Substitute After School Cozy Reading Club Coach

(Independent Contractor, On-Call Pool)

About J3 Foundation

J3 Foundation (J3) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give students the foundation they need for a lifetime of reading success. J3 equips 4th graders in under-resourced communities with the tools they need to achieve grade-level literacy while fostering self-confidence, a love of reading, and an identity as lifelong learners.

Launched in 2018, J3 was created in response to alarming data showing that 4th graders reading below grade level in under-resourced schools face increased risks of incarceration or dependence on public assistance as young adults. J3 works to change that narrative by providing reading intervention programs and after-school reading clubs to students in Los Angeles County, with plans to expand nationwide.

Position Overview

J3 Foundation is building a substitute pool of 3 independent contractors to serve as Substitute Cozy Reading Club Coaches on an as-needed basis. Substitute Club Coaches provide program coverage when regular coaches are unavailable, ensuring students continue to receive a high-quality after-school reading experience.

This role leads engaging Cozy Reading Club sessions, fosters a welcoming environment, and coordinates with students, families, and school staff during substitute assignments. Substitutes may be contacted the day prior or same-day and should be comfortable stepping into different school sites across J3’s program network.

This is an independent contractor role coordinating with a J3 Program Manager for assignment coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Cozy Reading Club sessions that are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with J3’s literacy goals
• Foster a positive environment that builds student reading confidence, habits, and enjoyment
• Manage club operations during substitute assignments, includingsubmitting attendance recordsand materials setup/cleanup
• Support smooth communication with students, families, and school staff as needed during coverage
• Collaborate with J3 leadership to ensure program consistency and quality
• Represent J3 with professionalism, reliability, and commitment to equit

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (in education or related field)
• Experience leading or motivating groups of elementary students in classrooms or youth programs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in new environments
• Passion for student literacy, equity, and learning
• Basic proficiency with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Forms (or willingness to learn with training)
• Reliable transportation for travel to different school sites
• Ability to accept short-notice substitute assignments when possible

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid teaching credential
• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field
• Experience working with students who are developing foundational reading skills
• Background in after-school or enrichment programs
• Familiarity with reading intervention strategies
• Bilingual (Spanish/English and/or Armenian/English)

Schedule and Compensation

• Type: Independent contractor, substitute coverage (no guaranteed minimum hours)
• Assignments: After-school club sessions (~3.5 hours per session)
• Notice: May be contacted the day before or same-day to confirm availability
• Sites: May be assigned to different schools within J3’s program network
• Duration: School year (late August – late May, following school calendars)
• Budget: $30/hour. Contractors are paid for hours worked in connection with substitute assignments, up to the agreed assignment length.
• Reimbursements: Mileage reimbursed for approved travel/material pickups

Contractor Notes

• Contractors are responsible for their own tax obligations and record-keeping.
• Contractors are not employees of J3 Foundation and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Commitment to Equity

J3 Foundation is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of contractors who reflect the students and families we serve. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences mirror those of the communities J3 supports.