AmeriCorps Read On! Page Turner (2023-24) 

Location: Sacramento, California 

Program: 916 Ink 

START DATE: SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2023 - AUGUST 31ST, 2024

FULL-TIME: 30-35 HOURS/WEEK

916 Ink is Sacramento’s arts-based creative writing and literacy nonprofit that provides workshops and tutoring to transform Sacramento youth into strong readers, confident communicators, and published authors.   

Our programs increase literacy skills, improve vocabulary, teach empathy, positively impact social and emotional learning, and expand communication skills. 

  • We envision a Sacramento region where every child and teen is given access to a culturally relevant creative writing program that leads them to believe in themselves and to understand the power of the written word. 

  • At 916 Ink, our core values inform and guide our work with every constituency, at every level - from our methods in the classroom to our messaging on social media to how we work with each other in the office. The Values are as follows: Empathy - We cultivate an open and compassionate environment. Empowerment - We encourage each individual to step into their own power. Equity - We commit to justice and advancing the unique experience and expression of all. Octopus - We celebrate creativity, bravery, and risk-taking. 

  • 916 Ink recognizes that communities of color have been left behind by decades of systemic racism and oppression. Of particular concern to our organization are the academic achievement and literacy gaps. Fewer than half of Sacramento County third graders read at grade level, and these rates are significantly lower for students of color. To advance our mission of empowering youth through creative writing, we know we must specifically address injustice and racial inequity. We affirm our commitment to lifting up the voices of youth of color and supporting our schools and communities in shifting the landscape of inequity. 

  • Join 916 Ink to transform youth into published authors, create lifelong readers, articulate communicators, and self-confident youth writers who know the power of their own story.  AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. 916 Ink is proud to partner with AmeriCorps. Click here to learn more about serving a year with AmeriCorps.   

Want to Learn More? 

  • Learn more about us at  916ink.org 

  • Watch this video (https://youtu.be/2P8VfDBl_Ng) to get a glimpse into the 916 Ink creative writing method.  

  • Check out this video to learn more about the Read On! tutoring program.  

    AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. 916 Ink is proud to partner with AmeriCorps. Click here to learn more about serving a year with AmeriCorps.   

    Additional Information 

    • All AmeriCorps members will be required to serve full-time and on location, whether at a school site, 916 Ink office, or another 916 Ink-approved location (unless when under shelter in place orders or if schools/offices are otherwise closed to 916 Ink). This is not a remote position except when mandated by local and/or organizational Covid protocols. 

    • Should the need exist in the 2023-2024 school year, all AmeriCorps members will be provided with any necessary PPE (personal protective equipment).  

Position Summary 

  • The AmeriCorps Read On! Page Turner will support the implementation of the Read On! reading tutoring program in-person and distance learning, or hybrid of the two, at a partnering elementary school. They will accomplish this by leading the day-to-day program coordination, operations, and managing the crucial relationships (students, volunteer tutors, school staff) at their school.   

Expected Hours 

  • AmeriCorps members serve full-time (approximately 30-35 hours/week) within a 12-month period and must commit to a service term of 1,700+ hours. 

  • Must be available Monday-Friday between 8:30-5:00pm, occasional weekend opportunities and days of service on school and national holidays.  

Program Implementation and Coordination  

  • Coordinate the day-to day operations of the Read On! program at a partner school to ensure the Read On! curriculum and instruction meet students’ learning needs.  

  • Support the student referral process, schedule student/tutor pairs and maintain master tutoring schedule  

  • Monitor multiple concurrent sessions for tutor adherence to Read On! program and curriculum, ensure quality reading instruction anchored in the science of reading 

  • Provide feedback and guidance to tutors before, during, and after sessions  

  • Conduct pre, post- and progress monitoring reading assessments to monitor student growth and inform instruction; in conjunction with Read On! Program Coordinator create and implement action plans   

  • As needed, conduct tutoring sessions with students in-person or remotely. 

  • Conduct community literacy programming as needed 

  • Utilize established tutoring expectations and dynamics  

  • Practice effective technical and classroom management  

Relationship Management  

  • Act as an ambassador of 916 Ink and Read On!  

  • Regularly communicate with teachers about the referral process, scheduling, and student performance and program experience 

  • Regularly communicate with students' families about scheduling, tutoring sessions, student performance and program experience  

  • Provide oversight, coaching and guidance to volunteer tutors  

  • Create and maintain positive relationships with students, school staff, families, volunteer tutors, AmeriCorps peers to create welcoming environments for all 

Administrative Duties  

  • Manage student record collection (includes all enrollment and evaluation documents) and ensure Programming staff receive records for data input  

  • Maintain essential program documents and trackers  

  • Participate in monthly staff meetings  

  • Attend required training and professional development sessions  

Qualifications  

  • Minimum of high school diploma or GED Certificate  

  • Must be at least 18 years of age  

  • Hold US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status  

  • Have not completed more than three (3) prior AmeriCorps or VISTA service terms 

  • Understand that this position is an AmeriCorps service commitment and are dedicated to national and community service 

  • Dedicated to successfully completing a full term of service  

  • Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to 916 Ink’s mission, vision and core values  

  • Demonstrate a passion for working with elementary school aged students 

  • Excited about working with community volunteers  

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills  

  • Pay strong attention to detail and manage competing priorities 

  • Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking skills in order to solve problems 

  • Can quickly learn new technology systems and have a high level of comfort with Zoom Conferencing 

Bonus Points if You: 

  • Are an AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alum 

  • Are a 916 Ink alum or have volunteered with 916 Ink 

  • Have experience volunteering with other community-based or education programs  

  • Have experience tutoring or teaching  

What We Offer: 

  • AmeriCorps members earn a living allowance totaling $24,000 ($25,000 for returning 916 Ink members) 

  • Eligible AmeriCorps members serving a 1,700 hour term in California can earn a total of $10,000 in education awards after successfully completing their service term (made up of $7,395 for the Segal Education Award and $2,605 for the California Education For All Award). 

  • AmeriCorps members may be eligible for medical coverage at no monthly cost  

  • Childcare assistance is available through AmeriCorps for those who qualify 

  • You may be eligible for student loan forbearance on federal student loans  

  • You may be eligible for CalFresh food stamp 

  • Mileage reimbursement when applicable 

  • Ongoing professional development opportunities  

Other Things You Need to Know: 

  • Service Terms: AmeriCorps members serve full-time (approximately 35 hours/week, Monday- Friday) within a 12-month period and must commit to a service term of 1,700+ hours. 

  • Commuting: AmeriCorps members regularly travel to school sites throughout the week and need access to reliable transportation on a daily basis. AmeriCorps members also make occasional trips to the 916 Ink office and service day events. AmeriCorps members must live within commuting distance of the region in which they serve.  

  • AmeriCorps member duties do not include any prohibited or unallowable activities per 45 CFR § 2520.65’. 

  • AmeriCorps member training hours must not exceed 20% of total service hours. 

How to Apply 

Please send a resume and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to Jade Rodgers, 916. STEAM Academy AmeriCorps Manager, at jade@916ink.org. This position is open until filled.