ESL Teacher

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein. The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities, providing vital support to individuals and communities affected by crises. The IRC's mission is to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities, making it a key player in global humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The ESL Teacher position is part of the Adult Education Program, which aims to support newly arrived refugees and immigrants in successfully starting their lives in the U.S. The program provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adult clients, focusing on English for everyday life and job readiness skills. The teacher will be responsible for preparing and teaching three ESL classes, utilizing interactive and learner-centered activities to engage students. This role is crucial in helping clients improve their English language skills, which is essential for their integration and success in the U.S. The position is part-time, requiring 24 hours of work per week, and involves a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for culturally diverse adult learners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ESL Teacher will have a variety of responsibilities, including: preparing for and teaching rigorous ESL classes tailored to the needs of immigrants, newly arrived refugees, and asylee clients; documenting attendance and student progress according to funder requirements; following up with students who miss class to address barriers to attendance; supporting the intake and registration of new students; processing referrals and conducting participant outreach; actively participating in weekly check-ins with the Adult Education Supervisor and team meetings to discuss client progress; completing professional development hours as required by program funders; supervising ESL Assistant Interns; testing students' English language skills using Best Plus 3.0 or other assessments; and completing other tasks as needed to support the Adult Education Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the ESL Teacher position should possess a Bachelor’s degree and a TESOL certificate, which is highly desirable. Alternatively, candidates with 2+ years of experience teaching ESL to adults from culturally diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive strategies will also be considered. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with a strong ability to be clear and concise in all communications. Strong organizational and time-management skills are necessary, as well as the proven ability to prioritize tasks and deliver results on time. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is crucial, and candidates should be highly proficient in the Microsoft Office suite. Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in a second language relevant to the client population (such as Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Russian, or French) is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, linguistics, or a related field. A TESOL certificate is highly desirable, indicating specialized training in teaching English to speakers of other languages. This educational foundation is critical for effectively delivering ESL instruction and supporting the diverse needs of adult learners.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of experience teaching ESL to adults, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds. This experience should include the use of culturally responsive teaching strategies that cater to the unique challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully engaging students and facilitating their language acquisition in a supportive and effective manner.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in a second language relevant to the client population is highly desirable. Languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Russian, or French are particularly beneficial, as they can enhance communication with students and improve the overall learning experience.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time position with a commitment of 24 hours per week. The pay rate for this role ranges from $26.50 to $27.50 per hour, depending on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The exact offer will be calibrated based on the work location and the individual candidate's experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. The working environment is hybrid, with the expectation that all applicants must be based in or willing to work from the New York City office. Classes will take place both online via Zoom and in-person at the IRC office or partner locations in New York City. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.