Thank you for your interest in becoming a mentor!
The mission of America Reads * America Counts (ARAC), a partnership between the University of Maryland and Prince George's County Public Schools, is to provide high quality mentoring in local schools that enriches learning opportunities for both college and elementary school students.
Three ways you can work as a mentor
We welcome any and all volunteers, as long as you are able to commit to all of the minimum program requirements (including attendance at training sessions and sticking to a weekly mentoring schedule for a full semester).
Close2. Federal Work Study Employment
Paid federal work study positions start at $10 an hour. For information about your financial aid package, visit http://www.testudo.umd.edu and click on Financials. To check if you have Federal Work Study, click on My Awards. If you have not been awarded Federal Work Study, but have an unmet need (which can be found under My Budget), you can then apply for Federal Work Study at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu. Call the Financial Aid Office at 301-314-9000 for more information.
You MUST have an FWS award in order to get paid for your work with ARAC.
3. Academic Credit
1. Enrollment in EDCI 288O: Special Topics in Teacher Education: America Counts/ Reads (2 credits)
This course focuses on teaching and provides an opportunity to think more deeply about your experiences in the schools and learn about some basic teaching methods and educational pedagogy. You must be able to mentor 2 days a week. All other mentor requirements (i.e. training sessions) apply to EDCI288O members. The class will meet on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:45. You will be asked to read a few short articles and write several reflection journals about your work in the schools over the course of the semester. This course can be repeated for credit over multiple semesters.
Close2. Enrollment in EDCP 318M: Applied Contextual Leadership – Leadership and Education (3 credits)
This course will focus on education policy, including discussion of public school funding, the achievement gap, the No Child Left Behind legislation and its impact on schools, standardized testing, current school reform proposals, and leadership in an educational context. This class will meet once a week (Mondays 12-2 p.m.). You must be able to mentor 2 days a week.
Close3. Enrollment in EDCP 318M: Applied Contextual Leadership – Leadership and Education (3 credits)
This class will meet once a week (Mondays 12-2 p.m.) and will focus on education policy. The field work will be in the schools – you must be able to mentor 2 days a week.
ClosePROGRAM Descriptions
Thank you for your interest in becoming a mentor! The mission of America Reads * America Counts (ARAC), a partnership between the University of Maryland and Prince George's County Public Schools, is to provide high quality mentoring in local schools that enriches learning opportunities for both college and elementary school students. The ARAC office is home to three different mentoring programs:
• America Reads:
Time: 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., M-F
Reads mentors must be available for at least 2 hours at a time during this time block, and be able to work a minimum of 4 hours a week.
Description: Mentors work one-on-one with 1st and 2nd grade students who are
struggling with reading.
Transportation: Mentors should allow sufficient time (approximately 15-30 minutes) for transportation when scheduling. Transportation options differ for each elementary school and include the UM shuttle, personal vehicles or ARAC vans.
• America Counts:
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., M-Th
Counts mentors must be available at least 1 day a week for the entire 2-5 p.m. time block, but preference will be given to those who can commit to 2 days a week.
Description: Mentors work with small groups of 4th graders who are struggling with
math.
Transportation: The time block includes transportation to and from the schools; transportation is provided by ARAC.
• Partners in Print
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Tues/Wed/Thurs
Mentors must be available for at least 2 days every week for the entire 5:30-8 p.m. time block, but preference will be given to students who are available 3 days each week.
Description: Partners in Print mentors conduct workshops with parents and their Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade children. These workshops are centered on ways parents can engage their children in reading at home. Workshops are conducted in both English and Spanish – Spanish speakers needed!
Transportation: The time block includes transportation to and from the schools; transportation is provided by ARAC.
Mentor responsibilities
All new mentors are required to attend an Orientation, Primary Training, and 2 Training & Reflection sessions over the course of the semester to develop and further improve their mentoring and leadership skills.
Time Commitment
Each Mentor's schedule will depend on his/her availability. However, once a schedule is set, mentors will need to commit to that same weekly schedule for the entire semester.
Qualifications
Prior tutoring experience is not necessary and all majors are welcome to apply! The basic and most important qualifications are as follows.
All mentors must:
• Be committed to making a difference in the lives of young children.
• Be reliable and responsible.
• Be able to commit to working for the entire semester.
APPLY NOW!
Click here to download an application (doc).
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis this summer. Submit yours TODAY! Final application deadline for the fall semester is December 4th at 5 p.m.
Questions? Contact the ARAC Office at 301-314-READ, or at arac@umd.edu.