What is America Reads *  America Counts?

             The America Reads Challenge was established as a way to ensure that all children become successful readers. To further this effort, colleges and universities were encouraged to provide opportunities for work study students to serve as reading tutors to elementary school children.  Building on the success of America Reads, the America Counts Challenge was established to provide tutoring assistance in mathematics to children in pre-k through 9th grade.   

 America Reads *  America Counts at Rutgers University 

            The America Reads * America Counts tutoring program at Rutgers University is funded through the Federal Work Study Program.  The tutoring programs are administered by the Student Employment Office. Rutgers undergraduate and graduate students who are awarded work study funds may chose to participate in one of several tutoring programs. 

             There are five America Reads * America Counts programs available in New Brunswick. Several elementary schools and the high school participate in the program. Tutors may work during the school day between 9:00am-3:00pm, or in after school programs from 3:00-5:00 or 6:00pm.  Tutoring sessions may be with one child or in small groups of two or three children.  Graduate student coordinators assist with tutor training, supervision, mentoring and program development. They provide essential administrative support to the program directors and serve as liaisons between the programs and the schools. 

 Basic Job Description – Tutor

•   Tutor and mentor school children in math and/or reading, writing and language arts.
  
  

•    Provide general assistance to classroom teachers by working with small groups or individual children needing extra help.
  
  

•    Attend required on-going training workshops, tutor meetings and other related activities.
  
  

•    Participate in program evaluations.
  

 Basic Job Description – Graduate Student Coordinator

•    Under general supervision of a program director, responsible for coordinating tutoring programs.
  
  

•    Train, mentor and provide on-site supervision for undergraduate tutors.
  
  

•     Responsible for collecting, verifying and preparing tutor payroll.
  
  

•     Schedule and conduct regular meetings with tutors.
  
  

•     Serve as liaison between the tutoring program and school by maintaining open communication with teachers, tutors and          program directors.
  
  

•     Provide administrative support to program director.
  
  

•     Participate in research projects and program evaluations.
  

How to Become an America Reads * America Counts Tutor 

Eligibility

• You must file a Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) and receive an offer of Federal Work Study Program funds on your award letter.
  
  
• Accept the work study offer on your award letter and complete a work study job application form.
  
  
• Return the award letter and the job application to the Office of Financial Aid.
  

The Tutor Application Form 

• Complete and return the tutor application form to the Student Employment Office.  
  

You may contact any of the tutoring programs directly to request additional information.  However, you cannot begin working until the Student Employment Office or the Office of Financial Aid has placed you in a job.