The New York Public Library - Manhattan, NY
posted 14 days ago
About the position
The New York Public Library is looking for teens in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are interested in at least one of the following: Working with children, exploring a career in education, literacy, librarianship, and/or youth services, and exploring the world and work of libraries. The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) position will be assigned to one of NYPL's drop-in after-school homework help and enrichment programs at local branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Teen Reading Ambassadors will be provided with pre-work and ongoing training that will allow them to serve as high-quality academic tutors at their site, with a focus on developing literacy skills and a love of reading in children ages 6-12. Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to support the production of Portal, a literary magazine for younger children. Position hours are scheduled through June 12, 2024. Those hours include up to 7 hours per week, working either Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs for 3-3.5 hours each day after school, program orientation and trainings, and special events and opportunities. Most hours will be scheduled after 3 PM on weekdays, with a few weekend events scheduled. Teen Reading Ambassadors will not work during regularly scheduled DOE breaks or holidays. A program calendar will be provided during the interview process.
Responsibilities
- Support the set-up and cleanup of after-school program
- Help students with their homework
- Serve as a literacy tutor to children ages 6-12
- Develop and lead literacy-focused enrichment activities
- Participate in trainings and meetings to develop best practices in tutoring, with a focus on literacy
- Support programs conducted by the Children's Librarian and other key staff
- Be role models for elementary school children and model exemplary behavior
- Collaborate and work with the Lead Tutor, other Tutors, and/or other Teen Reading Ambassadors to create an enriching and fun environment for children
- Optional: Support the production of the Teen Reading Ambassadors' literary magazine, Portal
Requirements
- Current enrollment in 10th-12th grade in an NYC high school
- Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law
- A resume is required for this position.
Nice-to-haves
- Demonstrated interest in and/or experience working with children
- Interest in reading, writing, and/or libraries
- Strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse group of people
- Demonstrated reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Hardworking and willing to be flexible
- Able to communicate through email and other electronic formats in a timely manner
- Demonstrated integrity
- Basic computer skills, including email, internet, and word processing
Benefits
- Opportunity to gain experience in education and literacy
- Training and development in tutoring and literacy skills
- Participation in special events and opportunities
