Literacy Center of West Michigan
(LCWM)
“Building a literate community and transforming lives by strengthening reading and language skills.”
AmeriCorps ESL-Family Literacy Instructor
Full-time for 12 months (Begins late August 2015)
Pay: total living stipend of $12,530 (distributed biweekly)
Location: Grand Rapids and Wyoming area
The Literacy Center of West Michigan is seeking highly-effective instructors to help parents in area
schools learn English as a Second Language, and develop strategies to support their children’s literacy.
The ideal candidates for this full-time teaching position will be detailed-oriented, experienced, and
autonomous. This position requires the selected candidates to be screened and approved through the
national AmeriCorps program.
Position Overview:
ESL Instruction:
 Teach adult ESL classes: (4-6 classes per week/2 hours per class) to parents in Grand Rapids
Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools on-site at the schools
 Develop contextualized lesson plans and activities that address learner goals and needs
 Execute components of our Family Literacy model, including weekly parenting discussions
 Attend school events to promote the program and recruit potential learners
 Maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance and progress records
 Submit required data and reports by specified deadlines
 Collaboratively plan, coordinate, and execute monthly literacy events for the learners and
their children
Collaboration:
 Work closely with school staff to build relationships and promote program
 Publicize the Family Literacy Program in the community
 Attend staff meetings of assigned school, the Literacy Center of West Michigan, and
AmeriCorps
 Participate in periodic AmeriCorps events to promote civic engagement
 Collaboratively plan service project events for National Days of Service
Minimum Qualifications:
 College degree, some coursework in education, English as a Second Language, or Linguistics
highly preferred
 Preference given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish
 Excellent control of the English language and ability to think analytically about language
 Experience teaching ESL
 Interest in family and children’s literacy issues
 Strong relationship-building skills to develop partnerships with school staff and other agencies
 Ability to meet weekly and monthly deadlines
 Ability to collaborate with coworkers in close environment, yet able to display independent
decision-making
Literacy Center of West Michigan
(LCWM)
“Building a literate community and transforming lives by strengthening reading and language skills.”
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Demonstrated ability to use technology for word processing, email, calendaring, and data
management
Valid driver’s license and personal transportation
Schedule flexibility for required day and evening responsibilities
AmeriCorps Requirements:
 Must pass local, state, and national FBI background and sex offender registry check
 Must be U.S. citizens, national, or legal permanent residents of the United States
 Full-time (35-40 hours per week) with little time off during required service period
 Day & evening hours necessary, with some weekend hours required
 An Educational Award of $5,730 will be available at the end of service period to members who
fulfill service-hour requirements
 Basic health insurance, childcare benefits, and loan forbearance may be provided for those who
qualify
 For more information on AmeriCorps, please visit http://www.americorps.gov/
For more information about the Family Literacy Program, please visit:
http://literacycenterwm.org/programs/family-literacy-program/
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter specific to the position to:
Deidre Deering ([email protected])
The Literacy Center of West Michigan is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer,
and supports National Career Readiness Certification.