Considering joining? Here’s some advice!

For yourself:

  • Learn about what AmeriCorps service means beforehand so you aren’t surprised.
  • Be proactive! It’s a self-starter job.
  • Be yourself! Students can tell if you’re being fake.
  • Use your strengths,
  • Self-care – if you need a break, take it.
  • Develop on your weaknesses.
  • Don’t take it personally.
  • Think of the bigger picture and why you’re serving.
  • Have goals.
  • Make sure you’re checking in on yourself and ensuring you’re growing as a professional.
  • Reflect on your days in service
  • It takes time! But you will get a rhythm down.

For your Students:

  • Listen to your students. You’re not only here to help, you’re here to learn.
  • Keep trying with your students and be patient. Don’t worry, they’ll come around to you.
  • Set high expectations for them.
  • Set boundaries.

For your team:

  • Introduce your team to them as a whole grade/school.
  • Be open and honest with your team. You’re going to spend a lot of time with them. Convey to them what kind of person you are and how you work on a team. But, also be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone.
  • Share best practices with your teammates.
  • Take team bonding seriously.
  • Meet with your team weekly.
  • Communicate about anything going on – interactions with administration, planning events, students you’ve met with. Keep everyone in the loop.
  • Check in with your team – be willing to share where you are and support your teammates where they are.

For teachers/staff at your school:

  • Get to know as many people as possible as soon as possible, and let them know you’re there to help.
  • Learn how the school runs and talk to administration early on to understand procedures for attending classes, planning events, having students in the Promise Corps room, and follow them!
  • Communicate from the start and be flexible.
  • Communicate with teachers about their expectations for you in the classroom.

For Promise Corps as a whole:

  • Data matters, but the don’t forget it’s the connection to the students that you will be remembered by.
  • Use all of Promise Corps for networking and professional development opportunities.
  • Intentionally connect with other teams at professional development.
  • Get extra hours early on!

Want to read more about a “day in the life” of a CCC?: Read about A Day in the Life at Future and A Day in the Life at Sayre!

Apply here!