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 admin@skyrocketreading.

com:

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