Instructors Needed to Assist New Mexico Kids with Reading, Salary Begins at $35 Per Hour

New Mexico officials are seeking to recruit educators — both teachers and non-teachers — to instruct elementary and middle school students in reading during the upcoming summer season.

The New Mexico Summer Reading Program is set to deliver reading lessons in intimate group settings, with classes running for four hours and catering to children from the kindergarten age up to ninth grade.

Individuals hired to facilitate children’s reading skills will kick off the initiative in June and run the program for a span of four to six weeks, extending into July, as outlined in a news announcement.

The application deadline stands at May 24; nonetheless, individuals are urged to submit their applications by May 17 to secure a June commencement.

To access further details and to apply, visit literacy.nm.gov. The program’s official website lists 42 designated summer reading venues across New Mexico.

On Monday, three state entities including the New Mexico Public Education Department, the Higher Education Department, and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department indicated the urgent need for “numerous additional tutors” to support the program’s objective of accommodating 10,000 students.

“Formal teaching certification is not mandatory to become a literacy instructor; however, we encourage retired educators and those on summer break to contemplate contributing to this monumental statewide literacy initiative,” expressed Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero.

According to the news release, summer reading instructors stand to earn $35 per hour, a notably higher compensation compared to the median hourly income of $20 in New Mexico.

Interested candidates must commit to a minimum of 25 working hours per week.

The comprehensive weeklong training will be compensated at the established rate of $35 per hour. Expert-led instruction by literacy professionals is scheduled before the program’s commencement, slated for late May or early June.

New Mexico currently ranks poorly at 50th in literacy rates, with 79% of fourth-grade students reading below their grade level, reports the children’s literacy charity Reading is Fundamental.