LiteracyCorps: Adult ELL Volunteer Tutor (AmeriCorps Member)

About Literacy Mid-South: 

For more than 50 years, Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has remained committed to one core belief: literacy changes lives. Founded in 1974 to help adults strengthen essential reading skills, LMS has expanded to serve learners of all ages across the Mid-South.

Our mission is to ensure that individuals and families have access to the literacy skills needed to thrive—academically, economically, and personally. Through direct programming and regional collaboration, LMS works to break cycles of limited literacy and expand opportunity for generations to come.

At LMS, literacy is not simply an educational outcome—it is a pathway to empowerment, equity, and long-term community transformation.

About LiteracyCorps

LiteracyCorps is Literacy Mid-South’s AmeriCorps program that provides valuable service opportunities for members who are passionate about improving literacy in Memphis. Through the program, we provide individuals with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families,children, and individuals by working with community organizations, schools, and other literacy partners.

Position Summary

The LiteracyCorps Adult ELL Volunteer Tutor serves as an AmeriCorps member with Literacy Mid-South, partnering with Barr Brands to support adult English Language Learners (ELLs) as they build the communication skills needed to thrive in everyday life and the workplace.

Working in a welcoming, learner-centered environment, the Adult ELL Volunteer Tutor facilitates small-group English language learning classes focused on practical communication, workplace readiness, and learner confidence. Members create engaging learning experiences that strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while fostering dignity, cultural responsiveness, and a sense of belonging for adult learners from diverse backgrounds.

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about literacy, lifelong learning, immigrant and refugee communities, and creating equitable educational opportunities for adults.

Essential Service Responsibilities

The Adult ELL Volunteer Tutor will:

Instruction & Learner Support

• Facilitate two small-group adult English language learning classes each week.


• Deliver engaging, learner-centered instruction using Literacy Mid-South-approved curriculum and instructional resources.


• Support adult learners in developing practical English communication skills through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities.


• Incorporate conversation-based learning that strengthens workplace and everyday communication.


• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying English proficiency levels and learning goals.


• Foster learner confidence through encouragement, positive reinforcement, and individualized support.

Learning Environment

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment where every learner feels respected and valued.


• Build positive relationships with learners from diverse cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.


• Encourage consistent attendance, participation, and learner persistence.

Progress Monitoring & Documentation

• Maintain accurate attendance records and AmeriCorps service documentation.


• Support learner goal setting and monitor progress toward individual learning objectives.


• Administer approved pre-assessments, post-assessments, surveys, or learner feedback tools as required.


• Maintain confidential learner information in accordance with Literacy Mid-South policies.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in AmeriCorps orientation, required training, coaching sessions, and regular program meetings.


• Communicate consistently with Literacy Mid-South staff regarding learner progress, instructional needs, and site updates.


• Collaborate with Barr Brands staff and Literacy Mid-South personnel to ensure a positive learning experience.


• Complete all required AmeriCorps documentation and reporting accurately and on time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.


• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.


• Passion for literacy, adult education, community service, and educational equity.


• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.


• Dependable, organized, and able to manage time effectively.


• Comfortable facilitating instruction in small-group settings.


• Willingness to learn instructional strategies for adult English language learners.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Experience teaching, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, or facilitating adult learning.


• Experience working with English Language Learners (ELLs).


• Knowledge of adult education principles.


• Cross-cultural or multicultural experience.


• Bilingual or multilingual language skills.


• Experience in community engagement or nonprofit service.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful members demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.


• Cultural humility and respect for diverse lived experiences.


• Patience, empathy, and active listening.


• Ability to facilitate engaging discussions and interactive learning activities.


• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and communication.


• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.


• Flexibility and adaptability in meeting learner needs.


• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.

Training & Support

Literacy Mid-South provides comprehensive training and ongoing support, including:

• LiteracyCorps AmeriCorps Orientation


• Adult English Language Learning instructional practices


• Lesson planning and instructional resources


• Adult learner engagement strategies


• Learner assessment and progress tracking


• Cultural responsiveness and inclusive teaching practices


• Ongoing coaching and technical assistance


• Site-specific orientation for Barr Brands


• No prior teaching certification is required.

Service Benefits

Members who successfully complete their AmeriCorps service term are eligible to receive:

• $1,000 Living Allowance (distributed throughout the service term)


• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (approximately $420, subject to current AmeriCorps funding levels and eligibility requirements)


• High-quality professional development and instructional training


• Experience in adult education and workforce literacy programming


• Networking opportunities with Literacy Mid-South and community partners


• Valuable nonprofit and public service experience

Learning Outcomes

Members serving in this role will gain experience in:

• Adult education instruction


• English language learning (ELL) facilitation


• Conversation-based tutoring


• Workforce literacy programming


• Lesson planning and classroom facilitation


• Learner assessment and progress monitoring


• Cultural responsiveness and cross-cultural communication


• Community engagement and public service


• Collaboration with nonprofit and community partners

Physical & Service Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Sit or stand for extended periods while facilitating instruction.


• Communicate effectively with adult learners in a classroom setting.


• Move instructional materials weighing up to approximately 15 pounds.


• Travel independently to and from the Barr Brands service site.


• Use a computer and other standard office technology for documentation and communication.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential service responsibilities.

Commitment to Equity

Literacy Mid-South is committed to creating an inclusive service environment where every learner and AmeriCorps member is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourage individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve—including bilingual individuals, first-generation college students, and members of immigrant and refugee communities—to apply. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our programs and help us better serve adult learners across the Mid-South.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who believe in the power of literacy to transform lives and are excited to help adult learners build confidence and practical English skills. If you're dependable, patient, culturally responsive, and enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're passionate about adult education, community service, or supporting immigrant and refugee communities, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your own skills. We strongly encourage Memphis residents, first-generation college students, bilingual individuals, and anyone committed to creating welcoming, learner-centered spaces to apply. No prior teaching experience is required—we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.