UWWTN AmeriCorps Member - Activity Teacher

Position: AmeriCorps Member- Activity Teacher at Hands Up! Preschool 

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Jackson, TN 

Service Term: August 1st, 2025 - August 1st, 2026  

Program Overview: 

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in service to address critical community needs. As an AmeriCorps member with United Way of West Tennessee you will play an essential role in improving education.  

The Education Service Specialist will support the mission of their respective host site by helping conduct educational intervention opportunities to counteract negative impacts that economic disadvantages may have. Members will collaborate with organizations or schools in West Tennessee, serving as a critical link in ensuring students have resources such as tutoring, after school programs, and literacy assistance.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Provide service activities to students and/or children. 

Coordinate and implement specific program/activities. 

Track and report progress, including outcomes and impact on service recipients. 

Attend all required AmeriCorps meetings and training sessions. 

Engage in community outreach efforts, building relationships with key stakeholders. 

Support program as part of your service. 

Act as an advocate for respective host site within the community. 

Qualifications: 

Passion for community service and a commitment to the AmeriCorps mission. 

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people. 

High school diploma or GED (some positions may require a college degree). 

Experience in education is a plus. 

U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident. 

Member Benefits: 

Living allowance of $31,000 

Education Award upon successful completion of service, to be used for education expenses or student loans. 

Health benefits. 

Childcare assistance. 

Professional development and training. 

Commitment: 

This position requires a commitment of 1,700 hours over 12 months. AmeriCorps members must meet the service requirements as established by the program. 

Application Process: 

Interested candidates should submit an application via this link. Please include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and your qualifications. 

The Activity Teacher will be responsible for art, music and library activities and maintaining a positive and developmentally appropriate educational environment and fostering a classroom of learning and growth that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of students. The Activity Teacher will be responsible for supporting lead teacher in implementing curriculum, ensuring students safety in accordance with Department of Human Services (DHS) policies, procedures, and state licensing standards. Activity Teacher will develop relationships with colleagues, office staff, board members and parents, caregivers, and families to engage and encourage parent participation in our program.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 • Develop and Implementing lesson plans for music, art, and library activities, and classroom environment using developmentally appropriate practices 

• Categorize and maintain organization of library and book check in and out 

• Work closely with families to encourage mutual cooperation and communication 

• Ensure the safety of all children in our program by actively monitoring students in accordance with TN DHS licensing regulations and Hands Up! Handbooks. 

• Communicate classroom and student updates regularly through varies ways such as monthly/weekly newsletters, daily brightwheel messages or written notes, face to face interaction, etc 

• Participate and implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) model to manage behavioral problems 

• Maintain a professional self-image and project that align with the vision, mission, and values of Hands Up! Preschool at all times 

• Abide by rules, regulations, and procedure in Hands Up! Preschool Employee Handbook

 JOB SPECIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION: Required High School Diploma Preferred Bachelor’s Degree or Some College with Child Development Associate Credential 

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION: Certification in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development Associate (CDA) preferred DHS Required training from updated licensure upon hiring 

Timeline

Applications Open: February 25th, 2025  

Interviews begin: March 25th, 2025  

Approval of Funding: May 5th, 2025  

Member placed in Host Site: July 1st, 2025  

Member Enrollment: July 31st, 2025  

Member Orientation: August 1st, 4th, and 5th, 2025  

First Cohort Meeting: August 11th, 2025