Contract Youth ESL Instructor, Refugee Resettlement Program

Posted by HIAS Pennsylvania on September 12, 2016

HIAS Pennsylvania

Refugee Resettlement Program

Contract Youth ESL Instructor

Mission

Driven by the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger, HIAS Pennsylvania provides legal and supportive services to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers from all backgrounds in order to assure their fair treatment and full integration into American society. HIAS Pennsylvania advocates for just and inclusive public policies and practices.

Job Title: Contract Youth ESL Instructor

Supervisor: Refugee Education Coordinator

Time Commitment: Classes will operate during after-school hours 4 days per week (M, T, W, Th), 2 hours per day from Monday, September 26th, 2016 to Thursday, May 18th, 2017. Anticipated time commitment is 13 hours per week: 8 hours of on-site instruction, 1 hour of planning per day, and 1 hour of weekly supervision with the Refugee Education Coordinator. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the instructor will be on site at Gilbert Spruance School for the K-8th grade program, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the instructor will be on site at Northeast High School for the 9-12th grade program. In addition, the instructor will need to participate in planning meetings with the Refugee Education Coordinator prior to the start of the program and 2 volunteer trainings over the course of the school year.

General Description: The Contract Youth ESL Instructor will collaborate with the Refugee Education Coordinator to design English language activities for newly arrived refugee students grades K-8 and 9-12 who have been in the United States for 3 years or less. The instructor will be responsible for implementing these activities on site with the help of participating volunteers. The overall goals of these ESL activities are to 1) improve academic achievements and educational gains for participating youth, 2) increase English language communication skills, and 3) enhance social adjustment. The content of the ESL activities will reflect the Philadelphia School District ESOL curriculum and will thus be aimed to offer support in the core area of English Language acquisition, with an emphasis on understanding grade appropriate math, reading, social studies, and science topics.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Contract Youth ESL Instructor will collaborate with the Refugee Education Coordinator to design and implement English language activities for refugee youth learners in after-school programs at both Gilbert Spruance School and Northeast High School in Philadelphia.

The Instructor will:

· Collaborate with the Refugee Education Coordinator in designing English language activities.

· Prepare materials for language activities and organize classroom supplies.

· Assess needs of refugee youth in the program and manage instruction to meet these needs.

· Ensure that activities are modified according to students’ English language proficiency.

· Manage student behavior.

· Coordinate volunteers on site as they help to lead ESL activities.

· Maintain attendance sheets.

· Conduct all services in a culturally appropriate manner.

· Adhere to all HIAS PA agency policies.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree required.

· Significant experience in teaching ESL. TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification or Master’s preferred.

· Interest in and experience working with K-12 students.

· Current (within one year) PA Criminal Background check, PA Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Fingerprint Check.

· Cultural sensitivity and openness to working with different values and beliefs.

· Ability to work independently as well as within a team with strong interpersonal skills.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries as required and appropriate.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making practices.

· Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills.

· Ability and willingness to travel to Northeast Philadelphia.

HIAS Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.

If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume via email to Valeri Harteg, the Refugee Education Coordinator, at vharteg@hiaspa.org.