Adult Education Instructor

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Adult Education Instructor
Location: Elizabeth, NJ, Hybrid
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization founded in 1933, dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide essential services to refugees and displaced individuals. The organization's mission is to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The IRC in New Jersey is seeking an Adult Education Instructor to deliver comprehensive educational programs aimed at refugees and immigrants. The instructor will be responsible for providing English Language Training (ELT), Cultural Orientation (CO), Job Readiness Training (JRT), and Digital Literacy instruction. This role is crucial in equipping humanitarian entrants with the necessary language skills to secure and maintain employment, ultimately fostering self-sufficiency. The instructor will work under the guidance of the Adult Education Coordinator and is expected to engage students effectively to promote high retention rates. The position requires a commitment to collecting and managing client data to ensure accurate reporting on grant-funded programs. The instructor will work approximately 37.5 hours per week, with a breakdown of 20 hours dedicated to teaching, 10 hours for lesson planning, 5 hours for administrative tasks, and 2 hours for team meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Adult Education Instructor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Delivering content-based English language instruction across various formats such as ELT, JRT, CO, and digital literacy.
• Developing and implementing engaging lesson plans tailored to meet the diverse learning styles and goals of students.
• Incorporating job readiness and technology into English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom instruction.
• Designing and administering assessment tools to evaluate student learning and monitor performance outcomes.
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters community and encourages learning among program participants.
• Submitting weekly lesson plans and bi-weekly unit plans that outline the material to be covered in class.
• Coordinating registration, intake, and pre- and post-testing as necessary.
• Monitoring and tracking student participation in the program to ensure engagement and success.
• Assisting with reporting requirements as needed to maintain compliance with grant obligations. 1
• Attending regular team meetings to collaborate with colleagues and share best practices. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the IRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree and at least one year of experience teaching adult English language learners (ELLs). A TESOL degree or certificate is preferred, indicating specialized training in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Additionally, experience living in a country outside of the U.S. is highly desired, as it contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants. Knowledge of adult learning theory and student-centered teaching strategies is essential, along with strong culturally responsive interpersonal communication skills. Experience working with interpreters and familiarity with online learning platforms such as Zoom is also required. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational Background:
A university degree is required for this position, ideally in education, linguistics, or a related field. Candidates with a TESOL degree or certificate will have an advantage, as this qualification demonstrates a commitment to teaching English language learners and an understanding of effective instructional strategies.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of experience teaching adult English language learners. This experience should include developing lesson plans, delivering instruction, and assessing student progress. Familiarity with the unique challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, particularly those with limited formal education or literacy skills, is highly beneficial. Experience in a multicultural environment and working with diverse populations is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of instruction. Additionally, fluency in another language is strongly preferred, as it can enhance communication with students from various backgrounds and improve the learning experience.

Additional Notes:
The working environment is primarily standard office-based, with a hybrid model allowing for some remote work options for virtual classes. The position is full-time, requiring 37.5 hours of work per week. Compensation is competitive and based on various factors, including the labor market and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Benefits for U.S. employees include sick time, a 403b retirement savings plan with matching contributions, paid holidays, paid time off, and comprehensive health insurance options. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off, and additional benefits apply to those who work at least six months within a twelve-month period.