AmeriCorps Member (2020-2021) – NYC – New York

Start/End Date: August 2020 – June 2021 

Hours: Monday – Friday (during traditional school hours)

Stipend: $21,000 + $6,200 Segal Education Award

Who We Are
Saga Education is an official AmeriCorps program under the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS). Saga Education supports historically under-served young people by providing personalized and consistent math tutorials led by professionally trained AmeriCorps members who supplement teacher instruction and encourage students’ confidence and academic strengths. Our organization currently partners with public school districts in Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC. For more information about Saga Education’s mission, model, and locations, please visit us at www.sagaeducation.org. 

The Work and Why It Matters
For every ten low-income students who enter high school, seven will graduate on time, four will enter college, and only one will earn a college degree by the age of 24 (The Promise of College Completion, 2011). Finding interventions that improve the academic outcomes of low-income students is one of our nation’s most urgent challenges. 

Who Should Apply
Saga Education recruits highly talented recent college graduates, career changers, and retirees dedicated to confronting educational inequity and passionate about public service. We seek candidates from a diverse set of academic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Nearly half of our AmeriCorps members identify as people of color. Those who are looking for a meaningful gap-year opportunity or a pathway into education are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
AmeriCorps members commit to ten months of service (August 2020 – June 2021). They strive to promote the academic success of their small cohort of students by focusing intently on individualized instruction and building strong relationships.

• AmeriCorps members provide daily math tutoring to a small caseload of high school students (12 to 24) assigned to them at the beginning of the service year.  Saga’s model is embedded into the regular school day, and AmeriCorps members serve 2-4 students per class period 
• AmeriCorps members contact families regularly about student progress. This communication forges trust, fosters relationships, and keeps guardians informed about the successes and needs of their child
• Every school is led by a Site Director who is responsible for observing, training, and supporting AmeriCorps members throughout their entire year of service. AmeriCorps members will be observed weekly and must be hungry for feedback
• AmeriCorps members are expected to complete 1,700 service hours during their ten-month commitment 

Qualifications

• AmeriCorps members are required to be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
• Completed Associate’s degree, or higher, in any discipline
• Ability to teach and communicate Algebra and Geometric skills and concepts
• Readiness to rise to the many demands and challenges that come with supporting at-risk youth 
• Passion for educational equity 
• Hunger for feedback
• Prior paid or volunteer experience with students, preferred but not required
• Prior coaching, tutoring, or teaching experience, preferred but not required
• Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, City Year, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply

Stipend & Benefits 
Saga Education provides a modest living stipend to all AmeriCorps members for their ten-month term of service (August-June): 

• $21,000 + $6,200 Segal Education Award

*As a member of the federal AmeriCorps program, you are eligible to earn the Segal Education Award (valued at approximately $6,200) at the completion of your service year, which can go toward pursuing further education or to pay off existing, qualified student loans. Additionally, over 100 colleges and universities nationwide augment the Segal Education Award in some way, including matching your award amount, waived registration fees, course credits, or service scholarships. 

• Eligibility for student loan forbearance or deferment
• Access to health and dental insurance 
• Access to other Saga Education staff member perks (e.g. TicketsatWork)
• Access to the prestigious Americorps alumni network upon completion of service
• For more information regarding our complete benefits package, please see our brochure here

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy 
Saga Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. 

The organization complies with applicable local, state, and federal laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which Saga has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, compensation, training, and leaves of absence. Saga Education does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any of kind, including but not limited to these protected classes. We are counting on everyone, individually and collectively, to give this policy positive and constructive support.