A Reading Assist/Wilmington University Partnership
Become a Reading Assist Fellow and Earn Your M.Ed in Special Education!
Now enrolling for the 2025-27 program – training begins September 22!
In partnership with Wilmington University, Reading Assist’s Tutors to Teachers Delaware program offers a unique opportunity to earn a Master’s degree in exchange for two years of AmeriCorps service as a Fellow or a reading tutor for underserved elementary students in Delaware.
Fellows can earn their M.Ed in Special Education and Delaware state licensure in just two years, and with a school district residency in the second year, they will receive an additional stipend while gaining valuable teaching experience. Teaching residents have a 100% post-graduate hire rate and can continue their teaching careers in-state.
Candidates can earn between $20,000-$50,000 a year in stipends in exchange for their service with Reading Assist, earning their degree, and gaining hands-on classroom experience as teaching residents. Through this Reading Assist and Wilmington University partnership, your M.Ed in Special Education can cost as little as $4,000 once all credits and education awards are applied.
Position Overview
- Lead daily one-on-one or small group reading sessions lasting 30 minutes for up to 10 students.
- Complete 1200 service hours (900 if part-time) each year of the program.
- Participate in a comprehensive three-week, full-time, graduate-level initial training.
- Develop personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and monitor progress accordingly.
- Participate in weekly meetings with a coach to receive guidance and feedback on performance.
- Actively contribute to the AmeriCorps community by participating in training, events, and collaborative projects.
- Coordinate closely with school staff, adhering to school schedules, including breaks and holidays.
Qualifications
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Have applied to and been accepted into the Wilmington University M.Ed. program.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Completed an AmeriCorps application and background check.
- Possess a strong interest in literacy, education, and community service.
- Own a computer (laptop/desktop) and respond promptly to communications.
- Portray resilience, adaptability, and a professional demeanor.
- Exhibit openness to receiving feedback, patience, and flexibility in approach.
- Proficient in teaching foundational reading concepts such as sound blending, segmenting, and word manipulation techniques.
- Experience with or willingness to learn Google Drive, Zoom, PowerPoint, and email communication tools.
Benefits
- Up to $10,000 in Segal Education Awards for AmeriCorps service (to apply toward tuition/school debt)
- $1,000 in matching funding from Wilmington University for AmeriCorps service (to apply toward tuition/school debt).
- $160 waived admissions and e-folio fees.
- 50% off tuition during your second year (residency), reducing tuition from approximately $9,432 to $4,716.
- 12 credits granted upon completion of the Reading Assist Intervention Program.
- $20,000 -$45,000 stipend/strategic staffing pay with benefits during teaching residency (year 2, depending on school district).
- $10,000-$20,000 Reading Assist living allowance per school year.
Past Fellows are also encouraged to apply. Join our community of Reading Assist Fellows and make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners while advancing your educational and professional goals.
Training begins September 22, 2025!
