Literacy Internship - Teach adults how to read and write!At — Watsonville Public Library

Opportunity Summary 

Opportunity to Read (OTR) is an adult literacy program in the Watsonville Public Library
dedicated to helping individuals improve their basic reading and writing skills. As a literacy
intern, you will play a crucial role in helping adult learners improve their reading and writing
skills. Through personalized instruction and support, you will have the opportunity to make
a lasting impact on the lives of our learners.

Our interns receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure they have the
tools and resources needed to succeed in their role. You will have the opportunity to
provide one-on-one tutoring, teach grammar, reading, and citizenship classes, as well as
assist with various administrative tasks and outreach efforts. Our goal is to support your
learning journey and help you achieve your educational objectives. We are also happy to
tailor the experience to align with your personal goals and career growth!

18 service learning spots

Learning Objectives and Goals:

By the end of the internship, interns will be able to:

  • Apply instructional strategies to support adult literacy development
  • Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills in a tutoring setting
  • Develop, lead, and evaluate an educational event based on community needs
  • Gain professional skills in teaching, cultural competency, and public service
  • Reflect on and articulate their role in educational equity and community empowerment

Core Competency Development:
Aligned with NACE Career Readiness Competencies, this internship will help interns develop:

  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Adapt teaching strategies to individual learner needs
  • Oral/Written Communication: Facilitate lessons and communicate effectively with learners and staff
  • Teamwork/Collaboration: Work with staff, volunteers, and learners in a community-centered setting
  • Professionalism/Work Ethic: Manage tutoring schedules, meet responsibilities, and reflect on performance
  • Global/Intercultural Fluency: Engage with diverse learners and practice inclusive communication
  • Leadership: Design and lead a special literacy-focused event for learners or the community

Intern Responsibilities:
Interns must participate in both individualized and group learning settings as well as outreach.

  1. One-on-One Tutoring (if applicable)
    • Flexible hours (1–2 hours/week), Mon–Thu, 9am–7pm
    • Deliver personalized tutoring to adult learners based on their learning goals
    • Provide support in-person or virtually, using structured curriculum and provided materials
  2. Group Tutoring (if applicable)
    Choose at least one of the following classes to assist or co-lead:
    • English Reading Class: Mon/Wed, 8am–11am
    • English Grammar Class: Tue/Wed, 8am–11am
    • Citizenship Class: Tue/Thu, 1–2pm or 4–5pm
    • English Conversation Club: Mon/Wed: 5-7pm
  3. Administrative Support & Outreach (Mandatory)
    • Assist with program outreach, resource development, or learner intake

Eligibility:

  • Able to read and write in English
  • Open to all majors; no prior job experience required
  • Seeking students who are confident with public speaking (class of 20 learners), self-motivated, and able to work independently
  • Ideal for students pursuing education, Spanish language, linguistics, psychology, social work, or public service

Will not be accepting Fall Semester applications after September 30, 2025

Opportunity Training 

Interns receive comprehensive 4-hour training before tutoring begins and ongoing professional development throughout the internship. Interns are supervised by experienced literacy specialists with backgrounds in adult education and receive:

  • Bi-weekly check-ins
  • Midterm and final performance evaluations
  • Ongoing feedback and mentorship
Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

The Watsonville Public Library is open Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, which in the winter time closes in the night/dark.  You choose your schedule and do not need to work late.

Opportunity Application Instructions 

Interested students, please submit a 1 page resume to:

Victoria Flores, Literacy Assistant
victoria.flores@watsonville.gov

 

 

Program 
Service Learning
Location Type 
Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
Location 
Watsonville, CA
United States
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
No
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
Parking Fee
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
No
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing