Education Advocate

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students. 

Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process.

Department:

DC Reads Support

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

American University's DC Reads Program allows students to engage in valuable civic service and build a greater connection with our local communities. As Education Advocates, your primary role is to help K-8 aged children in their efforts to develop their literacy and math skills. This occurs through various educational activities that include, but are not limited to, homework help or targeted exercises. In addition, we hope that our Advocates live up to their name and embody and represent the importance and value of education as role models for these children inside and outside the classroom.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• 10 hours per week.

• Student.

• Active Federal Work Study award.

Salary Range:

• $17.95 per hour.

DC Reads is Looking for Motivated Individuals Who:

• Have a passion for advocacy for educational equity.

• They should have an interest in experiencing the DC Community educational landscape through community leadership.

• May be self-motivated through an affiliation to an AU organization or academic course.

• Have a sincere interest in supporting DC youth through their current educational experience.

• Feel comfortable tutoring K-8th grade youth in math and reading skills.

• Are open to providing mentorship and guidance to youth around educational activities, including reflection and planning for next steps.

• Are willing to work as part of a team in the assigned community organization or DC public school.

• Are willing to promote DC Reads and CCES Education and Equity programs.

• Are available to check in biweekly with their assigned team leader and attend monthly team meetings.

• Are willing to attend one skills building activity or event each academic semester.

• Will agree to track their volunteer or federal work study service and impact hours through our GivePulse system.

Education Advocate, You are NOT Expected to:

• Take responsibility for children beyond your role as a Education Advocate; walk children to/from tutoring, loan money, or otherwise provide for tutees or their families. (Exceptions may be articulated during the hiring process. The DC Reads Coordinator and/or the Director of the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement must approve any such site-imposed requirements.)

• Serve as administrative assistants for Education Advocate sites.

• Site supervisor should not expect Education Advocates to perform duties outside of their role as a Education Advocate; expectation should be discussed with the DC Reads Coordinator immediately prior to signing Site Agreement and supporting documents.

• Education Advocate during scheduled university holidays, study days or exam periods. Transportation will not be provided at these times.

Attendance and Absence Policy for Volunteer and Paid Education Advocates:

• We have high expectations for DC Reads Education Advocates regarding attendance.

• Planned absences will be discussed with the DC Reads Education Advocate Coordinator and Site Supervisors at least a full week in advance.

• Emergency absences (sickness, family emergency) will be reported immediately, 24 hours' notice is preferred.

• Exam preparation, study groups and assignments DO NOT qualify as approved absences. Education Advocates are expected to exercise good time management skills and plan ahead.

• Education Advocates absent more than three times within a semester, may be removed from the program.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

• Visit for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email 

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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