Job Overview
Only 34% of students in Merced County are reading at grade level — and our SkyRocket Reading Instructors are moving that number, one student at a time! We're growing our team in Atwater, California, and we couldn't be more excited to bring our program to this community. Our mission is simple: we launch children to a lifetime of opportunity, and it starts with learning to read!
Bring your energy, fun, and personality — and help us teach kids to read! Not sure how? Don't worry, we'll train you.
We're hiring Reading Instructors and Support Staff Leads for a structured, science-of-reading, part-time afterschool literacy program in Atwater, serving elementary students in partnership with a local school district. This is fast-paced, hands-on work using our proprietary curriculum — no guessing, no "wing it" or band-aid tutoring. We train you step-by-step so you can teach with confidence and see real results! In a typical session, you might do a read-aloud, lead a quick reading game, and celebrate a student's breakthrough.
Program Details
- Training: 2 weeks, paid at your full hourly rate
- Program dates: Mid-September – May 2027, with possible extension into summer 2027
- Hours: Part-time shifts within the 1:00–6:00pm window (not a guaranteed 5-hour day)
- Instructional model: Small-group reading instruction
Two Roles, One Application
- Reading Instructor ($22–30/hour) — Leads small-group reading sessions using our proprietary curriculum.
- Support Staff Lead ($25–32/hour) — A more senior role for candidates with classroom-aide, after-school-coordinator, or behavior-support experience. Support Staff Leads are also trained and work as Reading Instructors, and float between classrooms, cover pull-out groups, support student behavior, and provide instructor coverage when needed.
Apply once — we'll make a role-specific offer after the interview.
Why This Job Is Different
- Proprietary, science-of-reading curriculum — not "wing it" or band-aid tutoring
- Small-group, hands-on, high-energy classroom environment
- Real, measurable impact on literacy in Merced County
- Part-time schedule, with consideration for additional roles within SkyRocket Reading
- Pre-employment LiveScan costs reimbursed (CA Labor Code §2802)
Responsibilities
- Lead small-group reading sessions using the SkyRocket Reading curriculum
- Create fun, engaging, high-energy learning experiences
- Keep students focused, motivated, and building confidence
- Document student progress and communicate with the program team
Required Qualifications
- Education (one of the following): 48 semester units of college coursework (any subject), OR an Associate's degree (AA/AS) or higher, OR a passing score on the MCOE Instructional Aide Assessment
- Basic comfort with Google Docs/Sheets and general computer use
- Ability to pass a DOJ LiveScan background check and TB clearance before start (allow 2–3 weeks; we'll guide you)
- Reliable transportation to Atwater for daily on-site work
- Able to stay active, move around a classroom, and lead energetic group activities on your feet
- Full availability for training in September and the program through May
Preferred (Not Required)
- Experience in teaching, tutoring, childcare, or coaching
- Background in education, literacy, or instructional aide work
- Experience with early or struggling readers
- Theatre, acting, drama, music, or sports background
Who We're Looking For
- Energetic, fun, positive, engaging personality — comfortable being "on stage" in front of students
- Strong communicator: reliable, professional, follows through
- Balances fun with structure and focus
- Excited about reading
This Role Might Not Be For You If…
- You prefer quiet, worksheet-based teaching
- You're uncomfortable being expressive or "on stage"
- You don't enjoy a fast-paced, interactive environment
- You can't commit to training in September and working through the end of the program in May
How to Apply
Submit all three of the following to [email protected]:
- Your resume
- A brief letter of interest explaining why you're a great fit
- A list of three professional references
Applications missing any of these items will not be reviewed. We're reviewing on a rolling basis.
If you bring energy, make learning fun, and want to help launch kids to a lifetime of opportunity — we'd love to meet you!
SkyRocket Reading is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Work Location: In person
Pay: $22.00 - $32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 5.0 per week
Work Location: In person
