Learning and development

The power of teamwork and collaboration

We value dialogue and creating environments where our differences are supported and celebrated. Your experience will be most rewarding when you have a growth mindset to learn about yourself, your students, partners and the world around us.

Support for AmeriCorps members

In addition to the support and guidance you will receive from your Impact Manager and Service Leader who manage your team, City Year New Hampshire’s Impact Director serves as the point of contact for all AmeriCorps member policies, support services, and conflict mediation. This person works closely with every department to ensure that staff and members have the information and resources to effectively serve, problems are resolved in a timely manner, and feedback from members is used in decision-making.

To help individual members and whole teams with the stresses they may experience during service, or in their personal lives while a member, City Year New Hampshire has partnered with the Manchester Community Health Center to provide weekly discussion groups on maintaining mental health in service in addition to resources such as an Employee assistance program and TalkSpace. Learn more about this on our national benefits page.

Learning and development

City Year members demonstrate a commitment to civic action, educational equity, social justice, and continuous learning. Our Learning and development program is designed to engage you in experiences which ignite your commitments and interest and provide you with specific skills you need to enable student achievement. As you are learning, doing, and reflecting, you will also be teaching, observing, and coaching others

Basic Training Academy

Basic Training Academy (BTA) is a four-week training program at the beginning of the service year. AmeriCorps members are trained in academic instruction, behavior management, social justice and identity development, and in other areas that are needed for supporting teachers and students. As a part of BTA, the entire corps typically attend our Basic Training Retreat (BTR) in the lakes region of New Hampshire to build community and create a strong foundation for the year. This year’s BTR is to be determined, given COVID-19.

Learning and development days

Learning and development days (LDDs) are opportunities to build upon the training provided at BTA and continue your growth and development. Once a week, typically Wednesday, the entire corps gathers together for a day of trainings, reflection, community building, and more.

Coaching and observations

Once in service, all members will be observed working with students and receive coaching from City Year staff members. Observations and coaching help members effectively put the information and tools they have received into practice with students. Corps members and coaches work together to identify opportunities to improve support and create plans to help you progress in building your skills, confidence, and comfort.

In addition to regularly scheduled meetings with your Impact Manager (supervisor), you will have three formal performance conversations throughout the service year: the first is to establish and review your goals for your work with students, the second is to review progress to date and discuss what support you may need, and the final at the end of the year is to assess progress and ensure you are ready for what is next.

Advanced training retreat

Advanced training retreat (ATR) is a three-day community building retreat for the entire City Year New Hampshire corps. Typically scheduled in late January, ATR will include reflection, team building and data reviews to enable corps members and staff to start the second half of the year with renewed energy and commitment.

Community building

The City Year New Hampshire community is strongest when members can contribute their perspective, skills and feedback to site-wide projects. There are many opportunities to do so, which include community meetings, feedback sessions, site rallies, Corps Council, affinity groups, and diversity, belonging, inclusivity, equity (DBIE) sessions. City Year New Hampshire is committed to ensuring each individual can be their authentic self and that we can learn and grown individually, with one another, and as a community.