East St. Louis is one of the poorest cities in the nation. Its school district has been struggling and failing for years. Education Advocates are champions for children in the education system, motivated to make a difference in the lives of at-risk children, advocating for the educational rights and needs of children assigned to them and supporting and empowering parents and teachers in their efforts to provide children with a quality education and strong academic foundation.
Land of Lincoln's Education Advocacy Project partners with the East St. Louis Americorps office who provides staffing for the project. Americorps volunteers work as Education Advocates, champions for the educational needs of children, most of whom come from inter-generational poverty. Advocates are responsible for: (1) regularly monitoring the academic progress of the children on his/her case load, (2) establishing a good working relationship with assigned children, the assigned children's teachers, parents and tutors, and (3) intervening and advocating on behalf of assigned children's academic needs for the purpose of obtaining whatever help might be necessary for the child to succeed academically.
The Education Advocacy Project is set in the context of a legal aid office, supervised by an attorney who specializes in education law.
Skills needed include:
- Good interpersonal relationship skills with both children and adults
- Ability to relate to people in professional roles and settings.
- Strong Communication skills; ability to listen to others with patience and empathy.
- Emotional maturity
- Leadership capabilities
- Ability to understand and analyze educational issues, clarify options and develop a strategy for resolution.
- Ability to understand the process of advocacy and to be a strong advocate.
- Self motivated and independent
- Strong organizational skills.
- Computer literacy
- Writing ability
Education and experience necessary to successfully carry out the responsibilities of an Education Advocate include a minimum of a High School Diploma/GED, with some college. Bachelors degree preferred. Experience working with individuals from disenfranchised communities preferable. Clean police and DCFS record required.
