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LITERACY LAB FELLOW - Washington, DC

ABOUT THE LITERACY LAB:

The Literacy Lab is a national non-profit organization. We believe that literacy is not just a skill, but a fundamental human right. This belief fosters our unwavering desire to ensure that all people have access to evidence-based literacy development to unlock opportunities for success in school and life. Through this work, we aim to build a world where everyone has the literacy to shape their future and make their hopes and aspirations a reality. It is our commitment to people-first, continuous innovation and improvement, and transformative results that fuel everything we do. 

We seek staff, leaders, and Fellows who see opportunities in every challenge, maintain a sense of abundance amidst the brutal facts, view holding oneself and others accountable as essential parts of showing care and respect, and use multiple forms of data to guide decisions, actions, and behaviors. We are an organization of people who bring different experiences and perspectives, aligned around a set of shared values, driving toward a common purpose. 

The Literacy Lab currently operates in the following locations: Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; and Milwaukee, WI. Since 2009, The Literacy Lab has provided evidence-based literacy instruction to more than 40,000 children to develop early literacy skills.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Literacy Lab Fellow is embedded in a classroom of children, pre-K through first grade, to develop their early literacy skills to prepare them to be successful readers. Fellows are trained in research-based early literacy strategies and collaborate with the classroom teaching staff to enhance daily literacy opportunities and conduct literacy assessments. Fellows work 5 days a week, 5 hours per day, at a rate of $16.75 - $18.50 an hour (determined based on region), and receive rigorous, career-focused experience while shaping the academic and life trajectories of their students. 

During the Fellowship, 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. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children, serving as a Literacy Lab Fellow may be an excellent opportunity for you!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• 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
• All other duties as assigned by Literacy Lab staff

Communication 

• 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.

Attendance 

• 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. This includes traveling locally as necessary 
• Commit to serving a full school year (September 2026 - May 2027) 
• Attend professional learning group (“PLG”) sessions led by Literacy Lab staff

Support Structure 

• Literacy Lab staff provide training on interventions and assessments, and ongoing observation and coaching support. They will also support your professional journey through the program year 
• Transferable professional development that complements your service year experience

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS 

• 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 $18.50/hour
• A $2,750 higher education award (contingent on meeting all programmatic expectations) 
• Professional development training 
• Mentorship by professional educators 
• Ongoing coaching and feedback

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 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 

• Participate in ongoing training and other Literacy Lab events and meetings 

• Travel, as necessary. 

• All other duties as assigned by Literacy Lab staff

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Reasonable accommodations can be made for applicants and selected members. Applicants requesting reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process or the anticipated service year should contact Human Resources at hr@theliteracylab.org. 

The Literacy Lab is an equal opportunity employer that values and recruits a diverse, inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Literacy Lab participates in the federal government's E-Verify program to determine employment eligibility. To learn more about the E-Verify program, please click here.