Literacy Internship -- Help adults learn how to read and write!

Job description

(Internships may range from 10–16 weeks depending on your academic calendar and availability; internship is rolling admissions as office is open year-round)

Overview:

Opportunity to Read (OTR) is an adult literacy program in the Watsonville Public Library dedicated to helping individuals improve their basic reading and writing skills. As a literacy intern, you will play a crucial role in helping adult learners improve their reading and writing skills. Through personalized instruction and support, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our learners.

Our interns receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their role. You will have the opportunity to provide one-on-one tutoring, teach grammar, reading, and citizenship classes, as well as assist with various administrative tasks and outreach efforts. Our goal is to support your learning journey and help you achieve your educational objectives. We are also happy to tailor the experience to align with your personal goals and career growth!

Learning Objectives and Goals:

By the end of the internship, interns will be able to:

• Apply instructional strategies to support adult literacy development
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills in a tutoring setting
• Develop, lead, and evaluate an educational event based on community needs
• Gain professional skills in teaching, cultural competency, and public service
• Reflect on and articulate their role in educational equity and community empowerment

Core Competency Development:

Aligned with NACE Career Readiness Competencies, this internship will help interns develop:

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Adapt teaching strategies to individual learner needs
• Oral/Written Communication: Facilitate lessons and communicate effectively with learners and staff
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Work with staff, volunteers, and learners in a community-centered setting
• Professionalism/Work Ethic: Manage tutoring schedules, meet responsibilities, and reflect on performance
• Global/Intercultural Fluency: Engage with diverse learners and practice inclusive communication
• Leadership: Design and lead a special literacy-focused event for learners or the community

Intern Responsibilities:

Interns must participate in both individualized and group learning settings and support/create a special project. Duties include:

1. One-on-One Tutoring

• Flexible hours (1–2 hours/week), Mon–Thu, 9am–7pm
• Deliver personalized tutoring to adult learners based on their reading/writing goals
• Provide support in-person or virtually, using structured curriculum and provided materials

1. Group Tutoring

• English Reading Class: Mon/Wed, 8am–11am
• Grammar Class: Tue/Wed, 8am–11am
• Citizenship Class: Tue/Thu, 1–2pm or 4–5pm
• Conversation Club: Mon/Wed, 5-7pm

1. Special Project

• Plan, support or host an educational event tailored to your interests and learner needs
• Examples include literacy workshops, book clubs, digital literacy sessions, etc.
• This project should reflect your educational or professional goals and support learner development

1. Administrative Support & Outreach

• Assist with program outreach, resource development, or learner intake

Training & Supervision:

Interns receive comprehensive training before tutoring begins and ongoing professional development throughout the internship. Interns are supervised by experienced literacy specialists with backgrounds in adult education and receive:

• Biweekly 1-on-1 check ins with staff
• Monthly intern network meetings for professional development
• Ongoing feedback and mentorship

Eligibility:

• Able to read and write in english
• Open to all majors; no prior job experience required
• Open to all institutions: community college, university, and graduate school
  • Anyone seeking post graduation mentoring is welcome to apply!
• Seeking students who are confident working in diverse environments, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Ideal for students pursuing education, Spanish language, English, linguistics, psychology, social work, or public service

Time Commitment:

• Minimum: 5 hours a week
• Flexible schedule within our operating hours: Mon–Thu, 8am–7:30pm
• 25% of your hours may be done remotely

Compensation:

In accordance with FLSA Fact Sheet #71 and internship best practices:

1. This internship is unpaid, and there is a clear mutual understanding that there is no expectation of compensation
2. The internship provides training and mentorship similar to an educational environment
3. It is closely tied to the intern’s academic program, particularly for those receiving course credit or pursuing careers in education, literacy, or community engagement
4. The internship is scheduled to align with the academic calendar, supporting your educational priorities
5. The internship lasts only as long as it provides meaningful learning experiences
6. Interns are not performing tasks that displace paid employees, and all assignments are structured for learning purposes
7. Interns and the organization understand that there is no promise of a paid position at the end of the internship
8. Free parking

Application Process:

To apply, please submit:

• Resume

For more information or to apply, contact:

Plus, more! Please call (831) 768-3411 for more information or email me victoria.flores@watsonville.gov.