What are the hours?

Members follow the schedule of a typical school day, which vary by school. A full-time member serves 40 hour per week at the school. A part-time member serves 20 hours per week at the school. 

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

Yes. You have to plan carefully to make sure that you are able to serve 40 hours / week as a full-time member or 20 hours / week as a part-time member. Plenty of members serve part-time while they also attend school. We are willing to accept current students but will ask about your class schedule. It is important that you have a consistent schedule between both semesters and that you’re able to serve the required hours Monday through Friday, during normal school hours. 

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 of approximately $500 for full-time members or $250 for part-time members. Read more about other benefits.

Where are positions located?

There are positions located throughout the state. View the 2010-11 sites.

Would I have to travel?

Travel is minimal. Members are required to travel to attend monthly training that is held regionally (Duluth, Grand Rapids, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Rochester,Mankato or the Twin Cities). Mileage is reimbursed from their service site to the training location. Members are placed and serve at only one school. Mileage for the member’s daily commute is not reimbursed.

I am available during evenings and weekends. Can I still be a Reading Corps member?

No, a member must be available during the school day. You may want to consider becoming a volunteer, which is less of a time commitment.

What's the relationship between 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 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?

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. The Reading Corps is designed to give students additional guided practice outside of their core reading instruction time.

Can I be a Minnesota Reading Corps member at the preschool center where I work?

If your preschool program is a Minnesota Reading Corps site, you may apply for a Preschool Literacy Tutor - Professional Corps position. You do not receive the living allowance, but do receive the education award.