• Training and coaching in research-based literacy strategies
• Professional skill building
• Deeper community involvement
• Biweekly living allowance
• Education award and student loan forbearance
• Health insurance
• Childcare assistance

Training and coaching in research-based literacy strategies

Our training is one of many things that make our program powerful. Reading Corps tutors receive training from well-respected literacy experts in Minnesota. They provide the knowledge and tools tutors need to be effective and confident in their ability to help children grow their literacy skills. Each tutor is also assigned an Internal Literacy Coach at their site to provide ongoing and individual support throughout the year.

The literacy strategies used by Minnesota Reading Corps are based entirely on research and are proven to be effective, evidenced in part by the high passing rates of Reading Corps students. Preschool Literacy Tutors are trained in SEEDS of Emergent Literacy, which teaches them to focus their literacy interactions with children on the “Big Five” emergent literacy skills. These skills include conversation skills, vocabulary and background knowledge, book and print rules, phonological awareness, and alphabetic knowledge. Elementary Literacy Tutors are trained to provide specific reading interventions to help K–3 students practice reading. These tutors introduce interventions to each student daily for 20 minutes each week to build phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency skills.

Tutors may also attend non-literacy trainings throughout the year. These trainings grow the professional development of Reading Corps tutors, and are designed to be relevant, useful, and eye-opening experiences.

Professional skill-building

The children aren’t the only ones who grow skills. Minnesota Reading Corps tutors grow along with them. For tutors who are pursuing or continuing an education career, the hands-on experience and literacy training offer an invaluable stepping stone. Tutors work closely with on-site staff who can offer insight and a “foot in the door” in the field. For tutors not pursuing an education career, being part of Reading Corps builds essential career skills such as professionalism and communication, gives entry-level individuals real responsibility and provides the impressive AmeriCorps name to their resumes.

Deeper community involvement

By committing to a year of AmeriCorps service, Reading Corps tutors build a deeper connection and dedication to their community. In addition to daily tutoring service, Reading Corps provides the opportunity to participate in community service projects and activities throughout the year, becoming more active citizens and furthering their impact beyond their tutoring service.

Biweekly living allowance

Tutors receive a bi-weekly living allowance (every two weeks). Prior to taxes, the living allowance is $484 for full-time tutors and $242 for part-time tutors. Payroll taxes are deducted from your bi-weekly living allowance. Click here to access a tax calculator. Click here to see a sample of the year-long pay schedule

Note: Educator Corps Preschool Literacy Tutors do not receive the living allowance.

Applicants must take a careful look at their financial situation to determine if they can afford to commit to serve for one year with Minnesota Reading Corps. Click here to access a Personal Budget Tool. Be advised this is not a professional budget and tax  tool, it provides only an estimate based on values entered by you. 

Education award and student loan forbearance

Tutors who successfully complete their year of service will receive an education award of $5,550 (for full-time service) or $2,775 (for part-time service). The education award can be used to pay back federal student loans, the cost of tuition or other educational purposes. The award has a seven-year expiration period and can be used at any accredited post-secondary school. Please note that the Education Award is considered taxable income in the year that it is used.

Tutors who are 55 or older at the start of their service enjoy an additional benefit. They may choose to transfer their education award to a child, grandchild or foster child within seven years. The award must be used within ten years of the tutor receiving it.

If a tutor is making payments to a federally-backed education loan, payments can be put into forbearance during his or her year of service. Upon successful completion of the program, the accrued interest will be paid by the National Service Trust. Learn more about loan forbearance on the AmeriCorps website.

Alternatively, instead of using your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to cut student loan debt, consider the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, in which the federal government forgives the balance of your student loans if 1) you have worked full-time for a qualified non-profit for 120 months and 2) have made consistent payments toward your student loan debt. If you are on an income-based repayment plan, you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars.  Calculate the amount you would be expected to save through the PSLF program and income-based repayment by using the income-based repayment calculator

Health insurance

Full-time members are eligible to enroll in a limited benefits health insurance plan through Minnesota Reading Corps.

Because this is different than a traditional major medical health plan, members are encouraged to review the  2012-2013 Health Insurance Plan Summary and view the online tutorial to determine if the insurance provided by Minnesota Reading Corps will meet their health needs during their term of service.

Health coverage is available for full-time members only. The insurance does not cover dependents. Using a health care provider "in the network" will save money. You may search their website to find a doctor or facility in the network. The coverage only provides a maximum of $150 of preventive care each year. Tutors must pay for prescriptions out-of-pocket and file a claim (attaching the proper receipt) to be reimbursed.

Limited dental insurance is included as part of the insurance package. Using a dentist "in the network" will save money. You may search their website to find a dentist in the network.

Childcare assistance

Full-time members may qualify to receive child care assistance. There are income eligibility requirements that must be met in order to receive reimbursement. The Childcare Fact Sheet provides more information regarding the application process.