LITERACY LAB FELLOW - Washington, DC

LITERACY LAB • Washington, DC

3d • $18 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Literacy Lab is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that literacy is a fundamental human right. We strive to ensure all individuals have access to evidence-based literacy development to unlock opportunities for success in school and life. Our mission is to build a world where everyone possesses the literacy skills to shape their future and achieve their aspirations. We are driven by a commitment to people-first principles, continuous innovation, and transformative results. We seek staff, leaders, and Fellows who are proactive problem-solvers, maintain optimism, view accountability as a sign of care and respect, and utilize data to inform decisions and actions. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where individuals with varied experiences and perspectives are united by shared values and a common purpose. The Literacy Lab currently operates in Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; and Milwaukee, WI. Since 2009, we have provided evidence-based literacy instruction to over 40,000 children, focusing on developing early literacy skills.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older by three to three and a half weeks before your start date.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent by your start date.
• Must be either a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Must be able to meet the USCIS employment eligibility requirements.
• Must pass mandatory pre-service background checks, including FBI, State of Service, State of Residence, National Sex Offender Public Website, and required school/district checks.
• Speak, read, and write American English proficiently to fluently.
• Interest in education, specifically helping young children develop early language and literacy skills.
• Ability to connect and identify with students'.
• Dedication to community service.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate online systems and email.
• Strong planning and time management skills, with an energetic, results-oriented, student-focused style.
• Strong capacity to be flexible, remain calm, and be positive in varied, sometimes challenging circumstances and high-pressure environments.
• Consistent follow-through and strong personal standards of excellence, ethics, and integrity.
• Participate in ongoing training and other Literacy Lab events and meetings.
• Ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback from Literacy Lab staff, school site staff, and other diverse personalities who work in the same space.
• Travel, as necessary.
• All other duties as assigned by Literacy Lab staff.

Nice To Haves

• Fellows are supported with post-Fellowship planning based on their future goals, which may include applying for college, seeking employment opportunities in the education and nonprofit sectors, and continuously engaging with the community.

Responsibilities

• Record student and program data completely and accurately in an online database daily; maintain confidentiality of all student data.
• Deliver explicit, systematic instruction in foundational reading skills through targeted 1:1 and small-group strategies and flexible extension activities for the whole classroom.
• Assess, with a high level of accuracy, student outcomes and progress using tri-annual benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring assessments.
• Identify students who qualify for targeted one-on-one and/or small group services based on assessment data, with guidance from Literacy Lab staff and in partnership with the lead classroom teacher.
• Participate in on-site coaching sessions to review student progress, plan, problem-solve, and set goals; act on constructive feedback from coaching sessions.
• Support Literacy Lab pilot efforts by trying new strategies, providing regular feedback, and contributing ideas based on their and their students’ experiences.
• Participate in occasional out-of-school time literacy events (after-school and/or during school breaks) as scheduled.
• Participate in ongoing training and other Literacy Lab events and meetings.
• Communicate and interact with students in an age and developmentally-appropriate way; develop positive relationships with students receiving services.
• Communicate effectively with Literacy Lab staff and site personnel.
• Build professional relationships and communicate regularly with classroom teachers and Literacy Lab staff regarding schedules, literacy strategies, student progress, etc.
• Serve in a part-time capacity, 5 hours/day during the school day (generally within the hours of 8 AM - 2 PM; exact schedule varies by school).
• Maintain regular and timely attendance Monday-Friday, allowing for consistent daily tutoring and regular required training sessions, meetings, and coaching sessions.
• Commit to serving a full school year (September 2026 - May 2027).
• Attend professional learning group (“PLG”) sessions led by Literacy Lab staff.
• Support the preschool classroom as assigned by the Literacy Lab staff, excluding activities that would displace a staff member or volunteer.
• Perform assignments and/or duties as assigned by Literacy Lab staff, excluding activities that would displace a staff member or volunteer.

Benefits

• An hourly wage of $18.00/hour
• A $2500 higher education award (contingent on meeting all programmatic expectations)
• Professional development training
• Mentorship by professional educators
• Ongoing coaching and feedback

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED