Summer Adventures Bilingual Instructor Position - Washington Reading Corps (Tukwila)

Washington Reading Corps

Summer Adventures Bilingual Instructor Position

Located on the border of the Tukwila School District, the #1 most diverse school district in the United States, Somali Community Services Coalition (somalicsc.org) is a community-based Somali nonprofit providing social services to the East African refugee community of King County. Surrounded by Somali-owned businesses and in the middle of a neighborhood affectionately deemed “Little Mogadishu,” SCSC is strategically based in the heart of King County’s Somali population, which community leaders estimate to be over 30,000!

Program Description:

We created a Summer Adventures Program to combat summer learning loss, an issue prevalent in low-income and refugee communities. Over the last few years every participant has increased their skills in math and reading during our program, some improving as much as two grade levels. During our six and a half week program, our students participate in 2 hours of daily classroom education, followed by a free lunch and an enrichment activity or fieldtrip relating to our weekly theme (past examples include trips to the Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center). The program is divided into two classrooms based on skill level. One instructor will facilitate each room, along with the support of volunteers and a youth counselor.

Program runs July 5 – August 17, 2012 (6 1/2 weeks), Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:30pm

Job Description:

This is a Washington Reading Corps position (a program of Americorps). We are seeking a bilingual (An East African language --Somali preferred-- and English) instructor for our Summer Adventures Program. Responsibilities will center around curriculum development and implementation for elementary and middle school-aged English Language Learners. We are looking for a Reading Corps member who will create a culturally sensitive classroom environment and who will think critically about how to best serve refugee youth.

Our Reading Corps teacher will work with one other teacher to create, coordinate and implement lesson plans in math and reading for our students. We have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers who will aid our teachers in executing their lesson plans and enrichment activities and will provide whatever other support is required. The Reading Corps member will also help to build our volunteer base and recruit program participants by providing outreach to the community. Occasional program evaluation and reporting will be required as well. Our teachers will be expected to attend an orientation prior to the start of camp. This is a full time position.



Responsibilities:

-          Develop math and literacy lesson plans for 20-25 elementary and middle school ELL students

-          Improve/develop written procedures, policies and curriculum for the summer program

-          Work with the Youth Programs Coordinator to develop enrichment activities related to weekly themes

-          Maintain attendance records for students enrolled

-          Assist the Youth Programs Coordinator with the acquisition and maintenance of information needed for grant reports including, but not limited to pre/post assessments and volunteer hours

-          Recruit Summer Adventure volunteers and participants through traditional and oral outreach methods

-          Provide oral and/or written reports about the program when requested

-          Analyze periodic evaluations of programs

Benefits:

-          Gain experience in early childhood education while working with low-income English Language Learner students

-          Enter the realm of culturally responsive pedagogy

-          Build relationships with and empower disadvantaged youth

-          Though considered a volunteer position, Reading Corps does provide a living allowance and education award for its members

-          Gain valuable job experience – we will write you a letter of recommendation or serve as a reference!

Qualifications:

-          Bilingual in an East African language (Somali preferred) and English

-          Experience working with elementary and middle school-age youth and English language learners

-          Familiarity with East African cultures and the challenges of refugees in the U.S.

-          High school graduate

-          Teaching experience (or currently enrolled in a teaching program, or equivalent)

-          Ability to work in a high energy, multicultural environment

-          Ability to be positive, outgoing and encouraging with youth, and create a safe learning environment

-          Open-minded and sensitive to cultural differences

-          Patient and reliable

Preferred qualifications:

-          Experience working with refugee populations

-          Familiarity with literacy and math assessments

-          Experience with curriculum development (preferably with elementary and middle school material)

Start Date: June 16^th (negotiable)

To apply, please forward a cover letter, resume and a list of references to Lauren Klein, the Youth Programs Coordinator, at lauren@somalicsc.org. For email, use the subject heading, READING CORPS TEACHER POSITION. If you have any questions regarding the program or would like more information please feel free to contact Lauren by email or by phone at (206) 431-5141.