LearningWorks AfterSchool and Summer Classroom Volunteers provide academic support, homework help, and enrichment activities for students, grades k-5, who attend elementary schools in Portland, South Portland, Biddeford, and Waterboro.
Location: The LWAS directors will assign a site, in consultation with the volunteer. Possible school sites are: Reiche, East End, Presumpscot, Ocean Avenue, Hall, Riverton School, and more.
Position’s Purpose: The classroom volunteer will be responsible for assisting LearningWorks Afterschool staff in implementing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum and enrichment activities (health/wellness, cultural, social-emotional learning) in an afterschool program setting at one of six PPS elementary schools. LWAS serves students in grades 2-5 who are identified as low-performing in their school- day classroom. From mid-September to mid-May, students participate in a 4 day/week program located at their school. See the school calendars on the LWAS Program page for more details on the curriculum, and see daily schedules to the right.
Specific tasks and roles of the volunteer will be based on the needs of the students, classroom teacher, and the skill set of the volunteer. Examples of possible roles include but are not limited to: classroom read-aloud, 1:1 shared reading/reading support, small group project work (engineering, math, etc.), leading enrichment clubs once per week, general classroom support, and clerical.
The site coordinator will identify and assign a classroom placement and related duties for the volunteer, based on an initial consultation. The site coordinator will check in with the volunteer before, during, and after each work session.
Key Responsibilities:
• Communicate with site staff to become familiar with program goals and curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with students and actively support, model, encourage, and inspire them in healthy lifestyle choices (personal, social, and academic).
• Be present and actively engaged with students at all times while program is in session.
• Become familiar with the program’s positive behavior expectations and rules and assist in enforcing them, if asked to do so by program staff.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times as part of a team of educators.
• Track and report all volunteer hours, as requested by the director.
• Adhere to the volunteer schedule and give advanced notice of any absences.
Qualifications/ Desired Attributes:
• Interest and commitment to the LearningWorks’ mission and LWAS program goals.
• Minimum 3 months’ experience working with elementary-aged youth in a formal or informal setting.
• Experience working with ELL students, preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, thoughtfulness, and the ability to creatively problem solve.
• Ability to follow staff instructions and to work independently.
Time Commitment: Minimum of 1-2 days per week for 1-2.5 hours each session (program times vary by site; see schedules to right). Minimum commitment of 3 months.
Reports To: Immediate supervisor: Site Coordinator at assigned school
Secondary supervisor: Site Director
Start Date: Negotiable
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