What our Students Have to Say

"I love being a tutor. I am so glad that I got to be a part of this program for a year. As a future teacher, this program has allowed me to see what it is like to be a teacher. The students are great and I have had so many opportunities to help them with reading and writing. I feel that they have really warmed up to me and welcomed me into their classroom. "

-Melanie Mattocks

Contacts

Graduate Assistant:

Tess Lawrence

(309) 438-5282
Financial Aid Office
Fell Hall 238

Program Supervisor:

Michelle Cornell

(309) 438-2237
Financial Aid Office
Fell Hall 260

America Reads/America Counts Program Overview

Welcome to the America Reads/America Counts Program at Illinois State University. This program gives Illinois State students the opportunity to earn money and provide an invaluable service to the community.

Illinois State University is one of over 1,000 universities around the country participating in the America Reads/America Counts Challenge by training and sending tutors into surrounding communities. For more information visit the official America Reads Web site.

Becoming a Tutor

America Reads/America Counts is a federal work-study program with the starting pay of $7.75/hour. Students typically spend between 4–8 hours at schools or after-school programs each week. Tutors are also required to attend paid training sessions throughout the semester. Students interested in a career in education are strongly encouraged to apply, as are those with prior tutoring experience. However, any student who expresses sincere interest will be considered for the program. This is a great chance to go out into the community, meet some wonderful, committed teachers, and build a mentoring relationship with a child.

Tutoring Duties/Requirements

Work with children in the development of basic reading and/or math skills
Help students in grades K-8 through a group setting or 1:1
Collaborate with school staff and faculty to assess the needs of children and to determine how best to address those needs
Work with the same children frequently and consistently (i.e. two or more times per week).
Commit to tutoring for at least one semester
Be reliable. Unexcused and excessive absences or unsatisfactory performance may be grounds for dismissal.
Provide own transportation to and from tutoring site (Some sites are within walking distance)
Work minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the America Reads/America Counts tutoring position, complete an online application at Illinois State University's online posting system. The working class title is Tutor. The position is listed under department title of Financial Aid Office. You must qualify for Federal Work-Study.