VESL Instructor

International Rescue Committee•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

The VESL Instructor delivers group-based Vocational English as a Second Language instruction to adult refugees with varied English proficiency levels. The instructor uses existing IRC curricula, develops lesson plans and materials as needed, and promotes English language competencies that help learners obtain and retain employment and achieve self-sufficiency. The role supports newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals served by IRC in Utah as they pursue employment and economic wellbeing. Working in coordination with the Workforce Development Program Manager, IRC Technical Advisors, Employment Specialists, and other staff, the instructor assesses learners, tracks their progress and participation, maintains required records, and contributes to team activities. The position combines work in a standard office environment, teaching at locations around the Salt Lake Valley, and remote work. Occasional evening or weekend work is required. The position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

TESOL or TEFOL certification.
Undergraduate degree in a related field is strongly required.
Experience teaching ESL.
Confidence teaching in a standard adult classroom environment.
Familiarity with planning and delivering lessons that meet specific learner measurement goals using supporting curriculum.
Patience with individuals learning a secondary language, coworkers, and community members.
Reliability and punctuality for work and scheduled classes, prepared to teach.
Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to work both in a team environment and independently.
Strong written and oral English language skills.
Ability to take initiative and work independently to resolve challenges.
Ability to bring creativity to classroom instruction for adults with varied English levels.
Driver’s license and insured car required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Two or more years of experience teaching Adult ESL preferred.
Online instruction or learning experience preferred.
Experience with workforce or job training programs preferred.
Experience working in various global environments and with adults strongly preferred.
Knowledge of Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Spanish, Arabic, Sango, or French is a plus.

Responsibilities

Intake, assess, and place new students in classes based on their English capabilities.
Teach Vocational English as a Second Language classes for English Language Learners using existing IRC curricula.
Develop lesson plans and materials as needed.
Promote English language competencies that help learners obtain and retain employment and achieve self-sufficiency.
Stay current on standard methodologies, pedagogical approaches, and strategies for engaging adult ESL learners.
Assess students’ progress and track and report attendance as advised.
Follow established policies and procedures for gathering and recording classroom attendance and other data required by grant funders.
Maintain accurate and timely student enrollment and participation records.
Regularly update tracked data in IRC’s data management platform.
Coordinate with the Workforce Development Manager, Employment Specialists, and other relevant staff through regular communication, team meetings, and other requested activities.
Participate in Workforce Development team meetings, Case Staffing meetings, All Staff meetings, and staff development activities as possible.
Follow agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave days.
10 U.S. holidays.
20–25 days of paid time off based on role and tenure.
Medical insurance starting at $163 per month.
Dental insurance starting at $6.50 per month.
Vision insurance starting at $5 per month.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting.
Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with three-year vesting.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.