high-pressure environments.

Benefits

• Free and immediate health insurance through Corps Network Cigna.
• Living allowance of $1,326 pre-tax, distributed on the 3rd and 18th of each service month.
• Eli Segal Education Award of up to $3,697.50 for completing the 900-hour term (for members starting in October).
• Bus pass for daily commute (for members using public transportation) or mileage reimbursement for school-related travel (not including daily commuting).
• Professional development and training to support student success.
• Access to the Member Assistance Program (MAP), providing free, confidential 24/7 phone counseling and 3 free in-person or telehealth sessions with a licensed clinician.
• Federal loan forbearance: AmeriCorps will pay interest accrued during the service term on eligible student loans.