Nov. 15—BEMIDJI — The Bemidji region needs seven teachers as part of AmeriCorps amid gaps in reading and math proficiency statewide.
Less than a third of Minnesota students are achieving proficiency in reading and math, according to a news release. To fill this gap, AmeriCorps is hiring 500 teachers across the state, with more than half needed in rural areas.
“Independent research has shown that students who work with our programs make greater gains and faster progress,” Christine Fankhanel, director of Minnesota Programs, said in the release. “When students work with a tutor, incredible things happen. They often make more than a year of progress during the school year.”
AmeriCorps is looking for teachers in several Corps groups, including one for Math Corps, three Recovery Corps, two Heading Home Corps and one Climate Impact Corps member to serve the Bemidji area.
The teachers are fully trained and work 35, 25 or 18 hours a week at a local school. Using scripted activities, teachers meet with students individually and in small groups to practice essential skills. No teaching experience is required and all teachers receive extensive training and ongoing coaching.
All teachers receive a stipend of approximately $15 per hour every two weeks, plus up to $2,800 to pay tuition or student loans. Those who are 55 years or older can choose to donate their education premium to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child. Many teachers also qualify for additional benefits, such as free individual health insurance and childcare assistance.
More information can be found at
join.readingandmath.org.
