ESL Instructor for Immigration Program

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is dedicated to helping refugees and displaced individuals by providing essential services such as education, health care, and economic support. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees, the IRC is committed to promoting the rights and dignity of those it serves, ensuring that they have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a successful future.

Job Overview:
The ESL Instructor for the Immigration Program at the IRC plays a crucial role in providing English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to adult students preparing for the U.S. Naturalization Exam. This position involves teaching classes at various locations, including Kent and Tukwila libraries, as well as online sessions. The instructor is responsible for developing a tailored curriculum that meets the needs of a diverse group of English language learners, focusing on essential language skills such as grammar, conversation, reading, writing, and listening comprehension, alongside civics content that covers U.S. history, government, traditions, and geography. The instructor will also support legal practitioners in representing clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), although they will not provide direct legal advice. The role requires building relationships with local organizations to enhance curriculum delivery and student recruitment, as well as assessing and tracking student progress to foster autonomous learning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ESL Instructor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Prepare students for the U.S. Naturalization Exam by developing and delivering a comprehensive curriculum tailored for hybrid learning environments.
• Teach English language skills, including grammar, conversation, reading, writing, and listening comprehension, as well as civics content related to U.S. history, government, traditions, and geography.
• Manage a multicultural and multilevel classroom of English language learners, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and local NGOs to enhance curriculum development and marketing efforts for the course.
• Market the ESL course and actively recruit students from the local community and existing IRC clients.
• Assess, track, and report on student attendance and progress using CASAS assessments.
• Encourage students to develop autonomous learning habits through take-home study assignments and foundational ESL skills.
• Practice USCIS Citizenship interview techniques with students to prepare them for the naturalization process.
• Develop supplemental teaching materials and maintain accurate student records. 1
• Represent the IRC positively with clients, community members, and partners through effective communication and outreach efforts. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Civics/ESL Coordinator, ensuring compliance with IRC policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the ESL Instructor position must meet the following qualifications:

• A degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a related field in education is required.
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience in an ESL or English language learner setting is essential.
• Preferred candidates will have lived experience as a refugee or immigrant; alternatively, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants, as well as cross-cultural or overseas experience, will be considered.
• Strong intercultural communication skills are necessary to effectively engage with a diverse student population.
• Attention to detail and the ability to learn new processes quickly are critical for success in this role.
• A positive attitude, energy, patience, and empathy for adult learners are essential qualities for the instructor.
• An understanding of trauma-informed approaches to serving immigrant clients is highly valued.
• Flexibility to adapt to various student needs and language levels is required.
• A commitment to anti-racism and ongoing professional development is expected from all candidates.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the ESL Instructor position includes a degree in TESOL or a related field in education. This educational foundation is crucial for equipping the instructor with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English language learners and prepare them for the U.S. Naturalization Exam. Additional certifications or training in adult education or curriculum development may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of teaching experience in an ESL or English language learner setting. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to effectively teach diverse groups of adult learners and adapt instructional methods to meet varying language proficiency levels. Experience working with refugees or immigrants, as well as cross-cultural or overseas experience, is preferred and will be considered an asset in the selection process.

Languages:
The primary language required for this position is English, as the instructor will be teaching ESL classes to non-native speakers. While proficiency in additional languages is not mandatory, it may be considered beneficial, especially if the instructor can communicate with students in their native languages to facilitate learning and understanding.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the United States and involves teaching at various library locations, with some flexibility for remote work. The role is union eligible and represented by the OPEIU union, subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. The compensation for this position ranges from $28.00 to $29.50 per hour, depending on factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families.