What is America Reads?
Why tutor?
Who is eligible to tutor?
When does the America Reads Program begin and end?
How many hours a week do tutors work?
What hours do tutors work?
How much are tutors paid?
How often are tutors paid?
Where do tutors work?
What is a typical tutoring session?
What type of training and support is provided to tutors?

What is America Reads?
The America Reads Challenge was established in 1997 by President Bill Clinton's Administration. This program was constructed in an effort to increase the reading proficiency among America's youth. Specifically, the Administration launched the America Reads Challenge with one major objective: to have all children reading well and independently by the end of the third grade. Presently, the America Reads Program at Cleveland State University operates with federal and grant monies through the Career Services Center. The America Reads program trains and supervises university students to serve as math and literacy tutors to Cleveland area school children.

Why tutor?
The America Reads Program has a competitive starting wage of $8.00 per hour. Tutors are able to design their schedules around their semester coursework and the needs of the tutoring site. Students who tutor gain valuable networking opportunities and enrich their professional development.

Who is eligible to tutor?
Cleveland State University students are eligible to tutor if they are enrolled for six credit hours, are in good academic standing, are able to provide transportation to and from tutoring sites, and have exceptional people skills. Students must also pass a criminal background check, attend mandatory, paid training sessions, and be punctual and reliable.

When does the America Reads Program begin and end?
For the 2012-2013 academic year, the program begins on October8 and ends May 10. Students have the opportunity to work during the CSU scheduled breaks.

How many hours a week do tutors work?
Tutors must work a minimum of six hours per week and no more than twenty hours per week.

What hours do tutors work?
Tutors set their own schedule around their course demands and the needs of each tutoring site. After-school programs offer tutoring services Monday through Thursday between 3:00 and 8:30 p.m. Elementary School tutoring is available on a limited basis from Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

How much are tutors paid?
First year tutors are generously compensated at $8.00 per hour and $9.00 at Teen sites.

How often are tutors paid?
Tutors are paid through Cleveland State University every two weeks.

Where do tutors work?
Tutors work in supportive learning settings libraries, and after-school programs. Majority of tutoring will be one-on-one or a small group setting.

What is a typical tutoring session?
Just as no child is typical, nor is a tutoring session. Tutors will find themselves working with a variety of age and skill levels with children from Kindergarten to 10th Grade. Tutors will work in a library homework center which is located in a supportive and safe designated area. Typical tutoring activities range from assisting what a child is learning in the classroom such as learning spelling words to enrichment activities such as creating own book. Our after-school programs in our local libraries provide much needed homework assistance. For example, a tutor may work with a Kindergartener on beginning sounds, or assist a fourth grader dividing fractions, or a ninth grader edit a paper.

What type of training and support is provided to tutors?
Training:

• There are three full day trainings each academic year. All trainings are mandatory and paid. Trainings are held in October, January, and April.

Tutor Manuals:

• Tutors are provided with a tutor manual that is packed full of enrichment activities, assessment tools, Make-it Take-it activities to use with their tutees.

• Experienced librarians and professional staff act as site supervisors, mentors, and coaches for America Reads Tutors.

America Reads Staff:

• Experienced teachers and counselors provide on-going support and supervision to all America Reads Tutors. They conduct site visits, tutor training, and additional enrichment activities and materials to tutors as needed.

Learn More…

Career Services Center
(216) 687-5528 or (216) 523-7583
a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu
Cleveland State University
1860 E. 22nd St.
Rhodes Tower West 280
Cleveland, Ohio 44115