How the Reading Assist Fellowship Works
Reading Assist Fellows dedicate a school year of service to help young readers who need intensive reading support.
Fellows serve in elementary schools across the Mid-Atlantic region, working with K–3 students who face significant reading challenges. Through training, coaching, and daily student support, fellows help students build foundational reading skills while gaining meaningful hands-on experience in education and service.
Positions Available
Full-day, half-day, and three-day-per-week positions are available.
Reading Assist Fellows provide reading instruction to students in kindergarten through third grade who are struggling most with reading.
Fellows typically work with 10 or more students one-on-one or two-on-one for 30 to 40 minutes each day. They also meet weekly with an experienced coach for support, feedback, and lesson planning guidance.
The Reading Assist Fellowship is an AmeriCorps program. Fellows complete 900–1,200 service hours during the school year.
Fellows begin with four weeks of full-time, graduate-level training before being embedded in high-need elementary schools. Training takes place in person at Reading Assist’s Wilmington, Dover, or Washington, DC training sites.
We seek passionate, capable tutors willing to serve the students and the community. You do not need teaching experience, but you must be ready to commit to students for the entire school year.
Reading Assist Fellows receive many benefits, including:
- A monthly living allowance, paid in bi-weekly installments (currently in Delaware/Pennsylvania $1,000 for full-time and $700 part-time pretax; Washington, DC $1,300 full-time and $900 part-time pretax)
- A $5,100 education award* (determined by the Pell Grant) upon successful completion of 1200 service hours ($3,600 for part-time, 900 service hours)**
- A $500 relocation allowance if moving 50 miles or more to serve upon successful completion of training
- Student loan deferment
- An opportunity to receive professional certification in reading intervention (August and September sessions only)
- Resume-building professional experience
- Education sector exposure
- Healthcare benefits (full-time only)
- Childcare (if needed)
*Members who are 55 years of age or older when they begin service may gift the education award to a child or grandchild.
** Education award determined by hours served.
Service schedule options include:
Full-time: 38 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, approximately 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (plus planning time)
Part-time: 26 to 28 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (plus planning time)
Qualifications include:
- Ability to blend, segment, and manipulate sounds within words
- Willingness to work with children in kindergarten through third grade
- Interest in literacy, education, and community service
- Resilience, adaptability, and professionalism
- Patience, flexibility, and openness to constructive feedback
- Completion of an AmeriCorps application
- Background checks and fingerprints
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- College degree preferred
- Proficiency with Google Classroom, Zoom, PowerPoint, and email
- Access to a computer, laptop, or desktop
- Spanish proficiency is a plus
Ready to Start Your Year of Service?
Apply to become a Reading Assist Fellow and spend a school year helping young readers build confidence, strengthen foundational reading skills, and move closer to reading success.
