AmeriCorps Bilingual (Spanish) Early Literacy Tutor
Job Description
At Literacy First, we teach young children how to read, equipping them to excel in life and realize their dreams. We view literacy as a human right and envision a world in which every child has the opportunity to become a confident, lifelong reader.
Since 1994, we have partnered with public, Title I elementary schools and community organizations to offer our high-impact, one-to-one tutoring program to emerging readers in kindergarten, first, and second grade. We use an explicit, research-based curriculum of scripted lesson plans to target critical reading skills through daily literacy lessons. Tutors receive training as well as personalized coaching support to feel confident and supported in their role.
This is a great opportunity to:
- Strengthen the community by working with youth to build fundamental skills
- Develop professional and leadership skills that will benefit your future career, regardless of your path
- Expand your network and connect with other non-profit organizations in Austin
- Pursue an optional alternative teaching certification through Region 13 during your second year of service *must have a Bachelor’s degree
What's Involved?
- Conduct 20-30-minute daily tutoring sessions with K-2nd grade students, at your assigned campus, using Literacy First Spanish curriculum
- Maintain organized and proper documentation of all lesson plans
- Administer assessments to identify students that qualify for Literacy First tutoring
- Assess and record students’ progress using weekly progress monitoring probes
- Collect and enter student data on our Information Management System
- Attend data meetings with campus staff to communicate student progress
- Build positive, supportive relationships with students to promote lesson engagement through behavior management and motivation
- Communicate effectively with Literacy First staff, school staff, and teammates
- Attend pre-service training and ongoing literacy trainings throughout the year
- Tutors serve for a 9-month term from September 2, 2025 through May 22, 2026.
3 positions are available:
36 hours per week: Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
30 hours per week: Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM
20 hours per week: Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
For more information about the positions that are available, please visit our website: http://www.literacyfirst.org/employment/
Who you are at work:
- You enjoy working in an environment where every task contributes to a greater cause
- You thrive in a fast-paced, highly organized setting, where structure supports productivity
- You take responsibility for your work, maintain a professional demeanor, and stay motivated even when faced with challenges
- You manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks
- You are flexible and adapt well to changes in a school-based work environment
What you bring to the team:
- You are driven by a desire to make an impact through literacy education and community engagement
- You have a love of learning and are eager to absorb and apply new information
- You value collaboration, and are at your best when working alongside others towards a common goal
- Your proficient computer skills include data entry, electronic calendar use, and email correspondence, and you are able to adapt to new technology platforms quickly
- Most importantly, you have a genuine desire to work with young students aged 5-8, supporting them on their educational journey
- Bilingual applicants must be proficient in Spanish and English.
Bilingual Tutors will be teaching students to read in Spanish whose first or primary language is Spanish. Bilingual tutors will be set up for success with scripted lesson plans and ongoing weekly Spanish support. Bilingual applicants need only basic proficiency skills in speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Program training is facilitated primarily in English, basic English proficiency is required.
AmeriCorps Requirements:
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien
- 17 years or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a criminal background check
- Commitment to serve 9 months, September 2, 2025 through May 22, 2026
- This includes daily tutoring, program trainings, and 2 weekend/evening service projects
- AmeriCorps members can serve 4 terms, we value members who hope to return for multiple years
Additional Considerations:
- Tutors will walk to classrooms on their assigned campus in between tutoring sessions to bring students to and from the tutoring area.
- Tutors will be sitting for most of their work time interacting with students.
- Tutors must be able to direct a lesson and maintain focus in an environment where other tutoring sessions will be taking place and the noise level may be distracting at times.
Benefits
- Monthly living stipend ranging from $1,247 to $2,404
- Segal Education Award ranging from $2,626 to $4,826; awarded at the end of completed service term to pay back student loans or pay for future tuition
- Training related to: fundamentals of reading & literacy assessment, behavior management, Salesforce database, data analytics, and more [50+ hours of training in 9-month service term]
- Federal Loan Forbearance
- Childcare Assistance
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Access to an employee assistance program
- University of Texas discounts including free public transportation
- Professional development activities to prepare you for life after AmeriCorps
- Opportunity for 2nd year members with a Bachelor’s degree to earn their teaching certification through a partnership with Region 13
*Literacy First is not responsible for the approval of loan forbearance, interest payment reimbursement, or childcare assistance. Members must contact their loan provider to see if they qualify for these benefits.
Literacy First is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.