Sibley Elementary School is proud to announce it has been awarded a 1.0 FTE Minnesota Reading Corps position for the 2012-13 school year. Minnesota Reading Corps, a statewide initiative to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of third grade, plans to grow nearly 40 percent and place more than 1,000 tutors in preschools and elementary schools statewide.

One of more than 600 sites awarded, Sibley is actively recruiting to fill the position immediately for the 2012-2013 school year.

The proven program – which is receiving national attention and even replication in Washington, D.C. and Denver – sees more than 70 percent of Reading Corps students pass the standardized reading assessment, all of whom were originally on track to fail. Additionally, 80 percent of participants make more than a year’s worth of progress, effectively catching up to their peers.

Sibley Elementary School Principal Scott Sannes had this to say about the award: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students at Sibley. To be chosen as a Reading Corps site for 2012-13 means a lot to this school as it will help us work to meet the needs of every K-3 student in some way, shape or form. We’re elated to have this opportunity.”

Tutors will work both one on one and in small groups with students in kindergarten through third grade to implement research-based early-literacy strategies to help catch kids up to grade level. The position at Sibley is full-time. Minnesota Reading Corps tutors commit to 11 months of AmeriCorps service, during which they receive a modest living allowance of about $500 bi-weekly and an education award. Full-time tutors may also receive health insurance.

“There is nothing greater than seeing a student who has no desire to read develop into one of your best students and gain skills that will open doors for future success,” said George Ochoa, a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor. “By serving as an Elementary Literacy Tutor, I could be part of the change I wanted to see.”

Why join Minnesota Reading Corps?

Whatever an individual’s reason for joining Minnesota Reading Corps, most experience intrinsic growth. Some join because it’s a great way to build experience in the working world and network with education professionals. Others have years of experience and are seeking to broaden their knowledge or make a career change. Still others serve because they enjoy working with children and are looking for a deeper connection to their community and local school.

Those interested in learning more and applying to serve for one year are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or contact Anna Peters at 866.859.2825.

About Minnesota Reading Corps

Minnesota Reading Corps, a strategic initiative of ServeMinnesota, is a statewide program to help ensure all Minnesota children become successful readers by the end of third grade. With one in five Minnesota third graders failing to read at grade level, Minnesota Reading Corps places trained AmeriCorps tutors in schools to work with children from age three to grade three who need extra support to catch up to their peers. AmeriCorps tutors are trained to provide individualized research-based interventions and supplemental instruction directly to children.

The Minnesota Reading Corps is committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation or other non-merit factors.