Is this a paid or volunteer position?

If you join Minnesota Reading Corps, you are joining a service program, not entering into permanent employment. In exchange for your service, you receive a biweekly living allowance (every two weeks) of approximately $500 for full-time members or $250 for part-time members. Read more about other benefits.

What is the difference between a "member" and a "tutor"?

They are the same thing. A Minnesota Reading Corps Literacy Tutor commits to 11 months of serving as an AmeriCorps “member.”

What are the hours?

Tutors commit to daytime hours and follow the schedule of a typical school day, which varies by school. A full-time tutor serves 40 hour per week at the school. A part-time tutor serves 20 hours per week at the school. If you are looking for less commitment, consider becoming a volunteer.

What are the requirements?

I have a part-time job or am in school. Can I still be a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor?

Yes. You have to plan carefully to make sure that you are able to serve 40 hours / week as a full-time tutor or 20 hours / week as a part-time tutor. Many tutors serve part-time while they also attend school. We are willing to accept current students but it is important that you have a consistent schedule between both semesters and that you are able to serve the required hours Monday through Friday, during normal school hours.

Where are positions located?

Tutors will serve in over 600 sites across Minnesota during the 2012-2013 program year. Applicants may indicate on their application where they prefer to be located. See a map of these sites on our locations page.

When is the application deadline?

Positions are filled on a rolling basis, from December through June. Early applicants will have more choice in where they are placed.

Would I have to travel?

Travel is minimal. Tutors are required to travel to St. Paul for the initial four-day training in August. Tutors will also be required to attend several regional trainings (held either in Duluth, Grand Rapids, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Rochester, Mankato, or the Twin Cities). Mileage is reimbursed from your site to the training. Mileage for your daily commute is not reimbursed.

What's the relationship between Minnesota Reading Corps and AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national organization that serves as an overhead for many programs. These programs serve a variety of needs in our communities such as public health, housing, the environment, and education. Minnesota Reading Corps is one of many AmeriCorps programs.

I have served with AmeriCorps before. How do I know if I'm eligible for another year of service?

Recently, term limit regulations have changed. Individuals can serve up to four years with an AmeriCorps National or State program (such as Minnesota Reading Corps). After serving four years with an AmeriCorps National or State program, individuals are still eligible to serve with an AmeriCorps VISTA or NCCC program. If you are considering additional years of service, please keep in mind that AmeriCorps members can only earn the equivalent of up to two full-time education awards. Once members meet this limit, they would not receive additional education awards for additional terms of service.

What is the curriculum?

Minnesota Reading Corps does not use a specific curriculum. Reading Corps uses interventions or strategies that are research-based and proven to be effective for children who need extra help practicing targeted reading or pre-reading skills. Reading Corps is designed to give students additional guided practice outside of their core reading instruction time.