About The Be Kind People Project (BKPP)
The Be Kind People Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on initiating positive social change in elementary and middle schools by promoting kind and healthy lifestyles. Our mission is to improve the learning environment by supporting student success and reducing unwanted behavior issues. BKPP’s unique programs provide an innovative framework for youth development that integrates social, emotional, academic, and health education.
Description of Duties
BKPP is looking for motivated, education focused, and kind individuals to serve with the School Enrollment Team. The Classroom Support Specialist will have the opportunity to focus on creativity, collaboration, and communication to inspire the promotion and development of programs and services offered by BKPP. This service opportunity will offer education-based experiences by serving in the areas of creative practices, curriculum involvement, formatting lesson materials, lesson planning, and K-8 student and classroom engagement.
As a member of the Be Kind People Project AmeriCorps program, you will engage in various activities that involve recurring access to vulnerable populations, defined as the ability on more than one occasion to approach, observe, or communicate with individuals, either in person or through other means such as electronic or telephonic communication (45 CFR §2510.20). You will be entrusted with responsibilities and expected to achieve quantifiable performance goals that align with the mission of the organization. The essential functions of the Classroom Support Specialist are as follows,
Collaborate on Curriculum Development
· Support the creation, formatting, and enhancement of lesson materials and learning activities that align with BE KIND CREW values.
· Goal: Co-develop at least 3 engaging lesson plans with your fellow BE KIND CREW team members.
Implement Creative Classroom Engagement
· Use creative approaches to facilitate student participation, learning, and engagement while promoting kindness-centered educational lessons.
· Goal: Facilitate at least 2 student-involved classroom activities each month that incorporate active elements such as music, art, or movement.
Program Support and Flex Service
· Provide flexible support to ongoing BKPP initiatives such as school programming, curriculum assembly, or other program assistance as needed.
· Goal: Complete support tasks for at least 3 unique programs during the service term.
Foster a Culture of Kindness in Schools
· Promote the mission and values of the Be Kind People Project through daily interactions with students, staff, and community members.
· Goal: Identify 1 example of how kindness was modeled or encouraged during your service each week.
Note: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Be Kind People Project AmeriCorps Program is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position. This commitment ensures that all members can fully participate in the program while maintaining the integrity of the role’s responsibilities. Nonessential functions can be modified or reassigned as needed to ensure that all members have the opportunity to succeed in their service roles.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements
· At least 17 years of age at the commencement of service, or
· Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in § 2522.110(b)(3) or (g) in AmeriCorps Regulations.
· Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps member and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award, or
· Obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
· Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
· Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
· Agree to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check as outlined in 45 CFR § 2540.200-206 in AmeriCorps Regulations.
Qualifications and Skills
· 1-2 year experience working with children or in educational settings preferred.
· Willingness to commit to the full term of service outlined in the member service agreement.
· Ability to obtain a level one IVP fingerprint clearance card and pass a federal background check.
· Passion for youth development, education, and fostering positive school climates.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
· Creativity in youth engagement activities.
· Basic lesson planning or instructional support skills.
· Comfortable speaking and presenting in front of groups.
Knowledge
· General understanding of K-8 classroom environments.
· Awareness of social-emotional learning practices and youth development processes.
· Basic computer skills, including comfortability with Microsoft Office.
· Knowledge of classroom management skills is preferred.
Abilities
· Ability to adapt to different classroom settings and education styles.
· Ability to work with students from various backgrounds in a respectful and encouraging manner.
· Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in school settings.
· Ability to model and promote kindness, respect, and empathy in all interactions.
Time and Training Requirements
As a member of the BKPP AmeriCorps program, you are required to fulfill the minimum weekly hours as specified in your Member Service Agreement. Your service schedule will be arranged with your site supervisor based on your position and service site.
Teleservice
This position is primarily in person but may include opportunities for remote or work-from-home activities. Members will be expected to adhere to teleservice policies as outlined in their Member Service Agreement.
National Days of Service
AmeriCorps members are required to participate in AmeriCorps National Days of Service, including September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance and Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Your program director will coordinate volunteer and service opportunities to partake in on these days. These days are critical opportunities to engage in community service and reflect the values of AmeriCorps.
Ongoing Training Requirements
Members must attend regular training sessions that cover a range of topics, including but not limited to education, creative arts, and presentation skills.
These trainings are mandated under 45 CFR § 2520.50, which stipulates that no more than 20% of the aggregate service hours may be dedicated to education and training activities.
Additionally, before starting your service, you are required to attend a comprehensive orientation that will be arranged by your program director and site supervisor. This orientation, along with ongoing training through the On3 Learning platforms, includes topics such as AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Professional and Personal Development
Beyond your core service duties, you are encouraged to engage in professional or personal development activities that complement your role. These may include:
· Attending workshops or seminars relevant to education or character development
· Participating in leadership training programs
· Engaging in community outreach projects that align with your personal interests and skills
Benefits
Living Allowance
During their term of service, Members will receive a biweekly living allowance over the duration of their term served as defined in their Member Service Agreement.
The Living Allowance is spread out over the life of the Agreement, which would be paid twice monthly during their term of service as defined by their Member Service Agreement. The living allowances are subject to Federal, state, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare taxes and are subject to rate change, which is determined by the CNCS on a yearly basis. Living allowance payments do not fluctuate based on the number of hours served in a particular time period. Please refer to the Member Service Agreement for more details.
Segal Education Award
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award amount for the Classroom Support Specialist service positions approved in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 can be found in the Member Service Agreement. Amounts are subject to change by AmeriCorps determination due to changes in the Pell Grant. The Segal Educational Award can be used towards educational costs or repayment of qualified student loans as defined by the Trust and/or the
Corporation. The Segal Education Award is not a cash payment. The Segal Educational Award is provided by the CNCS and not by The Be Kind People Project. The Segal Educational Award is subject to Federal, state and Social Security and Medicare taxes and are subject to rate change, which is determined by the CNCS on a yearly basis.
To access the Segal Educational Award, Members must complete all required time and report entries, complete their required service hours, complete required training as defined by CNCS, return any loaned devices including laptops, tablets, phones, and other property of BKPP, and complete a Segal Educational Award request via www.MyAmeriCorps.gov on or by the last day of service. At that time, the Program will inform the Corporation that a Member has completed the AmeriCorps service term. Additional information regarding the AmeriCorps Segal Educational Award can be found online at
https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award
Pay: Up to $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Bereavement leave
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85007
