http://readingpartners.org/

Reading Partners

Reading Tutor

January - May 2023 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

The flexibility and support I received from the coordinators.

What I wish was different

Perhaps being able to interact more with a variety of students.

Advice

Always be honest, empathetic, and creative when working with the students.
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Volunteer Coordinator

August 2022 - February 2023 • New York City, NY

What I liked

Quiet office Balance of independent and collaborative work Independent rooms in office that anyone can use to work Working with children Fellow ACMs mostly friendly and some are inspiring/most staff reasonably friendly Lockers anyone can use Creative freedom in projects

What I wish was different

More ethical/professional behavior from staff More respect and support for ACMs of color More receptiveness to constructive feedback regionally Protection from colleagues/staff that engaged in harmful behaviors regionally Better, more focused training for the community engagement team

Advice

The work you do here will be meaningful. Working with the volunteers and children will give you pleasant memories and a rewarding experience! You will build meaningful relationships with your colleagues whether you're more introverted or extroverted as long as you're willing to be kind and put yourself out there a little! Make professional friends during orientation and the first month on the job. It will make the rest of your experience beautiful with memories. It's easy to burnout so please take care of yourself. If you start experiencing harassment from staff or ACMs, don't file a complaint, look for another job immediately and resign. You can't work hard enough to be treated with respect and kindness. There was a high turnover. I noticed women of color leaving quickly this year. I recommend seeking to work where there's a higher emphasis placed on ethics and respect when interacting with colleagues. There's not a consistent internal practice of ethics, respect, and kindness from all staff and colleagues and it can create a hostile working environment. Some staff are excellent with this, though! I hope you get blessed with your situation. Feel free to apply. 💕
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Literacy Lead

September 2021 • Charleston, SC

What I liked

The hands-on experience with children. You are responsible for their education, which is the most pressurizing experience you could ever have. It really puts into perspective being a teacher.

What I wish was different

That I was able to be there in person with the kids. I understand that I can't be, but I am envious of those who were able to be with the children.

Advice

Always be ready to help a student. Be there for them, do not be too stern, but be kind with your discipline. Be real and authentic with every lesson. Let them know that they have someone rooting for them in their corner.
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distance tutoring coordinator

August 2020 • Dallas, TX

What I liked

Understanding with school and taking classes Prioritize mental health Weekly training for our job and topics included in REDI (race, equity, diversity, inclusion)

What I wish was different

Having more of an option to work from home such as only working in-person half the week and the half work from home. I wish they didn't prolong our initial training so much that it lead to being rushed into the schools too quickly.

Advice

Full-time students should not take on a full-time job at the same time no matter how desperate you are. Nonprofits take a lot of time and energy from you and you need to be extremely prepared for that.
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Volunteer Coordinator

August 2018 • Milpitas, CA

What I liked

I like how I can learn so much about working in education, while learning new Human Resources skills as well!

What I wish was different

I wish I’d been told more about what to expect in the job description

Advice

It’s fun, but hard work so stay in task
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Volunteer

January - May 2018 • San Jose, CA

What I liked

Getting interact with the kids and teach based on a set curriculum.

What I wish was different

There to have been more days to get to tutor the kids.

Advice

If you're not enthusiastic with the kids, they will not be enthusiastic with learning the material. Always give positive feedback and encourage them to read on their own or with a parent or peer.
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Tutor

November 2017 • Washington, DC

What I liked

You get the chance to spend one on one time with kids who are eager to learn more. You also get to watch them grow as readers as the year progresses and it's great.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have been able to plan my classes around it sooner so that I would be able to go more days a week, or for a longer period of time each day.

Advice

Some of the younger kids have a hard time focusing, you just need to have patience, maybe incorporate little breaks in sessions.
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