Literacy Leader for Sumer Literacy Program

About Wise Readers to Leaders

Wise Readers to Leaders is a growing nonprofit organization that offers a free, six-week summer literacy and enrichment program for Kindergarten through 8th grade students from Title I LAUSD schools that aims to remediate the academic losses experienced during the pandemic and prevent the “summer slide”, or learning loss which typically occurs over summer months. Our staff and volunteers work to create a powerful, fun, and transformative summer for scholars from high-need communities by providing innovative and exciting literacy curriculum, engaging enrichment activities and experiential learning opportunities. In addition, our Summer Program includes teen volunteers known as Junior Literacy Leaders, who assist in classrooms, support classroom facilitation, and lead enrichment activities. We emphasize literacy while instilling a love of reading and a sense of self-confidence that bolsters academic success by offering our original literacy curriculum in the morning and “camp style” enrichment activities in the afternoon.

About the Position

We are looking for undergraduate and graduate students interested in education, social action, child psychology, and youth development to become Literacy Leaders for our program. A Literacy Leader is responsible for a classroom of 15 student scholars and 1-3 high school volunteers known as Junior Literacy Leaders.

The main responsibilities of a Literacy Leader include, but are not limited to-

• Delivering our innovative and engaging curriculum in an energetic and thoughtful way. 
• Previewing curriculum, planning and preparing materials for instruction at least one day before lesson implementation.
• Reinforcing site-wide positive behavior systems, as well as developing creative and positive ways to connect with scholars who may need some extra attention. 
• Communicating scholar progress with parents via email.
• Serve as role models and mentors to Junior Literacy Leaders, actively encouraging their leadership, development, and growth. 
• Enthusiastically participate in the “Reading Rally” every morning.
• In partnership with the WRTL management, teen volunteers, and fellow site staff, developing, planning, and implementing meaningful afternoon enrichment activities.
• Working to maintain team spirit and positive attitudes among staff and volunteers. 
• Attending and participating in twice-a-week site debriefs.
• Helping cover breaks for staff as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

The best candidates for this position are charismatic, empathetic, passionate, joyful, and willing to jump into anything. You should like to think on your feet, be dynamic with our scholars and volunteers, and be flexible with whatever the day brings. The ability to balance scholar behavior in the classroom alongside delivering the daily curriculum effectively and with enthusiasm is critical for a successful summer. Our Literacy Leaders work closely with WRTL Management staff, Site Coordinators, Assistant Site Coordinators and high school volunteers to build special bonds with their scholars, and there are no dry eyes on the last day of the program!

Qualifications: 

Completed one year of college or previous experience as a WRTL volunteer and love working with children; the ability to motivate others; to think critically and problem solve; strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills; an energetic, positive and enthusiastic demeanor.

• Recommended-
  • Some proficiency in Spanish.
  • Willingness to participate in swim and/or water activities.

Program Dates and Times:

Our 2026 WRTL Summer Literacy Program will run for six weeks from June 22nd to July 31st, with July 3rd off in observance of Independence Day. The work hours during the program will be 7:45am-4:15pm. Additional paid training sessions are required prior to the start of our program, scheduled for June 13-20, as well as additional, post-program days from 8/03-8/07. 

You will be responsible for your own transportation. Many summer staff arrange carpools with each other at their sites. 

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

This role would be great for many different degrees and career paths, particularly for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees and/or careers in psychology, social work, non-profit management, education, public administration, or business management.

If you have any questions, please contact WRTL Management at admin@wisereaderstoleaders.org or 310-889-2251. Please visit our website at www.wisereaderstoleaders.org and check us out on Instagram and Facebook @wisereaderstoleaders. We hope to hear from you!