LITERACY LAB FELLOWSHIP

Developing a new generation of teachers from the communities served.

The Fellowship

The Literacy Lab’s Fellowship creates opportunities for the next generation of teachers in the field of education. Our highly-trained Fellows are placed in preschools and early childhood centers to participate in a year-long, residency-style experience in which they provide evidence-based literacy support to young learners while receiving robust coaching and professional development and gaining valuable experience.

Addressing Three Pressing Challenges

Increasing Kindergarten Readiness

Literacy Lab Fellows utilize proven literacy frameworks and assessments (aligned with the Science of Reading) to identify gaps and track student progress. Our Fellows continually incorporate research and best practices into work, ensuring every instructional practice is effective.

Read about Sekani’s Class

Creating Rigorous Opportunities

Anyone who is a high school graduate has access to a rigorous, paid, career-focused experience where they can be a part of the solution. Fellows are paid an hourly wage to serve as early literacy tutors five days per week and receive supports to develop professionally.

Watch Ricardo’s Story

Forging Career Pathways For Future Educators

Fellows are exposed to a career in early childhood education, helping to increase the number of educators in the classroom in the long run. Fellows participate in a residency-style, cohort-based program to expose them to a variety of opportunities and experiences.

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Become a Fellow. Change the narrative.

The Literacy Lab will be recruiting applicants for the Fellowship for 2025-2026 school year cohorts in Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Milwaukee, WI; Atlanta, GA; and Cincinnati OH. Applicants must be a high school graduate without a college degree or high school graduating seniors in 2025. Applications for the next cohort of Literacy Lab Fellows is under construction and will be available at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Literacy Lab Fellowship?

In partnership with DC Public Schools and support from the DC Public Education Fund, The Literacy Lab launched the Fellowship in 2016. Through the Fellowship, The Literacy Lab is helping to develop the next generation of teachers from the communities served. Fellows participate in a year-long, residency-style program which provides an opportunity to build professional skills while preparing students to become strong, lifelong readers.

We currently serve in the following cities: Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Milwaukee, WI; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; and Cincinnati OH. Please email lmf@theliteracylab.org for more information on our service locations and ways to expand our partnerships to new locations throughout the country.

What are the minimum requirements to serve as a Fellow?

At minimum, all Fellows must:
– Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
– Pass a background check and work legally in the United States
– NOT have a college degree

What do you look for in a Fellow?

Literacy Lab Fellows should demonstrate:
– Interest in education, specifically helping young children develop early language and reading skills
– Energetic, results-oriented, student-focused style
– Strong planning and time-management skills
– Strong capacity to be flexible and adaptable in varied circumstances
– Consistent follow-through
– Ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback from coaches and program staff
– Ability to work with people who have different backgrounds, styles, and preferences
– Ability to adapt to a sometimes challenging and high-pressure environment

What are the benefits?

Financial benefits include:
– An hourly wage of: OH, WI – $16.50/hour; GA, MD -$17.00/hour; Washington DC, Boston, MA – $18.00/hour
– Paid twice per month via direct deposit (subject to local, state, and federal taxes. We recommend using a free online tax calculator to estimate post-tax amount)
– $120 monthly commuter and communication stipend
– Higher Education Award: $2,500 following successful completion of service
– Opportunity to return as a Senior Fellow

What is the dress code?

We will provide four shirts and a fleece jacket. Fellows are responsible for the rest of their professional gear. Most schools require professionals working in building to dress business casual and additional considerations will be shared during training. The Literacy Lab does not have a policy against body modifications (tattoos, piercings, etc.) though some school sites may have policies in place.

What is the training like?

Before starting in their service site, Fellows participate in a comprehensive training session, which prepares them to conduct assessments and interventions with students. Throughout the year, Fellows receive additional training and professional development with their coaches and other Fellows.
During the year, you will be supported by:
– Literacy Lab program staff, who provide training on interventions and assessments, and oversee your professional journey through the program year
– Transferable professional development that compliments your service year experience
– Professional Learning Group (PLG) sessions designed to promote young professionals in their social, emotional, and professional development beyond their classroom tutoring experience

Tell me more about where I would serve.

A majority of students at each partner school qualify for free and reduced-priced meals. Despite systematic structures which can limit opportunities in certain zip codes, our partner schools join in our commitment to ensure each child has the opportunity to become a successful reader.
Our Fellow offers are specific to one region instead of a specific school site. School placements are usually determined later in the summer. When placing Fellows, we consider a variety of factors, including commute times, transportation options, etc.

Tell me more about the time commitment.

Fellows should expect to serve a total of 25-30 hours weekly. Most Fellows serve from 8:30AM until about 2:30PM, but that can vary. For example, some schools start earlier than 8:30AM, while others start later. Thus, some flexibility is required! Fellows are required to attend weekly/biweekly PLG meetings that are designed to enhance the social, emotional, and professional skills of each young professional. PLG topics include discussions around financial literacy, rights, and responsibilities of citizens, health and wellness, and much more.

Are there any part time, summer, or volunteer positions available?

Our students need daily exposure to the material to achieve maximum gains in the program. While there is some wiggle room for exploring opportunities outside service directly with school site partners in the evenings and on weekends, Fellows must be generally available M-F from 8:30am-2:30pm, for the full school year with The Literacy Lab. We do not offer part-time, summer, or after-school positions to Leading Men Fellows.

What do Fellows do after the Fellowship?

Fellows are presented with a number of opportunities to consider post-Fellowship. Some of our Fellows decide to return as a “Senior Fellow” with the Fellowship. We also encourage all Fellows to pursue their college degree by awarding up to $2,500 for Fellows who provide evidence of enrolling in a 2 or 4-year college institution.

What is a Senior Fellow?

A Senior Fellow has already completed one year in the Fellowship and has been selected to come back and serve again as a fellow along with additional leadership and mentorship opportunities.