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. 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, in person, typically from 8 AM to 4 PM or 8:30 AM to 4:30PM.
No. Joyful Readers tutors serve in person at their school site.
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
Our service year begins at the end of August and runs through the end of May.
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.
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 a 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.
Tutors do not choose where they serve. However, we do take into consideration the commute of each tutor, and any special circumstances, when placing them at their school site. Below is a map of our tutoring sites for the 2024-2025 school year. These sites could change for the upcoming school year and placement at a site is not guaranteed at any particular site.
Benefits
- A $2,100 monthly living allowance (paid in two installments of $1,050 each month)
- An Education Award of over $5000 that can be used to go to school or pay back federal student loans* upon successful completion of the service year. *Members who are 55 years of age or older when they begin service may gift the education award to a child or grandchild.
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Loan forbearance and interest accrual payments for qualified student loans
- The opportunity to receive 3 graduate credits in reading instruction from Arcadia University, paid for by Joyful Readers (college graduates only)
- Access to the Philadelphia AmeriCorps emergency fund, if needed
- Childcare benefits paid by AmeriCorps (if needed)
- A resume-building professional experience that provides experience in education, teamwork, data analysis, communication and more
- 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.