English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher for Refugees

Title: English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor for Refugees

Reports to: Manager of Adult Education

Status: Part-Time 

About Focus Points Family Resource Center: Since 1995, Focus Points has worked successfully to transform the lives of low-income and working families in Northeast Denver and beyond. Focus Points serves over 1,500 participants each year – most of whom are Spanish speaking immigrants, other Latino families and refugees. Focus Points is committed to:
• School readiness programs to open doors for 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.

Postition Summary: Focus Points Family Resource Center is seeking 

Time Frame:  Interviewing immediately; Start date September 2020

Hours: This is a part-time, hourly position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned ESL class(es) for the duration of the scheduled semester
• Arrive to class 15 minutes early, prepared for class
• Provide life and work-skills based instruction for ESL classes utilizing appropriate ESL curriculum; use 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 the use of technology into the curriculum and classroom instruction, as appropriate and available
• Integrate civics education into the curriculum and classroom instruction, as appropriate
• Integrate remote instruction best practice into lesson delivery for online instruction
• Support CASAS Assessment and orientation
• Obtain CASAS certification and/or other supportive assessment trainings.
• Provide all learners with a safe and appropriate learning environment; offer classroom accommodations and/or refer learners to Learning Needs Coordinator (Delta Donohue) as needed and appropriate
• Complete professional development self-assessment by required due date
• Attend workshops, trainings and meetings as requested by the Manager of Adult Education and CDHS
• Coordinate with Refugee Admissions Coordinator (Kellie Ramirez) to maintain learner attendance and submit attendance sheets weekly or daily as requested
• Contact any learner that has missed more than 2 consecutive classes
• Provide support in the registration, testing and retention of ESL learners
• 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
• Ensure classroom space is kept organized
• Maintain a professional attitude and adhere to a high level of confidentiality towards Focus Points staff and participants
• Incorporate other programs offered by Focus Points in lessons and learning opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements/Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Commitment to the mission of Focus Points
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Adult Education and/or ESL teaching experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in English (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
• Proficiency in a second language a plus (Arabic, Dari, French, Spanish, Tigrinya)
• Experience working with low-literacy populations an advantage
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs and internet-based computer programs required
• Experience working in remote learning platforms required
• Experience working with low-income immigrant or refugee families from diverse communities
• Critical thinking skills to provide creative solutions to challenging, multi-faceted problems
• Excellent organizational skills and a positive attitude

Compensation/Benefits:  Part-time 

CONTACT:  Send cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to Caroline Garcia 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.