Reading Seed Specialist
Job Responsibilities:
One-on-one coaching
Provide book-based literacy coaching using Reading Seed best practices to Kindergarten and/or first grade students by:
Planning and selecting reading material for each individual student assigned
Keeping accurate records of metrics, quotes, stories, outputs, etc.
Covering for absent volunteers to ensure all students receive weekly coaching time and books
Attend ongoing learning opportunities
Volunteer coordination ●
Provide support to 20+ volunteer reading coaches, including:
Assisting in accessing and using resources
Discussing strategies to use with students
Sharing challenges and successes
Addressing scheduling issues and logistical concerns
Facilitating collaboration and community building
Organizing volunteer team meetings and ongoing learning offerings.
On-site resource management
Stock and maintain on-site program resource rooms, including:
Maintaining lending library books
Stocking the free book area
Communicating needs and gaps in the collection.
School site communication
Serve as a liaison between school staff, volunteers, and program team by
Being well aware of nuances specific to the school site that can/will effect coaching
communicating changes to to the coaching schedule and other concerns should they arise.
attending school meetings and events as requested/needed
communicate
and other issues that will need to be communicated to coaches and program team
Communicate and collaborate with Program Coordinator about challenges or concerns of school staff and volunteers, including Professional Development needs
Provide support to Program Coordinator with data entry and recordkeeping, including collection and recording of quotes and success stories for grant reporting
Educational Requirements: College graduate required; background or interest in elementary education or community literacy a plus
Other Requirements: Ability to lift at least 30 lbs., Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not necessary, ability to pass background check and school district fingerprint clearance, driver’s license and transportation required
Typical Schedule: Hours will be between 7:45 – 3:45, Monday – Friday during the school year. Hours will shift for the summer months. Occasional evening or weekend hours with advanced notice. Time will be split between the school site and Literacy Connects campus.
Quotes:
“The Library Volunteers are always so helpful in finding the best book the free library has to reach my students. It is so variable from year to year, student to student so the support is so important!” Susie A. - Reading Seed Coach
”Like many people living alone during Covid and having non-vaccinated family and neighbors was really tough to handle. I love the times I go to the LC library…The time spent with like-minded people gives me great joy. Working with the kids gives me a purpose again.” Katherine W. - Reading Seed Coach
“I feel a deep need to contribute to social justice on a local level. Literacy Connects is working to even the playing field in Tucson through education.” ~Volunteer
Agency description:
Our mission: Connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression.
Literacy Connects is a volunteer-driven Tucson nonprofit serving over 55,000 children and adults annually through literacy and arts programming that create solutions to many of society’s most persistent problems. From reducing unemployment and poverty to increasing economic growth and opportunity, Literacy Connects helps us all turn the page to a brighter future!
While each of our programs use different delivery models to achieve our mission, they are unified in their focus on student-centered relationships, the use of a strengths based approach, and the inclusion of joy as a central ingredient for transformational learning. We understand that while building skills is critical, shifting attitudes and behaviors is essential to long-term success. When people come to identify as learners, readers, writers, creatives, and empowered citizens, their resilience increases along with opportunities to help themselves and others. As the premier literacy hub of Southern AZ, we connect individuals and groups from across the community to work together for long-term social impact.
Organizational Qualities:
The core values that influence our organizational direction are Equity and Social Justice, Creativity and Imagination, Collaborative Relationships, Joy, and Transformational Learning. Attributes we seek in our board, staff and volunteers include: Passion and commitment to the mission, Adaptability, Willingness to take initiative, Collaborative, and Joyful. We are positive and always try to work from a place of gratitude.
