The Ujima Freedom School in Champaign is hiring Servant Leader Interns to teach in the summer program. The mission of the Freedom Schools program is to boost student motivations to read, generate more positive attitudes toward learning, increase self-esteem and connect the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities. The program serves children in kindergarten through ninth grade for six weeks.
College-age young people and recent college graduates play a key role in the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program as servant leader interns. The activity based Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), which is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action, and is designed to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness. College-age young adults and recent college graduates play a key role in the CDF Freedom Schools program in the position of Servant Leader Intern. Servant Leader Interns have access to further leadership development and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children and families.
Summer positions pay $4,000 and begin in May. Applications are due April 30. Details for the position and application are here.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a positive role model for all scholars.
- Supervise and maintain safety of scholars.
- Maintain a professional decorum.
- Set up, manage and break down classroom space according to standards outlined by CDF and the sponsor organization.
- Engage a maximum of 10 scholars per class in the Integrated Reading Curriculum.
- Attend all required Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute training sessions.
- Work with site staff to ensure that all program components are implemented with fidelity.
- Serve as a Harambee! leader each day of program operation.
- Serve as a leader of afternoon activities and other special events; chaperone field trips.
- Participate fully in the National Training (1st, 2nd, and 3rd year servant leader interns only).
- Report any issues or concerns regarding program operation to the Site Coordinator.
Qualifications
- Must have completed at least one year of college in good academic standing (typical age range is 18-30).
- Capability to teach synchronous lessons virtually
- Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team.
- Solid commitment to the success and well-being of children.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exhibit positive behavior and attitude, modeling a mature and professional demeanor.
- Maintain or have graduated with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (transcript required – unofficial)
- Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team
- Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of all cultures
- Willingness to strive for excellence in all areas and ability to think critically and analytically
