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FAQ

Applying/Qualifications

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that helps communities tackle their toughest challenges. Every year, more than 250,000 people serve as AmeriCorps members to make a difference in communities across the country.

No. We love folks who have prior experience as tutors, teachers, and working with students. However, our training program is comprehensive. We need you to be committed and caring and we’ll give you the skills and knowledge to be a successful tutor!

All tutors need to be at least 18 years old by August 15, 2024. College experience makes an application to serve stronger, but we believe that there are talented folks who have never been to college who would make great tutors.

Yes. The application process consists of the online application, a professional reference, and an interview. After you complete your application, we’ll reach out to schedule an interview with you (via Zoom).

Yes. Some people choose to take a class or get a second job to earn extra income while serving. However, the commitment to Joyful Readers is full-time, typically around 8 AM to 4 PM. Since our school partners all have different schedules, let us know if you have an obligation (like a 5:00 PM class) so we can find the right school placement for you.

Our support for students is designed to be in-person. We will only serve virtually if school buildings are closed due to COVID-19.
No. Philadelphia schools are all accessible by subway, bus, or trolley. Some people prefer to drive, but everyone can use public transit if they choose.
We expect that our tutors will live all throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. If you’re looking for housing in Philadelphia, and want advice on neighborhoods to look in, we’re happy to offer you personalized support.

Serving

The program starts on Thursday, 29 and ends on Wednesday, May 28.

Our partner schools are throughout the city of Philadelphia. Tutors receive their school assignments during their training in September. We take your home locations and anything you share with us (like a night class) into account when making school placement decisions.
Our training program is full-time for the month of September. We dive deep into training you on how to build great relationships with students and teachers and become an effective tutor. Part of our training includes the AIM Institute for Learning & Research Pathways to Proficient Reading course, a graduate-level course that helps educators learn about the science of reading.
Each of our tutors are assigned a literacy coach who helps our tutors implement their reading interventions, navigate challenges with students, oversee student progress, and help our tutors become the most effective version of themselves that they can be.
Yes. We place our tutors to serve in one school for the whole school year to help our tutors build great relationships with students, families, school staff, and the community.

Yes. Each tutor can request up to 12 days of time off. In addition, tutors have off for major holidays and winter break between Christmas and New Year’s.

We ask all of our tutors to wear the Joyful Readers tee shirts and (if it’s cold) fleeces that we provide. They’re high quality and comfortable! You’re welcome to wear your own pants, shoes, winter coat, accessories, etc.

Benefits

  1. A $2,100 monthly living allowance (paid in two installments of $1,050 each month)
  2. A $5,176.50 education award that can be used to go to school or pay back federal student loans* upon successful completion of the service year 1. *Members who are 55 years of age or older when they begin service may gift the education award to a child or grandchild.
  3. Health and Dental Insurance
  4. Loan forbearance and interest accrual payments for qualified student loans
  5. The opportunity to receive 3 graduate credits in reading instruction from Arcadia University, paid for by Joyful Readers (college graduates only)
  6. Access to the Philadelphia AmeriCorps emergency fund, if needed
  7. Childcare benefits paid by AmeriCorps (if needed)
  8. A resume-building professional experience that provides experience in education, teamwork, data analysis, communication and more
  9. Most importantly, the opportunity to change the lives of Philadelphia students!
You may be! It depends on a few factors related to your finances, but many AmeriCorps members can receive SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries. We’ll share resources with you about how to apply when you start the program.
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is provided to AmeriCorps members upon successful completion of the Joyful Readers service year. You can apply the award to educational costs, such as federal student loans and college tuition.
Joyful Readers Inc is a US tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID Number: 86-2200001). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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Copyright © Joyful Readers 2021

Mira Taichman

Mira’s professional success derives from her core belief that literacy is a human right. A devoted educator and advocate, Mira began her career in the policy world of Washington, D.C., where she worked to promote equity in public schools. After volunteering as a reading tutor for second grade students, Mira discovered that her true passion was in the classroom making a direct impact on student achievement. In 2018, Mira returned home to Philadelphia where she launched her teaching career, leading both first and third grade classrooms at KIPP Philadelphia and Wissahickon Charter School for more than six years. Mira earned a Bachelors of History from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Mira’s excited to utilize her teaching, mentoring and advocacy skills as a Joyful Readers Literacy Coach in the service of education equity and childhood literacy. An avid fan of children’s books, Mira spends her free time as a freelance curriculum writer and children’s book author. She also enjoys camping and spoiling her beloved pup, Theodore.