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What are the benefits?

Dollars and Sense

 

Training in research-based literacy techniques & literacy coaching

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

The literacy instruction techniques used by Minnesota Reading Corps are based entirely on research and are proven to be effective, so we have the utmost confidence that our members are providing the best service to children. Our 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. Our Elementary Literacy Tutors are trained to provide specific reading interventions to help students practice reading. Members introduce interventions to each student daily for 20 minutes each week to build phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency skills.

Members also attend non-literacy trainings throughout the year. These trainings focus on professional development of our members. Trainings are designed to be relevant, useful, and eye-opening experiences.

Career Building

Reading Corps members gain an eye-opening year of experience not only by building relationships with children, but also by working closely with on-site staff who can offer insight and connections in their field of education. For members who are interested in a career in education, the hands-on experience is invaluable and boosts any resume. For all others, being part of Reading Corps builds other essential career skills such as professional communication, gives entry level individuals real responsibility and provides the impressive AmeriCorps name to their resumes.

Deepening your Community Involvement

Serving in an AmeriCorps program is more than volunteering. By committing to a year of service, members build a deeper connection and dedication to their community. Because Reading Corps requires a number of civic engagement activities, members are given a chance 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

Members receive a biweekly living allowance, which is approximately $500 for full-time members and $250 for part-time members.  

Note: Preschool Literacy Tutor-Professional Corps members do not receive a 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. This Personal Budget Worksheet is a helpful tool in making that determination.

 

Education Award

Members who successfully complete their year of service will receive an education award of $5,550 for full-time members or $2,775 for part-time members. The education award can be used to pay back federal student loans, the cost of tuition or other educational purposes. The award is a voucher that 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.

An additional benefit is available to members who are 55 or older at the time they begin service. 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 member receiving it. 

 

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 2010-11 Health Insurance Plan Summary and view the online tutorial to determine if the insurance provided by MRC 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 the member 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.
  • Members 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 the member money. You may search their website to find a dentist in the network.

 

Student Loan Deferment

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

 

Childcare Assistance

Full-time members can qualify to receive child care assistance. There are income eligibility requirements that must be met in order to receive reimbursement.