Workforce ESL Teacher

Literacy Minnesota•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Workforce ESL Teacher teaches adult English language learners in workforce-focused classes delivered in partnership with employers and community organizations. Classes may include digital literacy labs, CNA knowledge test preparation, PCA/CFSS certificate classes, English instruction at different levels, job readiness, and other workforce topics. The teacher may work at a different site each day and sometimes at multiple sites in one day. The role uses established curricula and develops new materials for worksite-specific training. It includes teaching multi-level groups, integrating digital skills, and collaborating or co-teaching with subject matter experts and partner instructors. The teacher administers CASAS and other assessments, places learners, tracks attendance and progress toward credentials and employment goals, and maintains records for state ABE accountability reporting. The position also supports intake and registration as needed, follows up with learners who stop attending, and helps connect students with resources. The teacher serves as Literacy Minnesota’s on-site representative at partner locations, coordinates with partner staff, sets up and troubleshoots classroom technology, and works with the Site Lead, teaching staff, and volunteer classroom assistants. The role reports to the Site Lead. Training in ABE accountability, CASAS proctoring, and curriculum is provided and must be completed within 60 days; workforce classes are phased in over the first three months as partner schedules are established. Work is mostly during the day at multiple metro-area sites, with occasional evening classes and regular local travel. Mileage between sites is reimbursed, and travel time between sites is paid work time.

Requirements

Experience teaching adults, ideally English learners, in a classroom, training, or community setting.
Ability to plan and lead instruction for multi-level groups and adapt when attendance or learner ability varies.
Comfort teaching basic digital skills and using online learning platforms and student data systems.
Warm, clear, and respectful communication with adult learners from diverse cultural, educational, and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to work independently across sites on a schedule that shifts with partner needs.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel across the metro area.
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday and lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Minnesota ABE or K-12 license, TESOL certificate, or a degree in education, TESOL, or a related field.
Bilingual skills in Somali or Spanish; highly preferred.
Health care, caregiving, or workforce development experience, or familiarity with CNA or PCA training.
Experience designing curriculum or training for adults, especially workplace training.
Familiarity with CASAS, Northstar Digital Literacy, or SID.

Responsibilities

Plan and teach ESL classes contextualized for workforce goals, including digital literacy labs, CNA knowledge test preparation, PCA/CFSS certificate classes, and job readiness.
Teach multi-level groups with variable attendance, adjusting pacing and materials to learners’ levels and goals.
Build learners’ vocabulary, reading, listening, and test-taking skills for certification exams, training, and work.
Integrate digital skills into classes using Northstar Digital Literacy and distance learning platforms.
Teach occasional general ESL classes and substitute at Open Door locations or online as needed.
Teach from and adapt established PCA, CNA test-preparation, and contextualized ESL curricula.
Collaborate with subject matter experts and staff to develop worksite-specific curriculum aligned with employer needs, ABE content standards, and CASAS level descriptors.
Co-teach PCA and CNA classes with partner instructors or teach independently in support of course and exam requirements.
Keep curriculum organized and portable, and help launch new in-person or online classes.
Travel to Open Door Learning Centers and employer, workforce, and community partner sites with class materials and equipment.
Represent Literacy Minnesota at partner locations and coordinate with partner staff on classroom space, schedules, and learner recruitment.
Set up and troubleshoot classroom technology, including laptops and hotspots.
Administer CASAS pre- and post-tests and math and reading assessments according to state testing policy; use results for learner placement and instruction.
Coordinate with the Intake & Distance Learning Coordinator on intake, testing schedules, and distance learning accounts.
Track attendance, contact hours, and progress toward credentials and employment goals, maintaining accurate and timely ABE accountability records.
Back up the Intake & Distance Learning Coordinator at Open Door locations by covering intake, registration, and CASAS testing as needed.
Follow up with learners who stop attending and refer students to resources as needed.
Coordinate with the Site Lead and teaching staff on instruction across sites, and share partner feedback and outcomes for program growth and funder reporting.
Direct volunteer classroom assistants during class when class size calls for it.
Attend required site meetings, monthly staff meetings, and additional literacy services meetings as required.
Support an inclusive and welcoming environment through organizational and personal equity goals.