English Language Acquisition (ELA) Instructor - Part Time

Title:   English Language Acquisition Instructor

Reports to: Manager of Adult Education

Status: Part-Time

Hourly: $25/hr

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Mission of Focus Points Family Resource Center:  To build better communities by strengthening families.  

Scope of Organization: For nearly 25 years, Focus Points has worked successfully to transform the lives of low-income and working families in Northeast Denver and beyond. Focus Points serves over 2,000 participants each year, most of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants. Focus Points is committed to: 

• School readiness programs to open doors to future success. 
• Family literacy and adult self-reliance programs to facilitate independence. 
• Healthy living and health access programs to promote active, vibrant living.  
• Parent engagement and community leadership to foster empowerment; and 
• Economic and workforce training and development to support financial independence and community stability. 

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Adult Education and/or ESL teaching experience
• Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABEA) required within 3 years of hire

Responsibilities & Activities

• Instruct assigned ELA classes for the duration of schedule semester
• Provide instruction via: physical classes and/or online (with the possibility of hybrid)
• Have day and/or evening availability for instruction
• Arrive to class 15 minutes early, prepared for classes
• Keep attendance records and share with manager and administrative assistant
• Contact any learner that has missed more than 2 consecutive classes
• Provide life and work-skills based instruction for ELA classes utilizing appropriate ELA curriculum, use of a variety of materials and teaching techniques to enhance learning and outcomes and to maintain learner interest. Ensure all lesson plans are aligned with College and Career Readiness Standards
• Incorporate use of technology into the curriculum and classroom instruction, as appropriate and available and within the program Digital Literacy Plan
• Support CASAS and/or BEST Plus assessment and orientation
• Obtain CASAS and/or other testing certification and training
• Provide all learners with a safe and appropriate learning environment, offer classroom accommodations and/or refer learners to Learning Needs Coordinator (Caroline Garcia) as needed and appropriate.
• Accumulate professional development hours and complete all forms and reports associated with CDE’s requirements (this includes ABEA requirement)
• Attend workshop, trainings, and meetings as requested by Adult Education Manager
• Coordinate substitute when necessary; inform the Manager with as much advance notice as possible, and provide guidance with lesson plans for substitute
• Keep the Manager informed of all pertinent information
• Submit timesheets for payroll before deadlines
• Maintain a professional attitude and adhere to a high level of confidentiality towards Focus Points staff and participants
• Maintain cooperative relationships and open communication with all staff, participants and off-site contacts
• Actively work to meet AELA/CRSP and all other grant requirements

Required Competencies

• Teaching/Training: Ability to develop, deliver, and adapt curriculum to different learning styles in order to engage, share information, and increase skill level of participants.
• Curriculum Planning: Create and deliver lessons that are skill specific and student driven in order to meet the needs and objectives of the class.
• Written Communication: Utilize email, digital data tracking platforms, and classroom planning materials (such as lesson plans) in order to report progress and needs for each class.
• Decision Making/Judgement: Ability to manage classroom dynamics to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment for all.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to control and express one’s emotions in a judicious and empathetic manner, both in the classroom and with team members and other staff, in order to productively contribute to the team and lead classroom dynamic.
• Computer Skills: Ability to navigate and troubleshoot Microsoft Office suite products (particularly Word and Excel), Google Suite and various internet browsers and demonstrate professional email etiquette, etc., in order to communicate with staff, partners and participants, plan curriculum, and teach/support students in these technical skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Bilingualism: Ability to provide additional linguistic support as needed in participants’ L1
• Time Management: Create and execute effective lessons to maintain instruction within classroom time limits
• Information Gathering: Record student attendance and log feedback when necessary in order to provide timely and accurate accounts of class activity.

COVID-19 Precaution(s): These are subject to current guidelines

CONTACT: 

Send cover letter, resume, and three references to caroline@focuspoints.org.

Focus Points Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, ancestry, creed, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.