POSITION SUMMARY
At the Y, we help youth set and achieve personal and educational goals. The Literacy Instructor implements the literacy curriculum through the United Way Literacy Grant to improve literacy rates. Literacy Instructors can expect 3 hours of hands-on programming and 1 hour of preparatory work each week. This position requires a commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, fostering positive relationships with participants, parents, and school staff, and modeling the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith. The Literacy Instructor must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, proactive communication, and a passion for youth development, ensuring that all program operations align with the YMCA’s mission, culture, and values. This position is grant funded and supports grant-funded programming.
HOME LOCATION
Good Shepherd YMCA
1829 N. Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL
WORK LOCATION
This position may serve schools in these districts: RPS 205, Harlem 122, Winnebago and Pecatonica schools. Placements will be determined at time of hire.
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.
OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.
- You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
- Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
- Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
- Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
- Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Facilitate interactive read-aloud sessions, independent reading, and comprehension activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
- Employ developmentally appropriate strategies to enhance vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learners’ needs and maintain engagement.
- Plan and prepare weekly lesson materials, including selection of “Book of the Month” titles, discussion questions, and hands-on follow-up activities.
- Coordinate with literacy specialists (e.g., Dr. Walker, Tina Smith) to align instructional approaches with evidence-based practices.
- Support Family Literacy Nights by leading literacy-themed workshops and modeling reading strategies for caregivers.
- Document student attendance, instructional minutes, and outcomes; track reading inventory; submit routine reports to the Grants Specialist for Metric tracking.
- Participate in training sessions led by YMCA staff and Rockford Public Library partners.
- Collaborate with program directors and volunteer readers to ensure consistency of literacy experiences across program sites.
- Supports programs under the allocated grants to reach the goals and objectives stated. Facilitates surveying and reporting on behalf on grant management aims.
- Actively and appropriately engages with participants, providing support and setting a good example for them.
- Develops a caring, consistent adult relationship with the participants.
- Provides consistent adult supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of the participants.
- Promotes opportunities for discussion of individual or group concerns as appropriate.
- Treats all participants, parents and other staff with respect, providing a safe, inclusive and warm environment for all.
- Works collaboratively with YMCA staff, branch managers and school districts.
- Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
- Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
- Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood, Elementary Literacy, or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering literacy instruction to children (ages 0–8).
- Ability and willingness to work a regular schedule that includes evening hours.
- Genuine desire and ability to work with school-aged youth.
- Familiarity with interactive read-aloud techniques, guided reading, and literacy assessment tools.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to differentiate instruction.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both children and their caregivers.
- Commitment to YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
- Praesidium Academy trainings.
- Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
- Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.
SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
Seeking to Hire 5 Literacy Instructors
Part Time, Non-Exempt
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.
Instructional Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 3 hours total per week
Preparation Time: 1 hour per week (flexible scheduling)
$35.00 per hour
FUNDING SOURCE
United Way of Rock River Valley- United For Literacy Initiative, 100%, 7/1/25 - 6/30/26, Non-Renewable
The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
ALL STAFF BENEFITS:
- Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
- Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
- Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
- Employee Crisis Fund
- Employee Assistance Program
- Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
- Tickets At Work Discount Program
- 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
- 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
- For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.
FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:
- Free Family Membership
- 3 Paid Floating Holidays
- 10.5 Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
- Short-Term Disability Program
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
- Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
- Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
- Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications
PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:
- Free individual Membership
- Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category
The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility
