Vocational ESL Intern
About The Position
The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) Intern will play a crucial role in supporting community-based VESL program with adult students at varying levels of English proficiencies including preliterate beginners. The classes aim to empower students by gaining the literacy, language, and confidence needed to navigate everyday life in the US. These skills expand resource accessibility, employment opportunities, and self-sufficiency. Tasks may include setting up the classroom, making copies, answering clients’ questions regarding language and culture, assisting with classroom activities, data entry, and administering placement assessments during student registration appointments.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or recent graduate (TESOL, TEFL, or related field and/or working towards receiving TESOL/TEFL certification is a plus)
- An interest in or experience with teaching generally and teaching ESL specifically
- Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.
- Ability to adapt to different learning skills and environments, has a passion for education
- Patience, understanding, and flexibility
- Exposure to global environments and languages is a plus
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment
- Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Nice To Haves
- TESOL, TEFL, or related field and/or working towards receiving TESOL/TEFL certification is a plus
- Exposure to global environments and languages is a plus
Responsibilities
- Attend and observe classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Assist VESL Instructor with the enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes, including: Attend registration appointments and provide support with assessments and data entry
- Contacting students to confirm their availability to attend classes.
- Navigating client barriers to education
- Communicating with local adult education services to connect students to appropriate classes
- Support instructor in the preparation of the student materials for the classes
- Collect data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success
- Arrive a few minutes early to check in with instructor about the day’s classroom activities
- Assist students with class assignments and help integrate digital literacy in the classroom
- Help create a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among program participants while interacting with diverse populations
- Occasionally provide supervision when needed for young children when present during registration appointments
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- 10 sick days
- 10 US holidays
- 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
- medical insurance starting at $163 per month
- dental starting at $6.50 per month
- vision starting at $5 per month
- FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
- a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
- disability & life insurance
- an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
