Literacy Mid-south

About Literacy Mid-South

For more than 50 years, Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has remained committed to one core belief: literacy changes lives. Founded in 1974 to help adults strengthen essential reading skills, LMS has expanded to serve learners of all ages across the Mid-South.

Our mission is to ensure that individuals and families have access to the literacy skills needed to thrive-academically, economically, and personally. Through direct programming and regional collaboration, LMS works to break cycles of limited literacy and expand opportunity for generations to come.

At LMS, literacy is not simply an educational outcome-it is a pathway to empowerment, equity, and long-term community transformation.

Position Summary

The Tutor901: Reading Tutor (In-School) provides high-impact, research-aligned literacy instruction to elementary students during the school day. Working under the supervision of the Tutor901 Program Manager, tutors deliver structured, small-group reading interventions that support classroom learning while fostering positive relationships that build students' confidence and love of reading.

Tutor901 follows evidence-based practices identified by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, including consistent tutoring groups, frequent in-person sessions, and ongoing coaching and support. Tutors receive comprehensive training and are equipped with high-quality instructional materials to help students strengthen foundational reading skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, small-group reading instruction (up to three students per group) using the Tutor901 curriculum and instructional framework.
• Facilitate engaging literacy lessons that support students' reading growth and classroom learning.
• Attend all required Tutor901 and Tennessee Department of Education training sessions and professional development.
• Maintain accurate student attendance, tutoring logs, and assessment/data collection records.
• Build positive, encouraging relationships with students that promote confidence, engagement, and social-emotional growth.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with school staff, Literacy Mid-South staff, and other stakeholders.
• Arrive on time and prepared for all scheduled tutoring sessions at assigned school sites.
• Participate in coaching, classroom observations, and continuous improvement activities to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Tutor901 program operations.

Desired Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Some college coursework or higher education is preferred.

Experience

• Experience working with school-aged children preferred, including volunteer, community-based, after-school, or educational settings.
• Previous tutoring, mentoring, youth development, or literacy experience is a plus.
• Experience using educational technology (such as i-Ready) is preferred but not required.

Skills & Core Competencies

• Passion for supporting children's literacy development.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Positive, patient, and encouraging demeanor.
• Ability to engage and motivate elementary-age students.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately maintain program documentation and student records.
• Dependability and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, educators, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to continuous learning and coaching.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work at the assigned school site as scheduled.
• Available to work during school hours (approximately 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally (materials and office supplies).
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Literacy Mid-South.

Schedule & Location

• Part-time, contracted position.
• Expected work schedule: 9-18 hours per week.
• Tutoring takes place during the school day (approximately 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) at assigned partner schools throughout the Memphis area.
• Students participate in 45-minute tutoring sessions three times per week in consistent small groups of up to three students.

Note: This is a contracted position through the Fall semester. Continued employment is contingent upon program needs and performance, and contracts will be reviewed for potential renewal in December.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly wage beginning at $20.00 per hour.
• Paid training and ongoing instructional coaching.
• Professional development and hands-on experience supporting literacy instruction.

Why Join Literacy Mid-South

When you join Tutor901, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader. As an In-School Reading Tutor, you will:

• Make a meaningful difference in the literacy development of elementary students.
• Receive comprehensive training and ongoing coaching from experienced educators.
• Gain valuable experience for careers in education, youth development, nonprofit leadership, or public service.
• Work within a research-based tutoring model recognized as a high-impact strategy for accelerating student learning.
• Build lasting relationships with students while strengthening the Memphis community.

What Current Tutors Say About the Program

Current Tutor901 team members consistently report positive experiences and meaningful impact:

• 89% said they would like to return as a tutor the following semester.
• 95% felt adequately prepared to lead tutoring sessions.
• 92% said they made meaningful connections with the students they tutored.
• 84% felt they made a meaningful impact on students' reading abilities.

These results reflect Tutor901's commitment to equipping tutors with the training, coaching, and support needed to make a lasting difference in students' literacy journeys.