Reading Corps Scholar Coach

Minnesota Reading Corps is an AmeriCorps program that demonstrates how service and science can accelerate improvement in both students and systems. By mobilizing a diverse and passionate cohort of AmeriCorps members, Reading Corps provides evidence-based literacy interventions to children age three to grade three and supports teachers and schools to help meet the needs of all students. Corps members build positive, caring relationships with their students and help develop strong, confident readers. Reading Corps members commit to serving for a full school year and receive extensive training plus ongoing expert coaching and professional development throughout the year.

All Minnesota Reading Corps positions are AmeriCorps service member positions.

Position Summary

The Reading Corps K3 Scholar Coach position is part of the Minnesota Reading Corps Total Learning Classroom (“TLC”) program, an innovative pilot initiative to support early literacy outcomes for young scholars in K – 3rdGrade who attend high-poverty schools. This position involves serving in a classroom (K, 1, 2, or 3rd grade) and collaborating directly with the teacher to integrate literacy interventions throughout the school day and after school in accordance with the Minnesota Reading Corps program model. Scholar coaches also support core instruction with evidence-based strategies designed to enhance overall student engagement in learning throughout the day. When feasible, the team of Scholar Coaches support each other’s classrooms to maximize intervention time provided to scholars. The Scholar Coach also participates in the school-wide engagement plan to increase overall student achievement. Scholar Coaches are trained in evidence-based intervention strategies, goal setting, and developmentally appropriate assessments to monitor student progress and improve engagement in learning. The Scholar Coach plays a critical role at the school and community level in closing the achievement gap that disproportionately affects students of color in Minnesota. This role is an AmeriCorps service member position with the AmeriCorps program, Minnesota Reading Corps.

Evidence-Based Instruction and Assessment

• Provide targeted, early literacy support to children daily in a one-on-one and/or small group setting using scripted, evidence-based literacy interventions; achieve a high degree of fidelity to the scripted interventions.
• Assist children in improving their reading skills and abilities to reach grade level expectations.
• Work with classroom teacher to implement family literacy involvement activities (e.g., “Read At Home! (RAH)” program or Talk, Read, Write with me (TRW) program) with students in the classroom. Develop and maintain a weekly tutoring schedule for students which maximizes the number of students served and allows each child to receive daily 20-minute reading tutoring sessions.
• Identify students who qualify for Reading Corps tutoring services based on a Reading Corps designed assessment with direction from the Internal Coach and Master Coach
• Assess, with a high level of accuracy, students’ continual progress using tri-annual benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring assessments.
• Provide complete, accurate, and timely documentation of students’ weekly progress scores and interventions using an online database; maintain confidentiality of all student data.
• Regularly review student data with Internal Coach and Master Coach to gauge the effectiveness of the literacy intervention being used and determine if a change in strategy is necessary.
• Meet with the primary classroom teacher on a regular basis to share student progress data.
• Collaborate with classroom teacher to support and ensure students are benefiting from core classroom instruction (e.g., reading and math) when targeted literacy interventions are not possible.
• Set and monitor goals with students to build positive student relationships and improve academic achievement. Collaborate with school and/or community partners as relevant per a given school site.
• Participate in on-site coaching sessions (includes observation of tutor) to review student progress, plan, problem-solve and set goals; act on constructive feedback from coaching sessions.
• Act on feedback and coaching from Internal Coach, Master Coach, and Program Manager.

Communication

• Develop a relationship of respect and trust with the classroom teacher, particularly through understanding the unique role of and challenges faced by a licensed classroom teacher.
• Communicate and interact with students in an age and developmentally appropriate way.
• Build professional relationships and communicate regularly with school administration, classroom teacher, Internal Coach, Master Coach, and other school community partners regarding schedules, literacy strategies, student progress, etc.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with Minnesota Reading Corps staff and site personnel.
• Fulfill program requirements and read and respond daily to email communications from Minnesota Reading Corps staff, coaches and school or community partner personnel.

Attendance

• Regular, timely attendance during scheduled school hours, Monday-Friday, mirroring the classroom teacher schedule, plus after school programming.
• Attend periodic evening training sessions (training concludes no later than 6:00pm).
• Commit to service for a full academic year and serve the total amount of hours within two AmeriCorps terms of service.
• Attend all required Reading Corps training sessions, member meet-ups, meetings and coaching sessions; travel as necessary.

Secondary Functions

• Participate in family engagement nights, school assemblies, and other school and community events.
• Participate in civic engagement activities and community service projects.
• Create and implement an individual professional development plan that includes goal setting.
• Be an ambassador of our program by submitting Great Stories and participating in outreach activities.
• Attend school-sponsored trainings, meetings or other activities as requested by the school administration, Internal Coach, Master Coach, or Program Manager.

• Must be 18 years of age or older by your start date.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent by your start date.
• Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Must pass mandatory background checks.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to the school site.
• Must pass mandatory pre-service background check.
• Must not have served 3 or more prior terms of service with AmeriCorps State or National.
• Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Interest in education, specifically helping young children develop early language and literacy skills.
• Dedication to community service.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate online systems and email.
• Energetic, results-oriented, student-focused style.
• Strong planning and time-management skills.
• Strong capacity to be flexible and adaptable to varied circumstances, paired with a conscientious commitment to adhere to the Reading Corps tutoring model with fidelity.
• Consistent follow-through.
• Ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback from coaches and program staff.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Ability to adapt to a sometimes challenging and high-pressure environment.
• Strong personal standards of excellence, ethics, and integrity.
• Belief in the potential of all students to succeed and a commitment to closing the achievement gap between white students and students of color.
• Preferred: Experience working with children in educational settings (e.g., schools, camps).
• Preferred: College degree or equivalent work experience

Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps will not discriminate for or against any AmeriCorps service member or applicant based on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request.