Education Intern, A Wider Circle
A Wider Circle's mission is to work with the most vulnerable among us, and we do whatever we can do to help them move toward stability and independence. We are seeking an Education Intern to help with our initiative in a local low-income school from late January through the end of the semester, with possible opportunities for future work with A Wider Circle over the summer and into the fall of 2013. The Education Intern will work in a 3rd grade classroom at least two days a week, along with occasional additional trainings and meetings. The bulk of the intern's time will be spent directly interacting with students in the classroom, aiding the development of students' reading skills. Interns will also serve as role models for the students and work with staff from Davis Elementary and A Wider Circle to guide student progress. Interns will also have an opportunity to work directly with A Wider Circle's Executive Director, Mark Bergel, through training events.
A Wider Circle
A Wider Circle is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit organization that provides holistic support to families in need. This means we furnish the homes of children and adults who are transitioning out of domestic violence or homeless shelters, or for individuals who are simply living without what most of us take for granted (beds, dressers, sheets, towels, and other basic need items). We also provide educational programs on topics ranging from job skills to stress management. The Education Intern will work as part of our newest initiative, a literacy and education program for third graders in conjunction with DC Public Schools.
The Education Program
Begun in the 2012-2013 school year, the education program at Davis Elementary is a special initiative of Wider Circle. We will be piloting a program in one classroom, working with 25 3rd grade students. As of spring 2012, none of these students were able to read at grade level, and research has shown that students who fall behind in reading ability by the end of the 3rd grade are much more likely to drop out of high school. Thus, our ability to make a difference is pivotal. Through connecting students with volunteers and interns who are able to provide a consistent, sustained focus in the classroom, A Wider Circle seeks to bring the reading abilities of all students up to grade level.
Personal Traits and Experience
- Maturity and reliability
- Compassion
- Able to maintain calm under pressure
- Interest in urban education work recommended, though not required
- Enthusiasm
- Previous work with youth required; previous experience volunteering in a low-income school suggested
