Readers in Motion is a tutoring program that connects senior volunteers with a child in need. Give one hour of your time each week to help a struggling student reach their academic goals. Administered locally by Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay. Readers in Motion is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provide older Americans the opportunity to volunteer by mentoring/tutoring a child and putting their life experiences to work right here in our local communities. When you share your love, time, and experience, you have the power to help a child who needs you. Readers in Motion volunteers assist in the development of literacy, motor skills, confidence, and independence. In addition, they restore and reinforce a sense of community and family value in the children.
As a Reader in Motion volunteer, you have the opportunity to become a role model, mentor, and friend. You will provide support in helping children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring/mentoring, and guide children at a critical time in their lives. Put simply, you give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. Don’t think that role models, mentors, relationships, and friends matter? If so, watch the video below.
Readers in Motion volunteers with household income less than $25,760 (one person households; add $9,080 for each additional person in the household) are eligible for a $3.00 per hour stipend and mileage reimbursement at $0.47/mile to offset the cost of volunteering. For more information on stipend eligibility, click here. (Be aware that the information will be presented in a separate browser window).
Readers in Motion – Position Description
JOB TITLE: Readers in Motion Education Advocate
Work Location:
Tutoring will take place at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers: Ruskin – 3030 E College Avenue Ruskin, FL 335703. Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 pm
Purpose of the Position:
Provide tutoring/mentoring support to students, in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, by providing reading assistance and support. Readers in Motion volunteers are unique individuals who help children learn to love learning.
Responsibilities and Duties:|
Volunteers will be overseen by Readers in Motion Academic coordinator. The Academic coordinator evaluates each student’s need and determines what each student needs to work on to achieve academic excellence. The Academic Coordinator serves as the teacher at these centers and will provide detailed instructions to each volunteer on what each student needs to be working on to increase literacy skills. Volunteers are expected to arrive at resource center with a positive attitude and the will to work with a student one-on-one or in small groups. They will be instructed on what materials (books, worksheets, etc.,) to work on with their students.
Example: If a student is struggling to learn their sight words, the Academic Coordinator might explain to the volunteer that they will need to practice sight words with the student for the first 30 minutes of the session and then read with them for the remaining amount of time.
Academic Coordinator will be at the center to oversee volunteers until all volunteers feel comfortable and know what they need to be working on with their student. Additional trainings will be provided by Academic Coordinator to facilitate the learning environment at the resource center.
Qualifications:
• Be at least 55 years old
• Must be able to pass a Level II background check.
• Ability to read and write the English language
• Interest in and comfort working with children from K through 3rd Grade
• Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitment
• Attend training sessions as prescribed
• Be willing to adhere to all program policies
• Be a good listener
• Be encouraging and supportive
• Be patient and flexible
• Be tolerant and respectful of individual differences
• Be comfortable being in a large room with 10 people max.
Commitment Expected:
1 hour per week through May 2022
Training:
Hands-on instruction at the Children’s Board Family Resource Center. Tour of the center, and introduction to your student(s) and educational materials.
NEXT STEP:
If you would like to become a Readers in Motion Education Advocate or receive more information about it, complete and submit your contact information in the form below. Someone from the program at Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay will contact you within the next business day. Please include the word “Readers in Motion Ruskin” in question number 4.